The Transit Schengen Visa is a document created by Schengen Area Member States with the express goal of simplifying travel for non-EU/EEA people who must land at a Schengen Area airport to connect to a flight to their non-Schengen destination country.

The document allows the holder to travel from a Schengen country to a non-Schengen destination without leaving the airport's transit area.

Travelers who need to land in more than one airport within the Schengen area, on the other hand, should apply for a standard Schengen visa rather than a Transit Schengen visa.

There is no need to obtain a Transit Visa if the tourist travels to a Schengen member country, such as Finland, and must transit through another Schengen country, such as Germany, because the Schengen visa already allows the tourist passenger to enter any Schengen country.

Is it necessary for me to apply for a Schengen Transit Visa in order to travel around Europe?

The following countries require their citizens to have an airport transit visa when transiting through the international transit region at airports located on each Schengen Member State's territory:

Afghanistan

Bangladesh

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Ghana

Iran

Iraq

Nigeria

Pakistan

Somalia

Sri Lanka

List of citizens who require a transit visa by country

On the other hand, Schengen Territory member states have the authority to require nationals of particular countries to obtain a Transit Schengen Visa. The Czech Republic, France, and Spain, for example, have a longer list of countries whose nationals require this form of visa to transit through their airports. Apart from the nations listed above, 14 other Schengen Zone countries do not require a transit visa from any other country.

Apart from the common list of third countries, the Schengen Area member states listed below do not require an airport transit visa from any other country:

Estonia

Finland

Hungary

Iceland

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Latvia

Malta

Norway

Poland

Sweden

Slovenia

Slovakia

Liechtenstein

List of citizens who require a transit visa by country

On the other hand, Schengen Territory member states have the authority to require nationals of particular countries to obtain a Transit Schengen Visa. The Czech Republic, France, and Spain, for example, have a longer list of countries whose nationals require this form of visa to transit through their airports. Apart from the nations listed above, 14 other Schengen Zone countries do not require a transit visa from any other country.

Apart from the common list of third countries, the Schengen Area member states listed below do not require an airport transit visa from any other country.

Exemptions from the Schengen Transit Visa

For those who fall under one of the following categories, the Schengen Zone member nations have agreed on common exclusions for Airport Transit Visas:

Diplomatic passport holders

Holders of a valid uniform visa, national long-stay visa, or residence permit issued by a Member State can participate.

Travelers who are citizens of a third country and have a valid resident permit from Andorra, Canada, Japan, San Marino, or the United States of America, which ensures unconditional readmission.

Travelers who are citizens of a third country and have a valid visa or residency permit for a Schengen Area, EU, or EEA country.

Travelers who are citizens of a third country who have a valid visa for Canada, Japan, or the United States of America, or who return from those countries after having used the visa

Family members of Union citizens as defined in Article 1(2)(a) of the Visa Code; on-duty flight crew members who are nationals of a contracting Party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation (ICAO).

What is the procedure for obtaining a Schengen Transit Visa?

The Embassy or consulate of the nation where your transit airport is located should be contacted.

What documents must I submit to obtain a transit visa for Europe?

A few Schengen needed documents must be submitted for one's application to be accepted, just like any other visa application. In addition to the regular requirements for any Schengen visa, the following documents are necessary to apply for an Airport Transit Schengen visa:

In addition, your passport must be valid.

Form for applying for a Schengen A-Visa.

Two photographs that are identical and comply with Schengen requirements.

Fees for Schengen visas must be paid as a whole—the application for a Schengen Transit visa costs €80.

Biometric Information. This requirement does not apply to children, disabled people, or government officials.

If relevant, copies of previous visas.

You were addressed to the Embassy, a personal cover letter. You should detail your travel plans, including when you plan to visit the country, where you plan to stay, and what you want to do.

Inbound and outbound flight reservations. To learn more about making a flight reservation for a Schengen visa application, click here.

(If a visa is required) Visa for the ultimate destination

Is it possible to obtain a Schengen Transit Visa upon arrival?

In Europe, visas on arrival are not commonly used. Only emergencies and family members of EU nationals are exempt. As a result, acquiring a Schengen Transit Visa upon arrival is not an option.

Is it possible for me to leave the airport transit area?

You are unable to do so. On the other hand, many airports feature waiting for spaces, lounges, restaurants, and shops before the checkpoint, allowing passengers to wait until their next flight. If you need to leave the international transit area at the airport where you arrived to make your transfer, you will require a visa and a full short-stamped passport.