France removes airport transit visa requirement for Indian passport holders

The decision follows an agreement between Prime Minister Modi and President Macron during their meeting in Mumbai in February

Indian nationals holding an ordinary passport no longer need an airport transit visa when passing through France, following a policy change that took effect on April 10, 2026.

According to a post shared by the French Embassy in India, a decree amending the 10 May 2010 regulation on documents and visas required for entry into French territory was adopted and published in the Official Gazette (Journal Officiel) on April 9, 2026.

The measure applies to passengers who remain in the international zone during a layover at a French airport while traveling to a third country.

Agreement reached during Macron's India visit

The policy change follows an announcement made by French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to India in February 2026. The removal of the transit visa requirement was formally agreed upon during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron in Mumbai.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed India's response during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday.

"We welcome the announcement on the operationalization of visa-free transit for Indian nationals transiting through French airports," Jaiswal stated.

"The Government of France has now operationalized this agreement, and Indian nationals transiting through mainland France exclusively by air will no longer need a transit visa with effect from 10th April 2026."

Agreement reached during Macron's India visit

Jaiswal described the decision as a sign of the strengthening relationship between the two nations, saying, "The decision reflects the enduring partnership between India and France, elevated to the level of a special global strategic partnership during the recent visit of President Macron, and further facilitation of smoother movement of people and enhanced people-to-people ties."

The India-France relationship was formally elevated to a Special Global Strategic Partnership during high-level talks at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai in February 2026. The visit marked Macron's fourth trip to India and his first to the country's financial capital.