Airport transit visa (Visa A)

A specialised, rare visa: only for changing planes inside a Schengen airport's international transit area, without entering Schengen.

ℹ️ Important: this guide is informational. Always confirm with the official consulate before applying. Rules can change at short notice.

Most travellers do not need a Visa A. If you have a Schengen Visa C or D, an EU residence permit, a UK / US / Canada / Japan / Australia / Schengen visa, or a few specific other authorisations, you're exempt.

Who needs an Airport Transit Visa?

The EU sets a common list (Annex IV of the Visa Code) of about 12 nationalities required to obtain an ATV when changing planes through any Schengen airport: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka.

Each Schengen state can add other nationalities to its national list (Annex II / national lists), so the requirement varies depending on the airport you transit through. Always check the consulate of the country where you'll change planes.

Common exemptions

You're exempt from Visa A if you:

hold a valid Schengen visa (C or D), national long-stay visa, or residence permit of a Schengen member state;
hold a valid US, Canadian, Japanese, UK, San Marinese, Andorran or similar long-stay visa or residence permit (per Article 3(5) of the Visa Code);
are a family member of an EU/EEA citizen exercising free-movement rights;
hold a diplomatic passport.

Fee and validity

Same fee as Visa C: €90 from 11 June 2026 (was €80). Visa A is usually issued for a single transit, with a few days' validity. It does not allow you to leave the international transit area.

Documents

Application form, passport, biometric photos, ticket showing onward travel within 24 h, and proof of admission to your final destination (often the visa or residence permit of the country you're flying to).