Transit Visa Requirements At Cdg: What You Need To Know

If you're wondering whether you need a transit visa to pass through Paris' Charles De Gaulle (CDG) airport, the answer depends on several factors, including your nationality, passport type, and whether you possess any other type of visa. For instance, citizens of specific countries like India require a transit visa when travelling through CDG, while those from Schengen countries may not. Additionally, if you need to leave the airport's international zone, such as to collect baggage or change airports, a regular short-stay visa may be necessary.

Who needs a transit visa at CDG Airport?

Whether you need a transit visa to pass through France to your destination depends on your nationality, the type of passport you hold, and whether you are in possession of any other type of visa.

Who needs a transit visa

If you are travelling from a country outside the Schengen Area and staying in the international zone of an airport in metropolitan France while waiting for a connecting flight to a destination that is also outside the Schengen Area, you will need to apply for an "A" airport transit visa (ATV) if you hold:

• An ordinary, service or special passport issued by: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, or Sri Lanka
• An ordinary passport issued by: Angola, Bolivia, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, India, Mali, Mauritania, Nepal, the Philippines (unless you are a seafarer holding a seaman’s book issued in accordance with international conventions), the Republic of Guinea, the Republic of the Congo, Russia (if travelling from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Turkey or Egypt), Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria or Turkey
• A service passport issued by the Republic of Guinea
• A travel document for Palestinian refugees
• A travel document for Palestinian refugees issued by the Egyptian, Lebanese or Syrian authorities

Who is exempt from a transit visa

You do not need an airport transit visa if you are:

• An aircraft crew member or national of a country that is party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China)
• A holder of a valid residence permit issued by a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area
• A holder of a residence permit guaranteeing the right of return and issued by Monaco, the Principality of Andorra, Japan, Canada, the United States or the Republic of San Marino, by one or more countries or public bodies from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius)
• A holder of a valid visa for a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, Canada, the United States or Japan, by one or more countries or public bodies from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius), regardless of the airport of departure and arrival
• A family member of a national of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland
• A holder of a valid Schengen visa, a national long-stay visa, or a residence permit issued by a Schengen country

Additional information

• If you have a connection between two airports in the Schengen Area, or if the airport through which you wish to enter French territory is closed overnight for the duration of the transit, you must hold a valid short-stay Schengen visa
• If you have to pick up your baggage and/or check in again, you will need a France visitor visa
• If you are transiting through two or more airports in the Schengen Area, you will need a France visitor visa
• If you hold an open ticket, you will need a France visitor visa

Transit visa exemptions

When travelling through Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France, certain nationalities may be exempt from the Airport Transit Visa (ATV) requirement. The ATV is a short-stay permit allowing travellers from specific non-Schengen countries to transit through the international zone of a Schengen Area airport without entering the Schengen Area.

• Members of airline crews who are nationals of a state party to the Chicago Convention.
• Holders of a valid residence permit issued by a member state of the European Union or European Economic Area (EEA).
• Holders of a residence permit issued by the Principality of Andorra, Japan, Canada, the United States of America, the Principality of Monaco, or the Republic of San Marino, which guarantees the unrestricted right of return.
• Holders of a valid visa for a member state of the European Union or EEA, Canada, the United States, Japan, or one of the countries or public bodies from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
• Family members of a citizen of the European Union, EEA, or Switzerland.
• Holders of a valid Schengen visa, long-stay national visa, or residence permit issued by a Schengen country.
• Holders of a valid visa from certain countries, such as the US, Canada, or Japan, may be exempt from needing an ATV, depending on the Schengen country's rules.

It is important to note that even if individuals fall under one of the above exemptions, they may still need to obtain a France visitor visa if they have to pick up their baggage, check in again, or transit through two or more airports in the Schengen Area. Additionally, Indian citizens need airside transit visas in France, Germany, Spain, and the Czech Republic.

How to check if you need a transit visa

When it comes to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France, there are a few things to consider in determining whether you need a transit visa. The requirements vary depending on your nationality, the country of your final destination, and whether you intend to leave the airport during your layover. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to check if you need a transit visa:

• Determine Your Nationality and Passport Type: The need for a transit visa often depends on your nationality and the type of passport you hold. Some countries have agreements with specific nations, exempting their citizens from transit visa requirements. Additionally, holders of diplomatic passports from certain countries may be exempt.
• Check the French Government's Website: The French authorities have implemented travel requirements regarding the Airport Transit Visa (ATV). Refer to the official French government website for detailed information on eligibility and requirements. This is the most reliable source for up-to-date information.
• Consider Your Final Destination: If your final destination is outside the Schengen Area, different rules may apply compared to travelling within this area. The Schengen Area consists of 27 European countries, and a transit visa may be required if you have a layover in one of these countries.
• Review Your Travel Plans: If you do not intend to leave the international transit area of the airport during your layover, you may not need a transit visa. However, if you plan to exit the airport, even for a short outing during your layover, you will likely need a Visitor In-Transit Visa.
• Contact the Airline and Embassy/Consulate: Confirm the specific requirements by contacting the airline and the embassy or consulate of your destination country. They can provide you with the most accurate and current information regarding transit visas.
• Understand the Exemptions: Certain exemptions may apply, such as holding a valid visa for the country you are transiting through, being a member of an airline crew, holding a residence permit from specific countries, or being a family member of a citizen of the European Union or European Economic Area.
• Check the Transit Visa Types: There are different types of transit visas, including the Airport Transit Visa (ATV) and the Visitor In-Transit Visa. The ATV has three subtypes: one-way, return, and multiple ATVs. The type of visa you need depends on your specific travel plans and circumstances.

By following these steps and considering your unique circumstances, you can effectively determine whether you need a transit visa for your travels through Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France. Remember to check official sources and plan your travels accordingly to ensure a smooth journey.

How to apply for a France transit visa

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, like all of France, is in the Schengen Area. If you are travelling from an airport outside the Schengen Area and staying in the international zone of a French airport while waiting for a connecting flight to a destination outside the Schengen Area, you may need to apply for an "A" airport transit visa (ATV).

You must apply for an ATV if you hold:

• An ordinary, service or special passport issued by Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, or Sri Lanka
• An ordinary passport issued by Angola, Bolivia, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, India, Mali, Mauritania, Nepal, the Philippines (unless you are a seafarer holding a seaman’s book issued in accordance with international conventions), the Republic of Guinea, the Republic of the Congo, Russia (if travelling from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Turkey or Egypt), Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria or Turkey
• A service passport issued by the Republic of Guinea
• A travel document for Palestinian refugees, or a travel document for Palestinian refugees issued by the Egyptian, Lebanese or Syrian authorities

You do not need an ATV if you are:

• An aircraft crew member or national of a country that is party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China)
• A holder of a valid residence permit issued by a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area
• A holder of a residence permit guaranteeing the right of return and issued by Monaco, the Principality of Andorra, Japan, Canada, the United States or the Republic of San Marino, or by one or more countries or public bodies from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius)
• A holder of a valid visa for a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, Canada, the United States or Japan, or by one or more countries or public bodies from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius)
• A family member of a national of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland
• A holder of a valid Schengen visa, a national long-stay visa, or a residence permit issued by a Schengen country

There are three types of ATV:

• A one-way ATV, which authorises one-way transit through a Schengen country
• A return ATV, which authorises return airport transit through one or two Schengen countries
• A multiple ATV, which authorises several transits through one or more Schengen countries

If you are unsure whether you need a transit visa, you should check the French Government website.

To apply for a France transit visa, you will need:

• A passport or travel document (recognised by the French authorities, not older than 10 years, with a validity of at least 3 months beyond the visa validity, undamaged, and with at least 2 empty pages) plus a photocopy of the passport data page
• A completed France short-stay visa application form (you can fill this in online)
• Two recent biometric passport-sized photos
• A visa or other authorising document to enter your final destination (valid) plus a photocopy
• A round-trip flight ticket reservation
• An official cover letter from your employer stating that the reason for travelling to your final destination is work-related (signed and stamped), plus your complete travel itinerary, if travelling for work
• A cover letter explaining why you are travelling to your final destination, if travelling for private reasons
• A completed list of children or family members living outside your home country, if required

Documents required for a France transit visa application

The requirements for a France transit visa application depend on the type of visa and the traveller's nationality. Here is a detailed list of the documents required for a France transit visa application:

Airport Transit Visa (ATV)

• Visa Application Form: Fully completed and signed.
• Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos that follow the Schengen visa photo requirements.
• Valid Passport: The passport must have at least two blank pages, be issued within the last 10 years, and be valid for at least three months beyond your intended return date.
• Round-Trip Itinerary or Flight Ticket Reservation: Proof of ongoing travel, such as flight tickets with confirmed dates.
• Visa or Travel Document for the Main Destination: A valid visa or travel document for the country you are travelling to after France.
• Schengen Visa Insurance: A policy covering at least €30,000 in medical emergencies.
• Proof of Visa Fee Payment: The fee is the same as for a short-stay Schengen visa.

Seafarer's Transit Visa

• Passport or Travel Document: Recognised by French authorities, not older than 10 years, with a validity of at least three months beyond the visa validity, undamaged, and with at least two blank pages. A photocopy of the passport data page is also required.
• Visa Application Form: A duly completed France short-stay visa application form.
• Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized biometric photos.
• Visa or Authorising Document for the Final Destination: A valid visa or other authorising documents for the final destination, along with a photocopy.
• Flight Ticket Reservation: A round-trip flight ticket reservation.
• Cover Letter from Employer: An official cover letter stating that the reason for travelling to the final destination is work-related, signed and stamped, along with the complete travel itinerary.
• Additional Documents for Seafarers: A cover letter from the applicant stating the reason for travelling, a document showing the right to enter the final destination, a valid visa or residence permit for the final destination, work contract or letter of appointment, a letter of invitation from the cruise company or port agent in France, a confirmation letter from the shipping company, the candidate's record book as a seafarer, a valid seafarer's certificate, previous visas with entry stamps, and a medical certificate.

Air-Companies' Staff Members Visa

• Document Confirming Employment: A document confirming that the candidate is an employee of an airline company.
• Airline Company Staff Member ID Card
• Official Letter from the Airline Company: Confirming that the visa candidate is their employee.
• Valid Work Contract: A valid work contract with the airline company.

Frequently asked questions