Visa type

Transit visa for changing planes

Some passports need a visa even to change planes. Whether you need one depends on your nationality, the airport and whether you pass through border control.

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Covers

Transit visa

Changing planes airside, without passing border control
Passing through border control before an onward flight

covered on this page

Documents

What the application needs

The purpose documents carry your application. They come on top of the basics every consulate asks for.

For this purpose

Documents for a transit (Visa Code, Annex II, point A3)

The visa or entry permit for your final destination
Tickets for the onward journey
Your passport, valid for the whole journey

Every trip

The basics

Passport
Form and photo
Travel medical insurance
Money for the trip
Where you will stay
Travel plans
Ties to home
Fingerprints

What each one means

By destination

How the main destinations handle it

Official rules, checked 9 November 2026. We confirm the details for your passport before anything is submitted.

Schengen area
Nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka need an airport transit visa to pass through the international transit area of any Schengen airport. Some countries require it from other nationalities too, and some travellers are exempt, for example holders of certain valid visas or residence permits (Visa Code, Article 3).
European Commission: Common list of airport transit visa countries
United Kingdom
A Direct Airside Transit visa is for people changing flights without going through UK border control. A Visitor in Transit visa is for people who go through border control and leave the UK within 48 hours. If your nationality uses an ETA, you need one to pass through border control.
GOV.UK: Visa to pass through the UK in transit
Ireland
Transit visa required nationals need an Irish transit visa to pass through an Irish airport or seaport. The fee is €25.
Irish Immigration Service: Visa fees

Tips

Small things that make a strong file

01
Check if you stay airside: changing terminals or collecting bags can mean passing border control.
02
Book one ticket for the whole journey where you can, so bags are checked through.
03
Have the visa for your final destination ready: transit rules assume you can enter it.

FAQ

Transit visa: common questions

Do I need a visa to change planes in a Schengen airport?

Only if your nationality is on the airport transit visa list or on the national list of that country, and you are not exempt. If you leave the transit area, you need a regular visa if your passport is visa-required.

What is the difference between airside and landside transit?

Airside means you stay in the international transit area and do not pass border control. Landside means you pass border control, for example to change airports, and you need the visa or travel authorisation that applies to entering the country.

How long can I stay on a UK Visitor in Transit visa?

You must leave the UK within 48 hours.

Official sources, checked 9 November 2026

The embassy or consulate always makes the visa decision.

More visa types