Designed especially for non-EU nationals who pass through any Schengen Area nation, the Schengen Airport Transit Visa-also known as Type A Schengen Visa-is This visa lets people stay inside the airport's international transit area but does not let them enter the nation or leave the grounds.

Travelers who are going through Schengen countries on their way to non-Schengen locations, needing a stopover or flight modification in a Schengen airport, should especially pay attention.
 

Schengen Airport Transit Visa

Only residents of certain countries need to apply for a Schengen Airport Transit Visa. These nationalities must secure this visa if they are passing through any airport within the Schengen region. However, travelers who are scheduled to transit through multiple Schengen airports will need a standard short-term Schengen Visa instead, as multiple stops require exiting the transit zone.
 

The main countries whose citizens are required to hold a Schengen Airport Transit Visa across all Schengen states include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka. Additionally, some Schengen nations have their own list of countries with additional restrictions:

Austria includes Syria.
Belgium requires it for citizens from the Dominican Republic, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Nepal, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Yemen, and Palestine.
France requires an ATV for nationals from Angola, Bolivia, Cameroon, and several other countries, such as the Philippines and India.
Germany mandates the visa for travelers from Cuba, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Mali, and others.
If your nationality appears on a specific country’s list, you must secure the transit visa when passing through airports in that specific country.

  Schengen Airport Transit Visa Exemptions

Despite these visa requirements, several categories of travelers are exempt from needing an Airport Transit Visa. If you fall into any of the following groups, you are not required to apply for a Schengen Type A Visa:
 

  • Holders of diplomatic passports
  • Individuals with visas or residence permits from any Schengen, EU, or EEA country
  • Those who possess a national long-stay visa or residence permit issued by any Schengen Member State
  • Residents with valid permits from countries such as Canada, Japan, Andorra, San Marino, or the United States
  • Travelers holding a valid visa for Canada, Japan, or the United States
  • Family members of EU citizens
  • Members of airline flight crews on active duty
  • Applying for a Schengen Airport Transit Visa
     

The application process for a Type A Schengen Visa requires submission to the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country where the first transit point is located. For travelers with multiple Schengen airport stops, the application should be filed at the embassy of the country where the first layover will occur. It is critical to note that this visa cannot be obtained upon arrival, so it must be arranged prior to traveling.

Most Schengen nations have partnered with third-party visa providers, such as VFS Global and BLS International, to streamline the application process. Depending on your location, these centers can assist in submitting the necessary documentation to the embassy or consulate.

Required Documentation

To apply for a Schengen Type A Transit Visa, gather the following documents:

  • A completed Type A Schengen Visa application form
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs (taken within the past three months)
  • A valid passport
  • Biometric data (if applicable)
  • A letter to the embassy detailing your travel itinerary, including dates, accommodations, and the purpose of travel
  • Proof of both inbound and outbound flight reservations
  • A valid visa for the final destination
  • Payment confirmation for the Schengen Visa fee

Processing Time and Fees

Under standard conditions, the Schengen Airport Transit Visa application process can take up to 15 days. To avoid any potential delays, it is advised to submit your application one to two months in advance of your travel date. The visa fee is typically EUR 90, though certain additional charges may apply depending on the applicant’s nationality and the visa processing center used.

The Schengen Airport Transit Visa allows travelers from certain countries to transit through Schengen airports on their way to non-Schengen destinations, providing a secure and regulated passage through these airports.