European Transit Airports

Transit Rules Vary by Airport

European airports do not all follow the same transit rules. At Schengen Area airports, connecting passengers may need to pass through immigration even for airside connections, depending on whether they arrive from or depart to a non-Schengen destination. Some airports have dedicated transit zones that allow passengers to connect without clearing border control, while others require all arriving passengers to enter the country.

The distinction matters because Airport Transit Visa (ATV) requirements vary by nationality. Travelers from certain countries need an ATV even if they never leave the transit zone. Individual Schengen member states can also add nationalities to the EU-wide ATV list, meaning the same traveler may need a transit visa at one airport but not another.

Our airport guides cover terminal layouts, transit zone availability, minimum connection times, and visa requirements for each hub — so you can plan your layover with confidence.