Updated October 2026
You have a connecting flight in a French airport, on your way to a country outside the Schengen area? Depending on your nationality, you may need an airport transit visa (ATV). It lets you wait in the international zone of the airport, without entering France. Here are the rules in force in 2026, explained simply.
In short
- The ATV lets you wait in the international zone. It does not let you enter France.
- Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and other Asian countries need it.
- Since 10 April 2026, Indian nationals no longer need it.
- A valid visa or residence permit from the EU, the US, Canada or Japan usually exempts you.
Not sure if you need a visa for your connection? Take the free eligibility test
Who needs an airport transit visa
Nationals of these Asian countries need an ATV for a connection in a French airport:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Iran and Iraq
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Philippines (except certain seafarers)
- Sri Lanka
- Syria, Turkey and Uzbekistan
Some African and Latin American nationalities also need it, and Russian nationals in some cases. Check the full list on France-Visas.
Good news for Indian nationals: since 10 April 2026, Indian passport holders no longer need an airport transit visa for a connection in a French airport, as long as they stay in the international zone.
€90visa fee for an airport transit visa
10 April 2026since this date, Indian nationals no longer need an ATV
No entrywith an ATV, you cannot leave the airport's international zone
Who does not need it
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa, French long-stay visa or Schengen residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa from an EU or EEA country, Canada, the US or Japan
- Holders of a residence permit from an EU or EEA country, or of a residence permit with a right of return from the UK, the US, Canada, Japan, Monaco, Andorra or San Marino
- Family members of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens
- Diplomatic passport holders and air crew
When an ATV is not enough
- Connection between two Schengen airports (for example Paris, then Frankfurt): you need a short-stay Schengen visa.
- Change of airport (for example from Charles de Gaulle to Orly), or any exit from the international zone: you need a short-stay Schengen visa.
- Airport closed during the night of your transit: you need a short-stay Schengen visa.
- French overseas territories: to leave the international zone, you need a visa for that territory.
How to apply
- Check first: the France-Visas assistant tells you if you need an ATV, depending on your passport and your route.
- Apply online on France-Visas, then give your documents at the French consulate or its visa service provider.
- Documents usually requested: your passport, your flight tickets for the whole journey, and the visa for your final destination if that country requires one.
- When: at the latest 15 days before your trip, and at the earliest 6 months before.
How TSA helps you
- We check if you need an ATV, depending on your nationality and your route
- We help you choose a route that avoids problems during your connection
- We prepare your France-Visas application and documents with you, in your language
- If you were refused a visa, we help you understand why and prepare a new application
HelloBonjourவணக்கம்नमस्तेආයුබෝවන්
Talk to us in your language
Our Paris team supports people from all over Asia, from the first visa to French nationality. We speak English, French, Tamil, Hindi, Sinhala and other Asian languages.
Official sources: France-Visas, airport transit visa, Embassy of France in India, end of the ATV for Indian nationals and France-Visas, visa fees
