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France Transit Visa

The France Transit Visa, officially the Airport Transit Visa (Type A), is required by nationals of certain countries who wish to remain in the international zone of a French airport while waiting for a connecting flight to a third country. Holders of this visa are not authorised to enter the Schengen Area at any point — they remain within the airport’s international zone throughout their transit. This differs from a short-stay Schengen visa, which is required if a traveller needs to change airports, leave the international zone, or has an overnight connection at an airport that closes for the night. Whether an Airport Transit Visa is required depends on the passport held, the airports of departure and arrival, and any visas already held for certain other countries. As with every France Visa category, the final decision on approval lies solely with the French Consulate, Embassy, or the France-Visas authorities.

Eligibility

You are generally required to apply for an Airport Transit Visa if:

  • You hold an ordinary, service, or special passport issued by a country on the designated Airport Transit Visa list (such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and others specified by France-Visas).
  • You are travelling from an airport outside the Schengen Area and remaining in the international zone of a French airport while awaiting a connecting flight to a destination also outside the Schengen Area.

You may be exempt from this requirement if:

  • You hold a valid visa issued by an EU/EEA Member State, Canada, the United States, or Japan, and are travelling on from that country.
  • You are a family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss national.
  • You already hold a valid Schengen visa, national long-stay visa, or residence permit issued by a Schengen country.

Always confirm your specific situation using the official visa wizard on France-Visas before travelling, as requirements can change and depend on individual circumstances.

Government Visa Fees

CategoryFee (EUR)
Airport Transit Visa (Type A)€90
Children aged 6–12€45
Children under 6Free

*INR figures are approximate, based on prevailing exchange rates, and may vary at the time of payment.

An additional service fee (up to €45) may apply if the application is processed through an external visa application centre. Government fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused or the application withdrawn.

France Visa Processing Time

The standard decision-making period for a France Transit Visa is around 15 days from the date of a complete submission, though this can extend up to 45 days if additional checks are required. Since transit visas are tied to specific flight connections, applicants should apply well ahead of their travel date and avoid finalising other travel arrangements until the visa has been approved. Processing time can vary depending on nationality, the consular post handling the application, and the season.

Required Documents Checklist

Valid passport (with at least two blank pages and validity extending at least three months beyond the visa's expiry)
Completed and signed Short-Stay Visa application form
Recent passport-sized photograph
Visa fee payment receipt
Appointment confirmation
Confirmed onward flight ticket showing the connection and final destination
Proof that entry conditions for the final destination country are met (visa, accommodation, or return ticket, as applicable)
Cover letter explaining the reason for travel and the transit itinerary
Parental authorisation for minors travelling without both parents, where applicable

No physical documents are uploaded; the SGAC is a declaration form completed directly online or in the MyICA app.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Use the official visa wizard to confirm whether an Airport Transit Visa or a short-stay Schengen visa is required for your itinerary.
Complete the online application on the France-Visas portal.
Book an appointment at the visa application centre responsible for your place of residence.
Gather your confirmed onward ticket, cover letter, and other required documents.
Attend the appointment and submit biometric data, where required.
Pay the applicable government visa fee.
Track the application and collect the passport or visa decision.

Important Notes

Holders of an Airport Transit Visa are not authorised to enter the Schengen Area.
If you need to change airports or your connecting flight involves an overnight stay at a closed airport, a short-stay Schengen visa is required instead.
A confirmed onward ticket to a destination outside the Schengen Area is essential supporting evidence.
Requirements can vary by nationality and are subject to change — always verify using the official visa wizard before travelling.
Visa approval depends solely on the French Consulate, Embassy, or France-Visas authorities.
Fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Incomplete applications, including missing onward tickets, can lead to delays or refusal.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

Applying for a New Zealand Transit Visa requires accurate documentation, a confirmed onward travel itinerary, and compliance with Immigration New Zealand’s transit requirements. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with document preparation, travel itinerary verification, transit visa application forms, and all required supporting documents. Our experienced consultants carefully review your application to help minimize errors and delays while ensuring your documentation is complete and compliant with current immigration guidelines. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your transit visa application process. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with Immigration New Zealand, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Transit Visa application with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a France Transit Visa?
Nationals of certain countries specified by France-Visas, who are travelling through the international zone of a French airport en route to a destination outside the Schengen Area, generally require an Airport Transit Visa (Type A).
Can I leave the airport with a France Transit Visa?
No. An Airport Transit Visa only permits you to remain within the international zone of the airport. If you need to leave the international zone or change airports, you must instead apply for a short-stay Schengen visa.
3. How long can I stay in the transit area on a Transit Visa?
The government fee is €90 for adults, with a reduced rate for children aged 6 to 12 and no fee for children under 6. An additional service fee may apply through the visa application centre.
How long does it take to process a France Transit Visa?
Standard processing takes around 15 days, though it can extend to 45 days if further checks are needed. Applicants should apply well in advance of their travel date.
Am I exempt from needing a France Transit Visa?
You may be exempt if you hold a valid visa from certain countries such as the EU, US, Canada, or Japan and are continuing your journey from there, or if you already hold a valid Schengen visa or residence permit. Exemptions depend on individual circumstances and should be confirmed via the official visa wizard.