Big relief for Indian travellers: France waives Airport Transit Visa requirement
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, April 24, 2026: In a significant relief for travellers, France has removed the requirement of an airport transit visa (ATV) for Indian nationals transiting through its airports by air.
The announcement was confirmed by Ministry of External Affairs India spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly media briefing, stating that the new rule has come into effect from April 10, 2026.
Under the revised policy, Indian passport holders travelling between two non-Schengen destinations via French airports will no longer need a transit visa, provided they remain within the international transit zone and do not enter French territory.
The move comes shortly after Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India in February 2026, during which both countries agreed to simplify travel procedures and strengthen people-to-people ties as part of their strategic partnership.
Earlier, Indian passengers were required to obtain an ATV even for short layovers in France when travelling onward to another non-Schengen country. The removal of this requirement is expected to make international travel smoother and more convenient.
However, officials clarified that travellers will still need a short-stay visa if they plan to exit the airport, change airports, or stay overnight during transit.