Table of Contents
Transit Schengen Visa: Everything You Need to Know: If you’re planning to travel through the Schengen Area to reach your final destination, you may need a Transit Schengen Visa. This article will provide you with all the necessary information about the visa, including who needs it, how to apply, and what documents you need.
What is a Transit Schengen Visa?
A Transit Schengen Visa allows you to transit through the Schengen Area for a maximum of 5 days without entering any of the Schengen countries. This visa is only valid for the purpose of transit, and you must have a valid visa for your final destination if required.
Who needs a Transit Schengen Visa?
You need a Transit Schengen Visa if:
- You are a citizen of a country that is not exempt from the Schengen visa requirement
- You are traveling to a non-Schengen country through the Schengen Area and have a layover of more than 24 hours
- You are traveling to a non-Schengen country through the Schengen Area and need to change airports in the Schengen Area
Exempt Countries
Citizens of the following countries are exempt from the Schengen visa requirement and do not need a Transit Schengen Visa:
- European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
- Other countries: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela.
How to Apply for a Transit Schengen Visa?
To apply for a Transit Schengen Visa, you must first determine the embassy or consulate of the country where you will have your layover or transit. You will need to apply for the visa at the embassy or consulate of that country.
The application process usually involves the following steps:
- Gather the required documents: You will need to provide a completed visa application form, a valid passport, a photograph, and other supporting documents such as flight itinerary, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds.
- Schedule an appointment: Contact the embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment for your visa application.
- Attend the appointment: Attend the appointment at the embassy or consulate, submit your application and supporting documents, and pay the visa fee.
- Wait for the visa decision: Wait for the embassy or consulate to process your visa application. Processing times vary by country and can take several weeks.
- Collect your visa: If your visa application is approved, you can collect your visa from the embassy or consulate.
