Is Schengen visa needed for transit: Transit requirements details

Understanding the Transit Schengen Visa requirements and application process is key to a smooth journey for those needing to transit through the Schengen Area.

In this guide, we cover everything from pinpointing who needs this visa to breaking down the application steps and gathering the right documents.

Embark on this informational journey with us, and gear up for a hassle-free transit experience in the Schengen Zone.

Is a Schengen Visa required for transit?

If you are from a country that usually needs a visa to enter the Schengen Area, you will also need an airport transit visa (ATV) to pass through Schengen airports.

Who is exempt from having a transit Schengen visa?

Check out the specific rules for those that meet the specific requirements.

Holders of a valid visa or residence permit:

• If you have a valid visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen state, you are exempt from the ATV requirement.

• A valid visa or residence permit from a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, Canada, Japan, or the United States also qualifies for exemption​​​​​​.

Holders of specific residence permits:

• A valid residence permit issued by the Principality of Andorra, Canada, Japan, the Republic of San Marino, or the United States exempts you from needing an ATV.

Family Members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens:

• If you are a family member of a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you do not require an ATV.

Holders of diplomatic passports:

• Individuals holding diplomatic passports are exempt from the ATV requirement​​​​.

Flight crew members:

Flight crew members who are nationals of a contracting party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation are also exempt.

Types of Schengen Transit Visas

The Schengen area offers two specific types of Transit Visas to accommodate the needs of travelers passing through its territory. Here’s an overview.

Airport Transit Schengen Visa (Type A)**

• Purpose: This visa is designed for travelers who need to transit through the international transit areas of Schengen airports without entering the Schengen Area.

• Use case: It's required for individuals from certain countries (find the list further ahead in this guide), who have a connecting flight in a Schengen country airport and will not leave the airport's international zone.

• Restrictions: Holders cannot leave the airport's international transit area and enter the Schengen country.

Seafarers Transit Schengen Visa (Type B)**

• Purpose: Specifically for seafarers who need to transit through Schengen seaports.

• Use case: Ideal for seafarers either joining a ship docked in a Schengen port or disembarking from a ship to leave the Schengen Area.

• Duration: Typically valid for up to 5 days, allowing for transit through the Schengen countries as their maritime route requires.

What is the Airport Transit Schengen Visa?

The Airport Transit Schengen Visa is specifically designed for travelers who need to change flights at a Schengen airport. It allows them to remain in the international transit zone of the airport while waiting for their connecting flight to their final destination.

This type of visa restricts the holder to the airport's international transit area. It does not allow for exiting this zone, even if an overnight stay is necessary.

It's important to note that if your travel plans require transiting through multiple airports within the Schengen Area, you will not qualify for an Airport Transit Visa. In such cases, you should apply for a regular Schengen Visa (C Type) instead.

Which countries require an Airport Transit Schengen Visa?

Citizens from certain countries require an Airport Transit Schengen Visa when transiting through the international areas of Schengen country airports. These countries include:

• Afghanistan

• Bangladesh

• The Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Eritrea

• Ethiopia

• Ghana

• Iran

• Iraq

• Nigeria

• Pakistan

• Somalia

• Sri Lanka

Additionally, various Schengen states have added more countries to their specific list for transit visa requirements:

Required documents for an Airport Transit Schengen Visa

To apply for an Airport Transit Schengen Visa, you'll need to gather the following documents:

1. Visa application form: A standard short-stay visa application form, completed in its entirety, printed, and signed.

2. Two recent photographs: These should be taken within the last three months and adhere to the Schengen Visa photo requirements.

3. Valid passport: Your passport should have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker. It must be no older than ten years and remain valid for your trip.

4. Onward journey documents: This includes documentation related to your travel to the final destination, such as a return flight ticket and a visa issued by the country you are traveling to, if required.

5. Travel insurance policy: An insurance policy covering medical emergencies with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

6. **Proof of paid visa fee: Confirmation of payment for the Airport Transit Schengen Visa Application

Ensure these documents are prepared and presented accurately to facilitate a smooth visa application process.

What is the Transit Schengen Visa for Seafarers?

The Transit Schengen Visa for Seafarers is a specialized visa allowing seafarers to disembark at a Schengen Area seaport.

This visa provides the necessary authorization for seafarers to leave their vessel at a port within the Schengen Zone and stay there for a limited time before they secure their onward transportation to a non-Schengen country.

Required documents for a Schengen Visa for Seafarers

To apply for a Transit Schengen Visa for Seamen, the following documents are required:

1. Visa application form: Completed and signed by the applicant.

2. Two recent passport-size photos: Must meet the Schengen visa photo requirements.

3. Valid passport: Issued within the last ten years and valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.

4. Passport data page copies: Include copies of the data pages of your passport.

5. Seaman’s book: Both the original and a photocopy.

6. Letter from the inviting shipping company: Provided by the shipping company in the Schengen country where the seafarer will disembark.

7. Travel medical insurance: Covering all Schengen countries with a minimum of €30,000 for all medical emergencies, including repatriation in the event of death.

8. Flight reservation: If applicable, to demonstrate your travel plans.

9. Employment contract: A contract with the navigation company/ship for boarding.

10. Proof of paid visa fee: Confirmation of payment for the visa application.

Transit Schengen Visa application: How to apply

Currently, we cannot provide any Transit Schengen Visa services, but we look forward to adding this option in the future.

In the meantime, you can apply for this visa through the destination's embassy, consulate, or visa application center in your country. We appreciate your understanding and are here to assist with other travel needs you may have.

If you need to apply for a Transit Schengen visa, here's a structured approach to follow:

1. Visa requirement confirmation: First, verify if you need to obtain this visa based on your nationality and travel plans.

2. Application form completion: Fill out the visa application form accurately.

3. Document collection: Gather all necessary documents as outlined in this article, under the section detailing required documents for a Schengen visa.

4. Appointment scheduling: Book an appointment for your visa application.

5. Attend your appointment: Go to your scheduled appointment to submit the required documents.

6. Visa fee payment: The fee for an Airport Transit Schengen Visa and a Seafarers Transit Schengen Visa is typically €80. However, it's important to note that the actual cost can vary depending on the applicant's nationality, the specific Schengen country they are applying to, and any additional processing or service fees that may apply

Transit Schengen Visa processing time

You can typically expect a response to your Transit Schengen Visa application within two weeks.

However, in certain specific or exceptional circumstances, this processing time could extend to 30 or even 60 calendar days.

Therefore, it's strongly recommended to submit your application well in advance of your planned travel. Nonetheless, you cannot apply more than three months before your intended trip.

Transit Schengen Visa costs and fees

The cost and fees for a Transit Schengen Visa are as follows:

• Standard fee: The general fee for a Transit Schengen Visa is €80 (about US$87) for adults.

Children aged 6 to 12 typically pay a reduced fee, while children under 6 are usually exempt from the visa fee.

How long is the Transit Schengen Visa valid for?

The Transit Seafarers Schengen Visa, typically issued to travelers who need to pass through the Schengen Area en route to another country, is valid for a short duration. This visa generally allows a stay of up to 5 days per entry.

The Airport Transit Schengen Visa is typically limited to the transit duration at the airport, allowing the holder to stay within the international transit area of a Schengen airport for a maximum of 24 hours.

If your travel plans include a stay of more than 24 hours or entry to the Schengen Area, applying for a regular Schengen Visa is required.

Here are the 27 countries you will be able to visit on the Schengen visa if you apply for one:

Contact us for more info about Schengen Visas

Our customer service team will assist you with more questions about the Schengen Visa. Feel free to contact them via our online chat or emailing [email protected]. They're well-equipped to address questions about the Schengen visa or other travel documents.