An airport transit visa lets you remain in the international transit zone of an airport during a layover. It does not allow you to pass through passport control or enter the country.
By Krosz Editorial Team · Reviewed by Krosz Visa Operations · Updated 2026-09-15
Find requirements by country
Pick a destination and your passport — we'll open the right guide.
Destination
Passport
Purpose
Staying in the airport's international transit zone during a layover.
Who it’s for
Travellers whose nationality requires an airport transit visa for certain airports.
How you apply
Application before travel with the onward ticket.
How Krosz helps
Krosz helps you confirm whether you need an airport transit visa and prepare documents. We are a private service and not a government authority.
Destinations
Researched from official immigration sources. Each country has its own detailed guide.
Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)
Airport transit visa (Schengen visa type A)
Airport transit visa (Schengen visa type A)
C-1 Transit Visa (or B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa)
Transit visa (Temporary Resident Visa for transit)
Airport transit visa (Schengen visa type A) - no longer required for Indians
Visa de transit aeroportuaire (airport transit visa) - no longer required for Indians
Visa type A - Airport transit visa (not required for Indians)
Figures come from each country's official immigration source, linked on every guide. Always confirm before applying.
Overview
An airport transit visa authorises a traveller to stay in the international transit zone of an airport while waiting for an onward flight. It does not allow passing through border control or entering the country.
It is the most restrictive transit category: no leaving the airport, no entering the country, only the airside transit area. It exists for nationalities that some countries require to hold a visa even for airside connections.
It differs from a transit visa, which may allow a short landside stay, and from a visitor visa, which allows entering the country.
Exemptions depend on your nationality, destination and circumstances — always confirm for your exact case.
Activities
Airside wait
Staying in the international transit zone.
Connecting flights
Boarding the onward flight.
What you normally cannot do
Documents
Only documents relevant to this category. Exact requirements vary by country — confirm for your destination.
Passport
Valid with sufficient validity.
Photograph
Recent photo meeting the destination's rules.
Application form
Completed airport transit visa application.
Onward ticket
Confirmed onward flight from the same airport.
Destination visa
Valid visa for the final destination where required.
Process
Steps may differ by destination and your circumstances.
Check the rule
Confirm your nationality needs an airport transit visa for that airport.
Book onward flight
Have a confirmed onward ticket from the same airport.
Prepare documents
Gather passport, onward ticket and destination visa.
Apply & pay
Submit the airport transit visa application.
Processing
The authority verifies the onward journey.
Decision
Receive a visa limited to the airside transit zone.
Need help with your Airport Transit Visa?
Tell us where you're going — a Krosz visa expert will walk you through it.
Comparison
| Point of comparison | Airport Transit Visa | Transit Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Airside only, no border crossing | May allow leaving the airport |
| Stay | Only the connection window | Short, sometimes landside |
| Who needs it | Specific nationalities at specific airports | Broader set of layovers |
| Exemptions | Often with a valid destination/third-country visa | Varies |
Be prepared
Practical
FAQ
About the Airport Transit Visa, answered by Krosz visa experts.
A visa that lets you stay in an airport's international transit zone during a layover, without entering the country.
No. An airport transit visa restricts you to the airside transit zone. To leave, you need a transit or visitor visa.
Travellers of specific nationalities passing through specific airports that require it. Many passports are exempt.
Often yes. Holding a valid visa or residence permit for the destination or a third country can exempt you.
An airport transit visa keeps you airside; a transit visa may allow a short landside stay outside the airport.
If collecting bags requires entering the country, you may need a transit or visitor visa instead. Check the airport and airline rules.
It is usually quick but not instant. Apply before travel, not at the airport.
No. To enter the country you need a separate visitor or transit visa.
Share your trip and a Krosz visa expert will explain the airport transit visa process for your destination. No documents or payment needed at this stage.
Related
Transit Visa
A transit visa lets you pass through a country on the way to a third destination. Learn wh…
Crew / Seafarer Visa
A crew or seafarer visa lets ship and airline crew join their vessel or aircraft abroad. L…
Tourist Visa
A tourist visa lets you visit a country for leisure, sightseeing or family visits. Learn w…
Business Visa
A business visa lets you travel for meetings, negotiations and trade activities. Learn wha…
Krosz is a private visa & travel assistance service — not a government website, agency or embassy. Visas are granted solely by the relevant government authorities.
Krosz is a private visa assistance platform and is not affiliated with any government or embassy. Visa decisions are made by the relevant authorities. Last reviewed: 2026-09-15.
We use cookies to keep you signed in and remember your preferences. We don't sell your data. See our Cookie Policy.