Airport Transit Visa
When you need a transit visa for European airport layovers
Some nationalities need an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) even for layovers where you don't leave the airport. Rules vary by country and airport. The ATV is separate from a regular Schengen visa.
What Is an Airport Transit Visa?
An Airport Transit Visa (ATV) allows you to pass through the international transit zone of a Schengen Area airport during a layover. You cannot leave the airport or enter the Schengen Area with an ATV — it only authorizes you to change planes.
Not everyone needs one. If you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country (like the US, Canada, UK, Australia, or Japan), you do not need an ATV. The requirement applies primarily to nationals of certain countries that the EU has designated as requiring transit authorization.
Schengen vs Non-Schengen Transit
Transit rules differ depending on the airport type. At Schengen airports, even transit passengers technically enter the Schengen zone when connecting between flights. This means that if your nationality requires an ATV, you need one for any connection through a Schengen airport — even if you never leave the transit area.
At non-Schengen EU airports (like Dublin or Bucharest pre-Schengen), different national rules may apply.
Nationalities That Typically Need an ATV
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Iran
- Iraq
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Syria
Country-Specific Rules
Who Is Exempt from an ATV
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa (single, double, or multiple entry)
- Holders of a valid Schengen residence permit
- EU/EEA citizens and their family members with residence cards
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from the US, Canada, Japan, or Andorra
- Holders of diplomatic or service passports
- Flight crew members (with crew ID)
- ETIAS-eligible nationalities (US, UK, Australia, etc.) — no ATV needed
How to Apply for a Transit Visa
- 1
Determine if you need one
Check if your nationality requires an ATV for the specific Schengen country where you'll transit.
- 2
Contact the embassy
Apply at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country where your layover is. If transiting through multiple Schengen countries, apply to the first one.
- 3
Prepare documents
Bring your passport, confirmed onward flight booking, visa for your final destination (if required), passport photo, and travel insurance.
- 4
Submit and pay
Submit your application in person. The fee is the same as a standard Schengen visa (€80 for adults). Processing takes 15-30 days.
- 5
Receive your ATV
The ATV sticker will be placed in your passport. It specifies which airport(s) and how many transits are allowed.
Transit Visa FAQs
Do I need a transit visa if I don't leave the airport?
What's the difference between a transit visa and a Schengen visa?
Can I transit without a visa if I have a US green card?
How much does an airport transit visa cost?
How long does it take to get a transit visa?
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