Schengen Visa Support
Schengen Transit Visa Guide 2026 — Type A, Who Needs It & How to Apply
If you have a connecting flight through a European airport, you may be surprised to learn that simply stopping at the airport without leaving can sometimes require a visa. The Schengen Airport Transit Visa (Type A) is one of the most misunderstood aspects of European travel. This guide explains exactly who needs it, who is exempt, and step-by-step how to apply.
Two Types of Schengen Transit
| Type | What It Means | Do You Leave the Airport? |
|---|---|---|
| Type A — Airport Transit Visa | Pass through international transit zone of a Schengen airport while continuing to a non-Schengen destination | No — you stay airside, within the secure departure/transit area |
| Type C — Short-Stay Schengen Visa | Enter Schengen territory (pass through passport control and exit the airport) for tourism, business, or transit on the ground | Yes — you enter the Schengen zone properly and can explore the city |
Who Needs a Type A Airport Transit Visa?
Most travellers do not need a transit visa. The requirement applies only to nationalities listed on a restricted list. As of 2026, nationals generally requiring a Schengen Airport Transit Visa include:
| Country | Transit Visa Required? |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | ✅ Yes (all Schengen airports) |
| Bangladesh | ✅ Yes (most Schengen airports) |
| Congo (DR) | ✅ Yes |
| Eritrea | ✅ Yes |
| Ethiopia | ✅ Yes |
| Ghana | ✅ Yes |
| Iran | ✅ Yes |
| Iraq | ✅ Yes |
| Nigeria | ✅ Yes (most Schengen airports) |
| Pakistan | ✅ Yes |
| Somalia | ✅ Yes |
| Sri Lanka | ✅ Yes (most Schengen airports) |
Important: The list is not uniform across all Schengen countries. Germany may require transit visas for some nationalities that France does not, and vice versa. Always check the requirement for the specific Schengen country where your layover airport is located.
Indian and Filipino nationals generally do not need a Type A transit visa when transiting through Schengen airports (they only need a Type C if they want to enter Schengen territory).
Who Is Exempt From the Transit Visa?
Even if your nationality normally requires a Type A, you are exempt if you hold:
- A valid Schengen visa or Schengen residence permit
- A valid US, UK, Canadian, Australian, or New Zealand visa or residence permit (conditions vary by airport country — verify)
- A valid Japanese, South Korean, or other specific third-country visa that grants exemption at the specific Schengen country
- An EU/EEA/Swiss passport or long-term residence permit
- A valid BRP (UK Biometric Residence Permit)
How to Apply for a Schengen Transit Visa
Apply to the consulate of the Schengen country where your transit airport is located:
- Transiting through Frankfurt or Munich → apply to Germany
- Transiting through Paris CDG → apply to France
- Transiting through Amsterdam Schiphol → apply to Netherlands
- Transiting through Madrid Barajas → apply to Spain
- Transiting through Zurich → apply to Switzerland
Documents Required
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Schengen visa application form | Completed and signed; state purpose as "Airport Transit" |
| Valid passport | 3 months validity beyond your itinerary; 2 blank pages |
| Biometric photo | 1–2 photos, 35×45 mm, white background |
| Confirmed flight itinerary | Full route showing: origin → Schengen airport → destination; all flight numbers and dates |
| Visa or permit for final destination | Your visa/entry permit for your destination country (e.g., US visa if heading to USA) |
| Proof of onward travel | Ticket from the Schengen transit airport to your final destination |
Fee: €90 (adult). Processing: Typically 15 calendar days but often faster for transit applications. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your travel date.
Multiple Transits on One Trip
If your journey involves transiting through two different Schengen airports (e.g., Frankfurt → Amsterdam on separate flight segments), you may need to verify requirements for both countries. In practice, most airlines route same-day and next-day transits as a single Schengen transit. However, if there is a significant gap between flights (overnight layover), check if you need separate authorisation.
Transiting Multiple Times — Double Entry Transit Visa
If you're flying out and returning home through the same Schengen airport, you may need a double-entry transit visa — one for the outward transit and one for the return. When applying, specify "double entry" if this is your situation. The fee remains €90.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Schengen Type A transit visa?
An airport transit visa that allows certain nationalities to pass through the international transit zone (airside) of a Schengen airport without entering Schengen territory. You stay within the secure departure area and never go through passport control.
Do I need a transit visa just to change flights in Europe?
Only if your nationality is on the restricted list for that specific Schengen country's airport, AND you don't hold an exempting visa/permit. Most nationalities do not need a transit visa. Check the specific country's requirements.
Who is exempt from the transit visa?
Holders of valid Schengen visas, UK/US/Canadian/Australian visas/residence permits (conditions vary), EU/EEA passports, and certain other permits. Specific exemptions vary by Schengen country.
How is a transit visa different from a short-stay visa?
A Type A transit visa keeps you airside (within the airport). A Type C short-stay Schengen visa lets you pass through passport control and enter the country. You need Type C if you want to leave the airport during your layover.
Where do I apply?
Apply to the consulate of the specific Schengen country where your connecting airport is located. Frankfurt transit → Germany consulate. CDG transit → French consulate. Schiphol transit → Dutch consulate.