Schengen Transit Visa

If you are connecting through a Schengen country airport, you may need an Airport Transit Visa (Type A). This guide explains who needs one, who is exempt, how UK BRP holders are affected, how to apply, and the rules for transiting through Schengen airports.

What Is a Schengen Transit Visa?

Type A — Airport Transit Visa

A Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV) allows you to pass through the international transit area of a Schengen airport without entering the Schengen zone. You do not go through passport control and cannot leave the airport. This visa is only needed for connecting flights through Schengen airports.

Type C — Short-Stay Visa (for leaving the airport)

If you want to leave the airport during your transit (e.g., sightseeing during a long layover, overnight stay in a hotel, or your onward flight is the next day from a different terminal), you need a standard Type C Schengen visa instead. See our main Schengen visa guide.

Who Needs a Transit Visa?

Only nationals of specific countries need an Airport Transit Visa. The list is set by the EU and includes:

Nationalities Requiring Airport Transit Visa

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and others. The full list is maintained by the EU and updated periodically.

UK BRP Exemption: If you hold a valid UK residence permit (BRP) or equivalent, you are generally exempt from the airport transit visa requirement, even if your nationality is on the list above. However, this exemption varies by country. France, Germany, and most Schengen states honour the UK BRP exemption, but always check with the specific country.

You Do NOT Need a Transit Visa If:

You hold a valid Schengen visa (Type C or D)
You hold a valid residence permit from a Schengen country
You hold a valid UK BRP/residence permit (in most cases)
You are a national of an EU/EEA country
You hold a valid US, Canadian, or Japanese visa or residence permit
Your nationality is not on the transit visa required list

How to Apply for a Transit Visa

If you do need a transit visa, the application process is similar to a standard Schengen visa but with fewer documents:

Required Documents

Completed Schengen visa application form (mark “Airport Transit”)
Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond transit date
UK BRP or eVisa (original + copy)
2 passport photos (35x45mm, white background)
Confirmed flight bookings showing the connecting flights and final destination
Visa for your final destination (if required)
Travel insurance covering the transit period

Where to Apply

Apply at the embassy or visa centre of the Schengen country where you will transit. If transiting through multiple Schengen airports, apply to the country of your first transit stop.

Fees

The transit visa fee is €90 for adults (same as a standard Schengen visa). Service centre fees apply on top.

Practical Tips for Schengen Transit

Avoid Transit Visa Requirements Entirely

If you are a UK BRP holder and your nationality requires a transit visa, consider routing through non-Schengen hubs like Istanbul (IST), Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), or London connecting flights that avoid Schengen airports entirely.

Check Your Route Carefully

Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways route through non-Schengen hubs. Airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, and KLM route through Frankfurt, Paris CDG, and Amsterdam — all Schengen airports.

Same-Day Connections

Transit visas only cover the international transit area. If your connection requires changing terminals, overnight stay, or re-checking bags, you may need to enter the Schengen zone and therefore need a Type C visa instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do UK BRP holders need a Schengen transit visa?

In most cases, no. UK BRP holders are generally exempt from the airport transit visa requirement, even if their nationality would otherwise require one. However, check with the specific transit country to confirm.

Can I leave the airport during Schengen transit?

Not with a transit visa (Type A). To leave the airport, you need a standard Schengen visa (Type C). If your layover is long and you want to explore, apply for a Type C visa instead.

What if my flight is delayed and I miss my connection?

If you have a transit visa and your connection is delayed, the airline is responsible for rebooking you. You should not need to leave the transit area. If you do, the airline and airport authorities will assist.