Schengen Airport Transit Visa (Type A) 2026

· 12 min read

An Airport Transit Visa (ATV or Type A) is required for specific nationalities to pass through the international transit area of Schengen airports without entering the Schengen Area. Most travelers do NOT need this visa, but if you're from one of the listed countries and have a layover in Europe, this guide explains when you need an ATV and how to apply.

What Is an Airport Transit Visa?

An Airport Transit Visa (Type A) is the most limited Schengen visa type. It allows you to:

  • ✅ Pass through the international transit zone of a Schengen airport
  • ✅ Change planes during a layover (within 24 hours typically)
  • ✅ Stay in the transit area without passing through immigration

What You CANNOT Do

  • ❌ Leave the airport transit area
  • ❌ Enter the Schengen Area (even briefly)
  • ❌ Collect checked luggage (must be checked through to final destination)
  • ❌ Stay overnight if airport closes (need Type C visa)
⚠️ Key Point: Type A visa is ONLY for airport transit. If you plan to leave the airport, sightsee, or overnight in a hotel, you need a regular Type C tourist visa instead.

Who Needs an Airport Transit Visa?

Only citizens of specific countries need an ATV for transiting through Schengen airports. The list varies slightly by country, but generally includes:

Countries Requiring ATV (Most Schengen Countries)

  • 🇦🇫 Afghanistan
  • 🇧🇩 Bangladesh
  • 🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of Congo
  • 🇪🇷 Eritrea
  • 🇪🇹 Ethiopia
  • 🇬🇭 Ghana
  • 🇮🇷 Iran
  • 🇮🇶 Iraq
  • 🇳🇬 Nigeria
  • 🇵🇰 Pakistan
  • 🇸🇴 Somalia
  • 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Note: Some Schengen countries add additional nationalities to this list. Always check with the specific country where you'll transit.

Country-Specific Additional Requirements

France also requires ATV from:

  • Syria
  • Turkey (in some cases)

Spain also requires ATV from:

  • Cameroon
  • Cuba
  • Gambia
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • India
  • Ivory Coast
  • Liberia
  • Mali
  • Senegal
  • Sierra Leone
  • Syria
  • Togo

When You DON'T Need an Airport Transit Visa

Even if you're from a listed country, you DON'T need an ATV if you hold:

Valid Visa or Residence Permit

  • ✅ Valid Schengen visa (Type C or D)
  • ✅ Valid residence permit from any Schengen country
  • ✅ Valid visa or residence permit from:
    • Canada
    • Japan
    • United States
    • United Kingdom (for most Schengen countries)
    • Any EU/EEA country

Other Exemptions

  • ✅ Flight crew members
  • ✅ Diplomatic/official passport holders (depends on country)
  • ✅ Family members of EU citizens
💡 Pro Tip: If you're traveling FROM the US/Canada/UK to another destination via Europe, your valid visa/residence permit for those countries typically exempts you from needing an ATV.

Common Transit Scenarios

Scenario 1: Single Airport Transit

Example: Lahore, Pakistan → Frankfurt, Germany → New York, USA

Need ATV? YES (Pakistani citizen) UNLESS you hold valid US visa

Which country's visa? Germany (transiting through Frankfurt)

Scenario 2: Same Terminal Connection

Example: Addis Ababa → Paris CDG Terminal 2E → London (same terminal)

Need ATV? NO - Staying in same terminal without passport control = no ATV needed

BUT: Check airline and airport policies. Some require ATV regardless.

Scenario 3: Multiple Schengen Airports

Example: Lagos → Amsterdam → Paris → New York

Need ATV? YES (Nigerian citizen transiting TWO Schengen airports)

Which country's visa? Netherlands (first Schengen entry point)

Scenario 4: Overnight Layover

Example: Dhaka → Frankfurt (arrive 11 PM, depart 8 AM next day)

Need ATV? Depends:

  • If staying IN transit area overnight (some airports allow) = ATV okay
  • If airport closes transit area at night = Need Type C visa
  • If you want to leave airport for hotel = Need Type C visa

⚠️ Warning: If your luggage is NOT checked through to final destination and you need to collect and re-check it, you CANNOT use ATV. You must enter Schengen Area = need Type C visa.

Application Process

Documents Required

  1. Completed Visa Application Form - Mark "Airport Transit" type
  2. Valid Passport - 3+ months validity
  3. Passport Photo - 1 recent biometric photo
  4. Flight Tickets
    • Flight arriving in Schengen airport
    • Connecting flight departing from same airport
    • Must show connection is within 24 hours
  5. Visa for Final Destination (if required)
    • Example: If flying to USA, show valid US visa
  6. Transit Itinerary - Written explanation of journey
Note: Unlike Type C visas, ATVs usually do NOT require travel insurance, accommodation proof, or extensive financial documents since you're not entering the country.

Where to Apply

Apply at the embassy/consulate of the country where you'll transit:

  • If transiting one Schengen airport: That country's embassy
  • If transiting multiple Schengen airports: First entry country's embassy

Fees

  • ATV Fee: €90 (same as Type C visa)
  • Children 6-11: €45
  • Children under 6: Free

Processing Time

Typically faster than Type C visas: 5-10 days

Should I Apply for ATV or Type C Tourist Visa?

Your Situation Recommended Visa
Short layover (2-6 hours), same terminal ATV (if required)
Layover under 24 hours, staying in transit area ATV
Overnight layover, want to sleep in airport hotel Type C visa (safer)
Long layover, want to explore city Type C visa (REQUIRED)
Separate tickets (need to collect luggage) Type C visa (REQUIRED)
Unsure if you'll need to leave transit area Type C visa (safer option)
💡 Pro Tip: If there's ANY chance you might need to leave the transit area (flight delay, missed connection, want to explore), apply for Type C tourist visa instead of ATV. Same price, but much more flexibility.

FAQ

I'm transiting through Paris CDG. Which terminal? Do I need ATV?

Depends on terminal connections:

  • Same terminal (e.g., 2E to 2E): Usually no passport control = ATV okay
  • Different terminals within same area: May not need to clear immigration = ATV okay
  • Terminal change requiring exit/re-entry: Need Type C visa
Check with your airline. When in doubt, get Type C visa to be safe.

Can I leave the airport with an ATV if I change my mind?

NO. ATV strictly limits you to the international transit area. If you pass through immigration, you violate visa conditions and can face:

  • Deportation
  • Future visa bans
  • Criminal charges
If you might want to leave, get Type C visa instead.

I have a US B1/B2 visa. Do I still need ATV?

NO. Valid visa/residence permit from USA, Canada, UK, Japan, or any EU country exempts you from ATV requirement, even if you're from a listed nationality.

My layover is 8 hours. Should I get ATV or Type C?

Depends:

  • 8 hours daytime, want to explore city: Type C visa (REQUIRED)
  • 8 hours, happy staying in airport: ATV is fine
  • Want flexibility: Type C visa (allows both options)
Since fees are same (€90), many travelers choose Type C for flexibility.

What if my connecting flight is canceled?

With only ATV:

  • You CANNOT leave airport
  • Must rebook flight for same/next day
  • If no transit hotels available, stuck in terminal
With Type C visa:
  • Can leave airport
  • Can stay in city hotel
  • Can explore while waiting for next flight
This is why Type C is often recommended despite just transiting.

Do I need separate ATVs for multiple Schengen transits?

NO. Single ATV covers all Schengen airports in your journey. Apply to the FIRST Schengen country you enter.

Example: Lagos → Amsterdam → Frankfurt → New York

  • Apply to Netherlands (first entry)
  • One ATV covers both Amsterdam and Frankfurt

Quick Decision Guide

Do you need an Airport Transit Visa?
  1. Check your nationality: Are you from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DRC, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, or Sri Lanka?
    • NO → You don't need ATV
    • YES → Continue to #2
  2. Check your documents: Do you have valid visa/residence permit from USA, Canada, UK, Japan, or any EU country?
    • YES → You don't need ATV
    • NO → Continue to #3
  3. Check your route: Will you stay in the airport transit area?
    • YES, definitely → Apply for ATV
    • NO or MAYBE → Apply for Type C tourist visa