Ruth Haines
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is a popular international transit point for travellers. The airport offers connections to various destinations, with some flights requiring a transfer between terminals. For instance, a traveller may arrive at terminal 2E and need to depart from 2F. While some sources suggest that this can be achieved within an hour, others advise allowing plenty of extra time to exit, collect baggage, re-check in, and clear security. It is also important to note that some nationalities may require a transit visa to pass through the international transit area of French airports. This includes Indian nationals, who, as of July 2018, are exempt from requiring an airport transit visa when travelling through Paris CDG.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transit through Paris Airport without leaving airport | No visa required |
| Transit through Paris Airport with a layover within the airport | No visa required for a layover within 12 hours. A transit visa is required for a layover exceeding 12 hours. |
| Transit through Paris Airport with a layover outside the airport | A regular short-stay visa is required |
| Transit through Paris Airport with separate flight bookings | Minimum connection time is not guaranteed. Extra time should be allowed for baggage reclaim, passport control, terminal transfer, check-in, and security clearance for the outbound flight. |
| Transit through Paris Airport with a through-ticket | The airline will quote a minimum connection time |
| Transit through Paris Airport with checked-in baggage | Baggage storage facilities are available for a few hours up to 90 days |
| Transit through Paris Airport between terminals | Possible via trains, buses, taxis, and shuttles |
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What You'll Learn
Do you need a visa?
Whether or not you need a visa to transit through Paris airport depends on a number of factors. Firstly, it depends on where you are travelling from and to. If you are travelling from another EU airport, you may not need to go through passport control. However, if you are flying directly from a country outside the EU, such as Kazakhstan, you will need to go through passport control in Paris. In this case, you may need an airport transit visa (ATV).
Citizens of certain countries are exempt from needing an ATV, including aircraft crew members or nationals of a country that is a party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China). Additionally, holders of a valid residence permit issued by a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, or a valid visa for a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, are also exempt.
If you are travelling from an airport in a third country and will remain in the international zone of an airport located in a French overseas department, the same rules apply as for transit through metropolitan France. However, if you wish to leave the international zone and enter the French overseas department, you must hold a valid short-stay visa for the territory concerned.
It is important to note that even if you do not need a visa for transit, you may still need to go through a passport check and security or immigration check when transferring at Paris airport. Therefore, it is recommended to allow plenty of extra time to clear baggage reclaim and passport control, transfer between terminals, and clear security for your outbound flight.
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How much time should you allow for transfers?
The amount of time you should allow for transfers at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) depends on several factors. These include your route, airline, and whether you need to pick up baggage or change terminals. If you book a through-ticket with an airline or travel agent, they will usually quote a "minimum connection time". However, if you booked your flights separately, these minimum connection times do not apply, and you should allow plenty of extra time.
For a stress-free experience, it is recommended that you plan for enough time between your incoming flight and the departure of your outgoing flight when purchasing your tickets. This is especially important if you need to clear baggage reclaim and passport control, transfer between terminals, and check in and clear security for your next flight. It is worth noting that you may need to travel between terminals outside of the transit zone, so allowing for extra time is essential.
If you are travelling between non-Schengen countries, you typically do not need a visa for connecting flights at CDG. However, non-EU nationals entering France or travelling to a Schengen country may require a visa, depending on their nationality and the rules of their destination. It is important to check the specific requirements for your nationality and destination before travelling.
In some cases, a transit visa may be required to pass through the international transit area of French airports. For example, Indian nationals generally require an airport transit visa for the Schengen area, which includes France. On the other hand, Mongolian citizens do not require a transit visa to pass through French airports within the international transit area. It is recommended to check the requirements for your specific nationality and destination before travelling.
Additionally, consider the potential for delays or unexpected events when deciding how much time to allow for transfers. Even if you have a through-booked flight, allowing for more time can reduce the risk of missing your connection due to unforeseen circumstances. This is particularly relevant if you need to take a shuttle between terminals or if your incoming flight is delayed.
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What if you need to collect baggage or change terminals?
If you need to collect checked baggage or change terminals during your layover in Paris, you will need to leave the transit area. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is quite large, with multiple terminals, so it is important to know which terminal you are landing in and departing from. In some cases, you may need to transfer between terminals outside of the transit zone, which will require extra time to exit, collect your baggage, re-check in with your airline, and clear security.
If you need to collect checked baggage, follow the signs for Arrivals and reclaim your baggage from the carousel. Then, proceed to the departure terminal to check in your bags. You may need to use a shuttle or bus to transfer between some terminals. For example, Terminal 1 is somewhat separate from Terminal 2, so the shuttle is the fastest option to connect these two terminals. Meanwhile, Terminal 3 is within walking distance of Terminal 2.
If you need to check in for your connecting flight, you must leave the transfer zone as there are no check-in counters in this area. Proceed to the departure terminal of your connecting flight to check in and obtain your boarding pass. Air France customers can use self-service kiosks in the transfer zone of terminals 2E and 2F.
It is important to comply with entry and visa requirements. If you leave the transit area, you may need to clear passport control and security checkpoints. Paris CDG has a free and unlimited WiFi network, and self-service kiosks are located throughout the airport to help you navigate and find your boarding gate and travel time.
If you have a long layover and wish to visit Paris, it is recommended to have at least 6-7 hours between flights. It takes about 45-60 minutes to reach the city centre, and you should allow at least 2 hours for transportation to and from the airport. This means that with an 8-hour layover, you could expect to have around 4 hours to explore the city.
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What if you want to leave the airport?
If you want to leave Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) during your layover, you may need to apply for a visa. This depends on your nationality and the country where you wish to travel. For example, Indian nationals generally require an airport transit visa for the Schengen area, while Mongolian citizens do not.
If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa, you will need to obtain a regular short-stay visa, not an airport transit visa, to leave the airport. This is because an airport transit visa only allows you to stay in the international transit area of the airport for a short stopover, without leaving the airport or spending the night in a hotel.
To obtain a visa, you can contact the relevant embassy or consulate of the country you are transiting through. You may also need to comply with other entry requirements, such as having a valid passport and meeting the necessary health and character requirements. It is important to plan for enough time to obtain any necessary visas and to allow for potential delays during your layover.
If you do not wish to leave the airport, you may not need to pass through passport control or customs, depending on your specific situation. However, if you need to travel between terminals outside of the transit zone, you will need to allow extra time to exit, collect your baggage, re-check-in, and clear security.
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What if you have a long layover?
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is not the most exciting airport for long layovers. If you're stuck in the airport, Terminal 2 is your best bet for shopping and eating options. Terminal 2E also offers a spa and sleep cabins for passengers in transit. However, if you have a long layover, it's worth leaving the airport to explore Paris.
For a comfortable visit, it's recommended to have at least an 8-hour layover. This allows for time to get to and from the city centre, go through immigration, and do some sightseeing. Keep in mind that it takes a minimum of 30 minutes to leave the airport and get to central Paris by taxi or train, which can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. The Roissy Bus shuttle is a good option, stopping outside each terminal and dropping you off in the centre by Opéra Palais Garnier for €13.70 each way. A taxi is the most expensive option but offers the convenience of dropping you off exactly where you want to start your excursion.
With a long layover, you can visit major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or enjoy a walk along the Seine. For stunning views, climb the Arc de Triomphe or head to the rooftop terrace of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann department store, which includes a view of the Eiffel Tower. If you're a photography lover, check out the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation in Le Marais. For a dreamy walk or café stop, explore the Jardin du Luxembourg, where you'll find stylish students and local families.
Remember to factor in time to clear airport security again before your next flight, and ensure you meet any necessary entry requirements, such as having a valid passport.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your nationality and where you are travelling to and from. Citizens of certain countries require an ATV to pass through the international transit area of French airports. If you are travelling between non-Schengen countries, you do not need a visa for a connecting flight at Paris-CDG.
This depends on your route, airline and whether you need to pick up baggage or change terminals. If you book a through-ticket with an airline, they will generally quote a "minimum connection time". However, if you book your flights separately, you should allow plenty of extra time to clear baggage reclaim and passport control, transfer between terminals, check in and clear security for your outbound flight.
If you have a long layover, you can leave Paris airport but you’ll have to clear security and/or immigration again on your way back into the terminal. If you are staying in the airport transit zone for more than 12 hours, you will need a transit visa.
