Lois Larson
An airport transit visa (ATV) is a document that allows a traveller to pass through a country on their way to a third destination. It is important to note that an ATV does not permit the holder to enter or stay in the country they are transiting through. The requirements and types of ATV vary depending on the country.
Airport Transit Visa Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A transit visa is a document showing a traveler has permission to pass through a country or airport but not to stay there. |
| Visa Types | There are three types of airport transit visas (ATV): one-way, return, and multiple. |
| Visa Validity | Transit visas are usually valid for 24–96 hours or sometimes up to two weeks. |
| Visa Application | Transit visas must be applied for before traveling and are not issued at the airport. |
| Visa Exemption | Some countries may not require a transit visa if the layover is less than 24 hours, and the traveler does not leave the airport. |
| Visa Requirements | Visa requirements vary depending on the traveler's citizenship and the country of transit. For example, an "A" airport transit visa (ATV) is required for passport holders from specific countries transiting through France or Germany. |
| Visa Waiver | Certain countries have visa waiver programs, allowing citizens of specific countries to transit without a visa. |
| Additional Documents | Additional documents may be requested to establish the purpose of entry, financial ability, and intent to return to the home country. |
| Visa Validity with Expired Passport | A valid visa in an expired passport can still be used along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the country. |
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What You'll Learn
Who needs an airport transit visa?
A transit visa is a document that allows a traveller to pass through a country on their way to a third destination. It is important to note that a transit visa does not permit the holder to stay in the country they are passing through. In some cases, a transit visa may only be valid for transiting through an airport.
The requirements for a transit visa vary depending on the country. For example, France and Germany have specific requirements for an airport transit visa (ATV). Nationals of certain countries, such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Ghana, are required to hold an ATV when passing through the international transit area of airports in Germany. Similarly, France requires travellers from specific countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Ghana, to obtain an "A" ATV if they hold an ordinary, service, or special passport.
In the United States, foreign citizens with a layover may need a visitor (B) visa, depending on their purpose. If the layover is for transiting to another country, a transit visa may not be necessary. However, if the layover is for purposes other than transiting, such as visiting friends or sightseeing, a visitor visa is required. Additionally, the US has a Visa Waiver Program that allows citizens of participating countries to transit without a visa.
It is important to note that transit visa requirements can vary based on the length of stay and the traveller's nationality. Some countries may require a transit visa for longer layovers, while others may have specific exemptions for certain nationalities. For example, China offers a 24-hour Transit Visa Exemption for US citizens transiting through the country, allowing them to leave the airport without a visa.
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What are the different types of airport transit visas?
When travelling through certain countries, you may need to apply for an airport transit visa (ATV). This is required for those who are travelling from an airport in a non-Schengen country and staying in the international zone of an airport located in a Schengen country while waiting for a connecting flight to a final destination outside the Schengen Area.
There are three types of ATV:
- One-way ATV: This authorises one-way transit through a Schengen country.
- Return ATV: This authorises return airport transit through one or two Schengen countries.
- Multiple ATV: This authorises several transits through one or more Schengen countries.
Holders of ATVs are not authorised to enter the Schengen Area. If you have a connection between two airports in the Schengen Area, or if the airport through which you wish to enter is closed overnight for the duration of the transit, you must hold a valid short-stay Schengen visa.
The requirements for an ATV vary depending on the country. For example, when transiting through a French airport, you will need to apply for an "A" 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. However, you do not require an ATV if you are a crew member or national of a country that is a party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China).
For German transit visas, you can stay in the airport's international transit area for up to 24 hours, but you are not allowed to leave this area. The standard fee for a German airport transit visa is €90, with children aged 6-12 paying a reduced fee of €45. It takes a minimum of two weeks to process a German transit visa, and you can apply up to six months in advance.
In the United States, a Transit (C) visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons travelling in immediate and continuous transit through the country en route to another country. This is required for foreign citizens whose layover in the US is for a primary purpose other than to transit, such as to visit friends or sightsee.
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How to apply for an airport transit visa
An airport transit visa (ATV) is a travel document that allows holders to transit through specific countries without entering the country or region. The requirements and application process for an ATV vary depending on the country or region. Here is a general guide on how to apply for an airport transit visa:
For French Territories:
If you are transiting through a French airport or territory, you may need an "A" airport transit visa (ATV). This requirement typically applies to holders of ordinary, service, or special passports from specific countries, as listed on the France-Visas website. There are three types of ATVs for France:
- One-way ATV: Authorizes one-way transit through a Schengen country.
- Return ATV: Authorizes return airport transit through one or two Schengen countries.
- Multiple ATV: Authorizes several transits through one or more Schengen countries.
To apply for a French ATV, you typically need to submit an application form, a valid passport, passport-size photos, a round-trip flight ticket or itinerary, and a visa for your final destination (if required). You can apply for a French ATV at a French embassy, consulate, or visa application center.
For Germany:
Germany also offers an airport transit visa, which allows transit through German airports. The application process involves completing an online or paper application form, providing a valid passport, passport-size photos, flight itinerary, and a visa for your final destination (if applicable). You can apply for the German airport transit visa at a German embassy, consulate, or visa application center. The standard fee for this visa is €90.
For the United States:
The United States offers transit visas for individuals passing through the country while travelling to another destination. The application process typically involves completing the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160), providing a photo, and attending an interview (although this may be waived for certain applicants). Additional documents may be requested to establish your purpose of entry, ability to pay costs while in the US, and residence in your home country.
Please note that specific requirements and application processes may vary depending on the country or region you are transiting through. Always review the instructions and requirements on the official websites of the relevant embassy or consulate before initiating your application.
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Exemptions to airport transit visa requirements
An airport transit visa is a short-stay permit that allows travellers from specific non-Schengen countries to pass through the international zone of a Schengen Area airport during a layover or flight transfer without entering the Schengen Area.
- Diplomatic Passport Holders: Diplomatic passport holders are typically exempt from airport transit visa requirements, except for those from Guinea.
- Seafaring Crew Members: Sea crew members with a seafarer's identity document are exempt from obtaining a transit visa. This is in accordance with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention No. 108 (1958) and No. 185 (2003), the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention), and French National laws.
- Valid Visa or Residence Permit Holders: Travellers with a valid visa or residence permit issued by a Member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area, Canada, the United States, Japan, or specific countries in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands are exempt. These countries include Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius.
- Family Members of EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals: Family members of nationals of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland are exempt from airport transit visa requirements.
- Schengen Visa or National Long-Stay Visa Holders: Individuals holding a valid Schengen visa, a national long-stay visa, or a residence permit issued by a Schengen country are exempt from obtaining an airport transit visa.
- Visa Waiver Program Participants: Citizens of certain countries may be able to transit through a country like the United States without a separate transit visa, as they are part of the Visa Waiver Program.
- Valid Visitor (B) Visa Holders: Foreign citizens with a valid Visitor (B) visa may be able to use it to transit through countries like the United States without requiring a separate transit visa.
- International Organization (G-4) Visa Holders: Officers or employees of designated international organizations assigned to the United States can transit through without a separate transit visa with an International Organization (G-4) visa.
- Jordan Passport Holders: Jordan passport holders are exempt from airport transit visa requirements when travelling with a valid travel visa for Australia, Israel, or New Zealand.
- Specific Country Exemptions: Some countries, such as France, have specific exemptions for aircraft crew members and nationals of countries that are party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (except China).
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Validity of airport transit visas
An airport transit visa (ATV) is required for those travelling from an airport in a country outside the Schengen Area and staying in the international zone of an airport located in metropolitan France while waiting for a connection to their final destination, which is also outside the Schengen Area.
There are three types of ATVs:
- One-way ATV: This authorises one-way transit through a Schengen country.
- Return ATV: This authorises return airport transit through one or two Schengen countries.
- Multiple ATV: This authorises several transits through one or more Schengen countries.
Holders of ATVs are not authorised to enter the Schengen Area. 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.
You must 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.
You do not require an airport transit visa if you are:
- An aircraft crew member or national of a country that is a 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.
- 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.
Regarding the validity of airport transit visas, a visa is generally valid until its expiration date unless it is cancelled or revoked. Thus, a valid visa in an expired passport is still valid and can be used with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the destination country. It is recommended to not remove the valid visa from the expired passport.
For a German airport transit visa, you can apply as early as six months before your planned date of transit, and the processing time is about two weeks. Your passport must be valid for at least another three months after leaving Germany and must have been issued in the last ten years.
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Frequently asked questions
An airport transit visa (ATV) is a document that allows someone to pass through a country on their way to a third destination. It is important to note that an ATV does not permit the holder to enter the country, only to remain in the international zone of the airport.
The need for an airport transit visa depends on the citizenship of the applicant and the country they are transiting through. For example, France requires citizens of certain countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Ghana, to hold an ATV when passing through the international transit area of French airports.
There are three types of airport transit visas: one-way, return, and multiple. A one-way ATV authorises transit through one Schengen country, a return ATV authorises return transit through one or two Schengen countries, and a multiple ATV authorises several transits through one or more Schengen countries.
The application process for an airport transit visa depends on the specific country and your nationality. In most cases, you must apply for the visa before travelling and cannot obtain it at the airport. German Missions, for example, require applicants to schedule an appointment and submit their application in person.
Yes, there are some exemptions to requiring an airport transit visa. For example, 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 not required to hold an ATV when transiting through France.
