Transit Visa Requirements At Paris Airports: What You Need To Know

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is located 26km (16 miles) from the centre of Paris, and it takes around 45-60 minutes to reach the city. Travellers connecting through Paris may need to apply for an A airport transit visa (ATV), depending on their nationality and the rules of their destination country. US citizens, for example, are exempt from needing an ATV for connecting flights at a French airport, as long as they remain within the airport's international zone. However, if they plan to enter the Schengen area outside the airport during a layover, they will need a short-stay Schengen visa.

Paris Airport Transit Visa Requirements

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Firstly, it is crucial to understand the concept of the "Schengen Area". The Schengen Area comprises 26 European countries that have officially abolished their borders, allowing free movement between them. France is part of the Schengen Area, along with neighbouring countries such as Germany, Italy, and Spain. If you are travelling to or from a country within the Schengen Area, you do not need a transit visa to pass through Paris CDG Airport, as long as you remain within the designated transit area.

However, if your travel itinerary involves entering or exiting the Schengen Area, you may need a transit visa, also known as an "A" Airport Transit Visa (ATV). This depends on your nationality and the type of passport you hold. For example, citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Pakistan, among others, require an ATV when transiting through a Schengen country. On the other hand, citizens of countries such as the United States, Canada, and Japan do not require an ATV when transiting through France.

When transiting through Paris CDG Airport, you may need to pass through security and immigration checks, especially if you are leaving and re-entering the transit area. Additionally, if you need to collect baggage or change terminals, allow for sufficient time, as this may involve clearing passport control and security checks. Paris CDG Airport provides clear signage, self-service kiosks, and helpful staff to assist with navigation and direction.

It is always advisable to check the latest visa requirements and ensure compliance with entry regulations. The airport also offers free and unlimited Wi-Fi access, which can be useful for obtaining up-to-date information during your transit.

Visa exemptions

When transiting through a French airport, you may be subject to visa requirements. However, there are several visa exemptions for travellers passing through a French airport to catch a connecting flight.

US citizens are exempt from needing an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) for connecting flights at a French airport, as long as they remain within the international zone of the airport. US citizens can travel to France for up to 90 days visa-free within each six-month period, including for airport transit, tourism, and business.

Similarly, Indian passport holders with a valid US, Canadian, Japanese, or Irish visa or residence permit are exempt from needing an ATV for Paris. However, if their visa or residence permit expires before, during, or right after their transit in Paris, they will need an ATV or a transit Schengen visa.

Holders of diplomatic passports, aircraft crew members, and nationals of countries that are party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China) are also exempt from needing an ATV. Additionally, holders of valid residence permits issued by a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, as well as those issued by Monaco, the Principality of Andorra, Japan, Canada, the United States, or the Republic of San Marino, are exempt.

It is important to note that even with a valid visa or residence permit, travellers may still need an ATV if there is a terminal change requiring immigration checks during their layover in Paris. In such cases, it is advisable to check with the airline.

Transit requirements

When transiting through a French airport, you may be subject to visa requirements. The type of transit visa you need will depend on your nationality, the purpose of your travel, and the duration of your stay in the transit area.

Airport Transit Visa (ATV)

If you are a national of certain countries, you will need to apply for an "A" Airport Transit Visa (ATV) when transiting through a French airport. This includes holders of ordinary, service, or special passports issued by countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria. Please refer to the official government website for the full list. The ATV allows you to enter the international zone of a French airport while waiting for a transfer flight, but it is important to note that it is only valid for 24 hours and does not permit you to leave the airport.

Schengen Visa

If you have a long layover in France and plan to leave the airport for sightseeing or accommodation, you will need a short-stay Schengen Visa, regardless of your valid visa or residence permit from another country. This is also the case if you have a connection between two airports in the Schengen Area or if the airport you are transiting through is closed overnight.

Exemptions

US citizens are generally exempt from needing a transit visa for France, as long as they remain within the airport's international zone. They can travel to France for up to 90 days within each six-month period without a visa, including for airport transit. Similarly, holders of valid visas or residence permits from certain countries, such as the US, Canada, Japan, or Ireland, do not require a transit visa for Paris. Diplomatic passport holders are also exempt from transit visa requirements.

Application process

The application process for a France Airport Transit Visa can be completed via the French government Republique Francaise website. The visa application process usually takes around 15 days, but at busy times, like the summer, it can take longer. In some cases, if the French authorities require further information, it can take up to 45 days for your visa to be processed.

The following documents must be submitted when applying for a France Airport Transit Visa:

• A signed and completed visa application form, which can be accessed via the website.
• Two recent (taken within the past six months), standard-sized passport photos.
• A photocopy or scan of your passport with at least two blank pages and valid for a minimum of three months after your return date.
• Two copies of your passport photo page.
• A photocopy or scan of your return flight tickets.
• If you are travelling for business, then you may be asked to provide proof in the form of a cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip.

Additionally, if you are a foreign national working for a foreign air company, excluding pilots and flight attendants, and will be remaining in France until your next flight, you will need to submit a document confirming your employment with the airline company. Visa candidates will be required to pay €90 after submitting the application.

It is important to note that the transit visa is only for those who do not intend to enter the territory of France and will remain in the international zone of the airport. If you need to leave the transit area to pick up baggage and check-in, you must clear passport control and ensure you comply with entry and visa requirements.

Visa costs

When travelling through a French airport, you may be subject to visa requirements. The French authorities have implemented travel requirements regarding Airport Transit Visas (ATVs) for those transiting through France to a final destination outside the Schengen Area. An ATV allows you to enter the international zone of a French airport while waiting for a transfer flight. However, it is only valid for 24 hours and does not permit you to leave the airport.

There are three types of ATVs:

• One-way ATV: This type of ATV permits one-way transit through a Schengen country.
• Return ATV: This type of ATV allows return airport transit through one or two Schengen countries.
• Multiple ATV: This type of ATV authorises several transits through one or more Schengen countries.

The cost of an ATV for France depends on the type of visa you require and your country of origin. The French government has set the following visa fees:

• One-way ATV: €30
• Return ATV: €60
• Multiple ATV: €120

These visa fees are applicable for the majority of countries whose citizens require an ATV to transit through a French airport. However, there may be slight variations in the visa costs for certain countries due to reciprocal agreements or other factors. It is always best to check the website of the French embassy or consulate in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa fees.

Frequently asked questions