Transit without a visa
Transit without a visaPassengers who can stay in the international transit area at one airport for less than one day and who do not need an airport transit visa, or qualify for an exemption.
- Stay
- Strictly less than 24 hours.
2 ways to enter
France visas
France transit visa
Many passengers can change flights at one French airport without a visa if they stay in the international transit area for less than one day. Some nationalities need an airport transit visa even when staying in that area.
Ways to get a France transit visa
Airport transit visa
Visa neededOrdinary passport holders from the listed countries need an airport transit visa unless exempt. The Russia and Palestine conditions apply as described above.
Passports that qualify (37)
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- DR Congo
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Iran
- Iraq
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Angola
- Bolivia
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Congo
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Guinea
- Haiti
- Ivory Coast
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Nepal
- Palestine
- Philippines
- Russia
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Togo
- Türkiye
- Uzbekistan
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
DR Congo
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Ghana
Iran
Iraq
Nigeria
Pakistan
Somalia
Sri Lanka
Angola
Bolivia
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
Congo
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Guinea
Haiti
Ivory Coast
Mali
Mauritania
Nepal
Palestine
Philippines
Russia
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Togo
Türkiye
UzbekistanWho needs it
An airport transit visa is required for the common Schengen transit-visa nationalities and France's additional listed nationalities, unless an exemption applies.
Who doesn't
Exemptions include holders of certain visas or residence permits, diplomatic passport holders, family members of European single market nationals and flight crew.
Changing planes
- Can you stay airside?
- Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
- Leaving the airport
- The airport transit exemption only applies when you can transfer without leaving the international transit area. If you leave it, the normal rules for entering France apply.
- Longest transit
- 24 hours
- Transit without a visa
- Use one airport, remain in its international transit area and stay for strictly less than 24 hours. Your connecting flight and the airport layout must allow this. You must not be subject to an airport transit visa requirement unless an exemption applies.
Good to know
- Check whether your nationality requires an airport transit visa for France.
- Check whether your connection requires you to leave the international transit area.
- An airport transit arrangement does not give permission to enter France.
- For Russian ordinary passport holders, France's additional requirement applies only when arriving from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Georgia, Moldova, Turkey or Ukraine.
- For Palestinian travellers, France's additional requirement applies only to holders of refugee travel documents.
Questions
Do I need a transit visa for France?
An airport transit visa is required for the common Schengen transit-visa nationalities and France's additional listed nationalities, unless an exemption applies. Exemptions include holders of certain visas or residence permits, diplomatic passport holders, family members of European single market nationals and flight crew.
What are the ways to get a transit visa for France?
There are 2 options: Transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Airport transit visa (a visa from an embassy).
How long can I stay on a France transit visa?
Less than one day for the general visa-free airport transfer rule.
How long can I stay in transit in France?
Up to 24 hours, if you meet the conditions. Use one airport, remain in its international transit area and stay for strictly less than 24 hours. Your connecting flight and the airport layout must allow this. You must not be subject to an airport transit visa requirement unless an exemption applies.
Can I stay inside the airport in France without a visa?
Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: The airport transit exemption only applies when you can transfer without leaving the international transit area. If you leave it, the normal rules for entering France apply.
What rules do I have to follow on a France transit visa?
Check whether your nationality requires an airport transit visa for France. Check whether your connection requires you to leave the international transit area. An airport transit arrangement does not give permission to enter France.
Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for France?
Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the France visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.
Can a transit visa for France be refused?
Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.
Where do I check the latest France transit visa rules?
On France's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.
Can I change my transit visa once I am in France?
Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.
Reviewed by @snuck