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France Transit Visa: Everything Indian Travelers Need to Know

Last Update: 11-10-2024

View of Eiffel Tower in Paris

⚡Quick Summary

Do you need a France Transit Visa?

Yes, Indian citizens need a France Airport Transit Visa (ATV) if travelling through a French airport to a destination outside the Schengen Area. However, few exemptions apply.

France Transit Visa Processing Time

15 to 30 working days

France Transit Visa Fees

Euro 90

France Transit Visa Stay Duration

Up to 24 hours

Where to Apply for a France Transit Visa?

Online through the Government portal.

Documents Required for France Transit Visa

  1. 1. Visa application form
  2. 2. Valid passport
  3. 3. Photograph (35x45mm)
  4. 4. Flight reservation
  5. 5. Visa for final destination
  6. 6. Travel medical insurance (minimum coverage €30,000)
  7. 7. Financial proof (bank statements from last 3 months)

Introduction

If you're an Indian citizen planning to transit through a French airport, it's important to understand the requirements for a France transit visa. Whether you're travelling through Paris or any other French city on your way to a non-Schengen destination, you may need to apply for an airport transit visa in France. This transit visa to France for Indian citizens is crucial if you plan to remain in the international zone while waiting for your connecting flight.


In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the France transit visa for Indian travellers, including eligibility, requirements, and the application process to ensure a smooth journey.

Table of Contents


  1. Do you need a France Transit Visa?
  2. Indian Nationals and the France Transit Visa
  3. What are the Requirements for a France Transit Visa?
  4. Where to Apply for a France Transit Visa?
  5. How to Apply for a France Transit Visa?
  6. France Transit Visa Processing Time
  7. France Transit Visa Fees
  8. How long can I stay in transit with my France transit visa?
  9. Learn more about France Visas
  10. FAQs

Do you need a France Transit Visa?

If you're an Indian citizen travelling through a France airport and your final destination is outside the Schengen Area, you do need a France Airport Transit Visa (ATV). This visa is required if you are only passing through the international zone of a French airport while waiting for your connecting flight. However, Indians who hold a valid visa for countries like the USA, Canada, Japan, or any Schengen country, or a valid residence permit from an EU or EEA country, are exempt from needing an ATV.


If you’re transiting through a French overseas department, community, or territory (like Reunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique), and your final destination is also located outside the Schengen Area, you will still need an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) if you are staying within the international zone of the airport. 


Additionally, if you're a family member of an EU/EEA national or have a valid Schengen visa, you won’t need this transit visa. It’s important to apply well in advance if you do require one, as the process may take time. Always check the latest visa requirements to ensure a smooth transit through France.


However, if you wish to leave the international zone and enter the overseas region, you must hold a valid short-stay visa for that territory.

Indian Nationals and the France Transit Visa

Indian nationals who are transiting through a French airport to a non-Schengen destination may need to obtain an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) (Category A) if they remain in the international zone while waiting for their connecting flight.

Exemptions for Indian Nationals

Certain Indian nationals are exempt from needing an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) if they:

  • Hold a valid visa or residence permit from Schengen member states, the UK, USA, Canada, Japan, or countries like Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, and Cyprus.
  • Hold a valid residence permit from Monaco, Andorra, or San Marino.
  • Are diplomatic passport holders.
  • Are family members of EU/EEA or Swiss nationals.
  • Hold a valid Schengen visa or long-stay visa issued by a Schengen country.

What are the Requirements for a France Transit Visa?

To apply for a France transit visa, you will need the following documents:

Required DocumentsDetails

France Schengen visa application form

Fill out the visa application form accurately and sign it.

Declaration of True and Complete Information

Signed by the applicant, stating that all provided information is correct.

Valid passport

  • Issued within the last 10 years.
  • Valid for at least 3 months beyond your transit date.
  • Must have at least 2 blank pages.

Copy of passport’s biometric and address page

Provide a photocopy of these pages in A4 size.

Biometric passport photo

  • Dimensions: 35x45mm.
  • White background, covering 70%-80% of the face.
  • Taken within the last 6 months.

Personal covering letter

Explain the purpose of your travel and why you need to transit through France.

Flight reservation

Provide a confirmed onward flight reservation to your final destination, including both inbound and outbound flights, if applicable.

Visa or residence permit for final destination

If applicable, present a valid visa or residence permit for the country of your final destination.

Travel medical insurance

  • The insurance must cover the entire Schengen zone.
  • It must include coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, or repatriation in case of death.
  • Minimum coverage required is €30,000.

Proof of sufficient financial means

Provide bank statements from the last three months to show sufficient financial resources for your transit.

Where to Apply for a France Transit Visa?

Indian citizens who wish to obtain a France transit visa online must apply through the official France government portal.

How to Apply for a France Transit Visa?

Follow these steps to apply for a France Transit Visa through official France visa portal:


  1. Visit the website: Go to the Official France visa portal.
  2. Start your application: Click on "Start your visa application."
  3. Create an account: Sign up using your email and password.
  4. Verify your account: Confirm your registration through the email verification link and log in.
  5. Create a new request: Select "Create a request in a new group."
  6. Enter your details: Choose your nationality, travel purpose, and stay details.
  7. Select the visa type: Choose "Airport transit visa," and enter your travel document number and other required details.
  8. Check eligibility: After entering the details, the system will notify you if you need a transit visa.
  9. Add personal details: If a visa is required, add additional personal details and proceed.
  10. Provide host information: Select your host (a person, organisation, or hotel).
  11. Submit documents: You will be notified of the documents required for the transit visa.

Pay the visa fee: Once the steps are complete, pay the fee, and your application will begin processing.


France transit visa application

France Transit Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a France transit visa is typically 15 days, but it’s recommended to apply well in advance to avoid delays. Make sure all required documents are correct to ensure timely processing. You can keep checking the status of your application online, and you’ll likely receive a notification in your email once your visa is processed and ready.

France Transit Visa Fees

The fees for a France transit visa are as follows:

  • Adults (12 years and older): €90
  • Children (6 to 12 years): €45
  • Children under 6 years: Free

How long can I stay in transit with my France transit visa?

A France transit visa is valid for 24 hours. This means you are allowed to stay within the international transit zone of the airport for up to 24 hours. If your stay exceeds this period or if you need to exit the airport, you must apply for a short-term Schengen visa. To avoid any issues, make sure your travel plans align with the 24-hour limit.

Final thought

Securing a France transit visa is an essential step for Indian citizens travelling through French airports like Paris on their way to a non-Schengen destination. By understanding the specific requirements for the airport transit visa France, you can ensure a hassle-free experience during your journey. Remember to apply well in advance, gather all necessary documents, and keep track of your application. With the right preparation, obtaining a transit visa to France for Indian citizens is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy smooth connections and stress-free travel.

FAQs

How long does it take to process a France transit visa for Indian citizens?

The processing time for a France transit visa for Indian citizens is typically 15 days, though it can take a few more days in special cases. It’s advisable to apply well in advance to avoid delays.

Can I get my France transit visa faster if I’m transiting through Paris?

In most cases, the France transit visa processing time is 15 days, regardless of the airport, including Paris. Expedited processing is generally not available, so early application is recommended.

What is the average processing time for a France transit visa in 2024?

As of 2024, the average processing time for a France transit visa remains 15 days, though certain cases may take up to 45 days if additional checks are required.

What are the requirements for a Paris transit visa?

To apply for a Paris transit visa, you need: a completed visa application form, valid passport, recent passport photo (35x45mm), confirmed flight reservation, visa for final destination (if required), travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), financial proof (bank statements), and a personal cover letter explaining your travel.

Why is my France transit visa taking more than 15 days to process?

The France transit visa can sometimes take longer than 15 days due to extra security checks or additional document verification. In rare cases, processing can extend up to 30 days.Stay updated, it's important to keep tracking your France visa status regularly through the government portal or the visa centre where you applied.

When should I apply for a France transit visa if I am flying through Paris?

If you are transiting through Paris, it’s best to apply for your France transit visa at least 3 to 4 weeks before your travel date to allow for the 15-day processing time and avoid any potential delays.

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