Indian passport holders no longer need an airport transit visa (ATV) to connect through French airports, effective 10 April 2026, according to the French Embassy in India.
The policy follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to India in February 2026, where he pledged measures to ease travel for Indian nationals through France.
No airport transit visa needed
Indian nationals holding an ordinary passport are now exempt from France’s airport transit visa requirement when passing through the international zone of any French airport, per the official notice from the French Embassy in India.
The exemption took effect on 10 April 2026 and has already been reflected on the France-Visas platform, the official portal for visa applications to France.
Before this change, Indian passport holders needed an ATV just to change planes at a French airport like Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), even without leaving the terminal.
Who qualifies and the conditions
The exemption applies only to travellers meeting specific criteria spelled out in the embassy announcement. Diplomatic and service passport holders are covered under separate arrangements.
- You must hold an ordinary Indian passport
- You must remain within the international transit zone of the French airport
- Your layover must be part of a journey to a third country outside the Schengen area
- Your layover must be less than 24 hours
Travellers who need to leave the international zone or enter France still need a standard Schengen visa, as confirmed by the French Embassy in India.
The exemption does not cover journeys that terminate in France or any other Schengen country; it is purely for transit to non-Schengen destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I now visit France without a visa?
No. The exemption applies only to airside transit at French airports — Indian nationals still need a Schengen visa to enter France.
What if my layover is longer than 24 hours?
You will need a Schengen visa. Layovers beyond 24 hours or those requiring you to clear immigration fall outside the ATV exemption.
Does the exemption cover transits through other Schengen airports?
No. This measure applies only to French airports — transit visa rules in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and other Schengen states remain unchanged.
Do I need to apply or register anywhere to use this exemption?
No application is required. The exemption is automatic for eligible Indian passport holders — just present your passport and onward ticket at check-in.
Sources
- French Embassy in India — France lifts airport transit visa requirements for Indian nationals
- Ambassade de France en Inde — La France lève l’obligation de visa de transit aéroportuaire pour les ressortissants indiens
- France-Visas — Official visa platform for India
- Deccan Herald — Indian passport holders don’t need airport transit visa while passing through France
- Business Today — France eases transit visa rules for Indian nationals at its airports
- The Tribune — India welcomes operationalisation of visa-free transit for Indian nationals
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
