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The transit Schengen visa, a unique short-stay permit, serves as your ticket to traverse international transit areas in airports within any Schengen country. Designed specifically for travellers who need to switch flights at an airport inside the Schengen zone during their journey, this visa only allows you to step inside the airport’s international transit area.
In this article, learn more about the required documents and restrictions of the transit Schengen visa and how to apply.
What is a transit Schengen visa?
A transit Schengen visa is a short-stay permit needed when your final destination isn’t a Schengen member state but includes a stopover at the Schengen country’s airport or seaport. Without a transit Schengen visa, a passenger might be turned away before they can enter the state, even if the duration of their stopover at the Schengen state is only an hour.
There are two types of Schengen transit visas:
- Airport transit Schengen visa allows its holder to travel through the international zone of the Schengen country airport without entering the Schengen country area;
- Transit Schengen visa for seafarers permits a seaman to disembark in one of the Schengen seaports. It enables them to leave their vessel at a Schengen seaport and remain there for a limited period until they get their next means of transport to a non-Schengen country.
Who needs a transit Schengen visa?
Not everyone needs a Schengen visa for transit. Only citizens of countries from this list need it to pass through the international transit area of any Schengen country airport:
Afghanistan,
Bangladesh,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Eritrea,
Ethiopia,
Ghana,
Iran,
Iraq,
Nigeria,
Pakistan,
Somalia,
Sri Lanka.
Most Schengen states have added some extra countries to the list of those who need an airport transit visa when passing through their airports.
Austria, aside from the general list, also requires transit visas from citizens of Syria.
Belgium, aside from the general list, also requires transit visas from citizens of the following countries:
Dominican Republic,
Guinea,
Guinea Bissau,
Nepal,
South Sudan,
Sudan,
Syria,
Yemen,
Palestine.
The Czech Republic, aside from the general list, also requires transit visas from citizens of the following countries:
Algeria,
Armenia,
Chad,
Cuba,
Egypt,
India,
Lebanon,
Libya,
Mali,
Mauritania,
Niger,
South Sudan,
Sudan,
Syria,
Turkey,
Yemen,
Palestine.
Denmark, aside from the general list, also requires transit visas from Syria.
France, aside from the general list, also requires transit visas from citizens of the following countries:
Angola,
Bolivia,
Cameroon,
Central African Republic,
Chad,
Republic of the Congo,
Côte d’Ivoire,
Cuba,
Dominican Republic,
Guinea,
Haiti,
India,
Mali,
Mauritania,
Nepal,
Philippines,
Russia,
Senegal,
Sierra Leone,
South Sudan,
Sudan,
Syria,
Turkey,
Palestine.
Germany, aside from the general list, also requires transit visas from citizens of the following countries:
India,
Jordan,
Lebanon,
Mali,
South Sudan,
Sudan,
Syria,
Turkey.
Greece, aside from the general list, also requires transit visas from citizens of the following countries:
Cameroon,
Republic of the Congo,
Sudan,
Syria.
Italy, aside from the general list, also requires transit visas from citizens of the following countries:
Senegal,
Syria.
The Netherlands, aside from the general list, also requires transit visas from citizens of the following countries:
Cuba,
Guinea,
Guinea Bissau,
Nepal,
Sierra Leone,
South Sudan,
Sudan,
Syria,
Yemen.
Norway, aside from the general list, also requires transit visas from citizens of the following countries:
Turkey,
Syria.
Poland, aside from the general list, also requires transit visas from citizens of the following countries:
Armenia,
Cuba.
Portugal, aside from the general list, also requires transit visas from citizens of the following countries:
Guinea,
Senegal.
Spain, aside from the general list, also requires transit visas from citizens of the following countries:
Cameroon,
Republic of the Congo,
Chad,
Côte d’Ivoire,
Cuba,
Djibouti,
Gambia,
Guinea,
Guinea Bissau,
Haiti,
India,
Liberia,
Mali,
Sierra Leone,
Sudan,
South Sudan,
Syria,
Turkey,
Togo,
Yemen,
Palestine.
Switzerland, aside from the general list, also requires transit visas from citizens of the following countries:
Cuba,
Syria,
Turkey.
The validity and restrictions of a transit Schengen visa
Transit Schengen visas are essential for travellers making their way through the airports in one of the Schengen countries. However, you need to be conscious of the restrictions accompanying these visas.
A brief lifespan. The validity period for an airport transit Schengen visa is short — no more than 24 hours. It’s designed to cover your time at the airport during a layover. The validity of a transit Schengen visa for seafarers is not much longer — only 5 days.
No free roaming. A transit Schengen visa doesn’t give you complete freedom within that country. You are required to remain inside the international area at all times until your next flight departs. If your plans involve stepping out into city streets or overnight accommodation off-site, consider applying for a regular Schengen visa instead.
Purpose-specific usage. This type of permit has been created solely as a facilitator allowing travel via intermediate stopovers in any given Schengen region. Using them as stand-ins for other types, such as tourist/business permits, isn’t allowed.
Difference between regular and transit Schengen visas
The Schengen Area offers two main types of visas for travellers: the regular Schengen visa and the transit Schengen visa. Understanding their differences is essential in deciding which aligns with your travel plans.
A regular Schengen visa, also known as a short-stay or type C visa, allows you to stay in any member country for up to 90 days every six months. It can be issued either for the duration of your trip or for one or two years. You will need this type of visa if you leave the airport and enter Schengen territory, even for a few hours.
An airport transit Schengen visa allows its holder only to change planes at an airport located inside these territories without exiting the international transit area. It doesn’t grant entry into the mainland nor extend beyond 24 hours.
How to apply for a Schengen transit visa
It takes at least 3 weeks to obtain a transit Schengen visa. Here’s how the process goes step-by-step.
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Up to 4 daysPrepare the required documents
To successfully apply for a transit Schengen visa, you will have to submit the following documents:
- completed Schengen transit visa application form;
- valid passport;
- two passport-size photographs (35×45 mm);
- copies of passport data pages;
- proof of visa fee payment;
- bank statement showing sufficient funds for travel expenses;
- travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000;
- biometric data for applicants older than 12;
- travel itinerary confirmation (return ticket);
- visa for your travel destination (if needed);
- previous passports and visas (if applicable);
Additional documents required for transit Schengen visa for seafarers:
- original and copy of seaman’s book;
- letter from the inviting shipping company in the Schengen country in which the seafarer will disembark;
- employment contract with the navigation company/ship.
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1 dayPay the visa fee
The general fee for a transit Schengen visa stands at €80 for adult applicants. However, varying factors may affect the price, including the country applied from and the traveller’s age. For example, applications for children under six generally don’t require fees.
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Up to 2 monthsSet up an appointment and submit the application
You can do it at the embassy of the country where the airport/seaport is located, a consulate, or a visa centre. Usually, consulates require applicants to make appointments online or by phone, but some accept walk-ins.
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Up to 60 daysCollect the visa if it is approved
The typical processing time is around 15 days. However, in specific cases, this period may be extended to 30 or 60 calendar days.
Major points about transit Schengen visa
The transit Schengen visa serves as a tool to facilitate smooth transitions through Schengen airports and seaports, ensuring that travellers comply with the regulations and requirements specific to their situation.
Types of transit visas. There are two types of Schengen transit visas — the airport transit visa for travellers passing through airport international zones and the transit visa for seafarers for those disembarking at Schengen seaports.
Validity and limitations. Transit Schengen visas are short-term permits, valid for 24 hours for airport transit and 5 days for seafarers’ transit. Holders must remain within the international transit area and cannot use it for tourism or business purposes.
Application process. To apply for a transit Schengen visa, gather the required documents, pay the fee and set up an appointment to submit the papers at the embassy, consulate, or visa centre. Processing usually takes around 15 days but can extend to 30 or 60 days in certain cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Schengen visa needed for transit?
A Schengen transit visa is required if you are from a country that does not have a visa-free transit agreement with the Schengen zone and are changing flights within one of its airports.
How does a Schengen transit visa work?
The transit Schengen visa allows passengers to change planes within an airport in the Schengen area, but they cannot leave the international transit area of that airport.
Where to submit the transit Schengen visa application
You apply for a transit Schengen visa at the embassy, visa centre or consulate of the country where the airport or seaport where you will change flight/vessel is located.
When to apply for a transit Schengen visa
You can apply at least 15 days before the intended journey and no earlier than six months before the journey starts. However, it is highly recommended to lodge your application well in advance.
How long does it take to get a transit Schengen visa?
Usually, the processing of the application takes around 15 days. However, this period may be extended to 30 or 60 calendar days in specific situations.
How long is the transit Schengen visa valid?
Airport transit Schengen visa is valid for 24 hours, and transit Schengen visa for seafarers is valid for 5 days. They cover your time at the airport or seaport during a stopover and give you breathing room between changing flights or vessels.
What type of transit visa is required for Schengen?
An airport transit visa (ATV) is typically required for transiting through airports in any of the European countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement.
