I am Traveling between USA and India via France? Do I Need a Transit or Schengen Visa for France

The lack of clarity about transit visa requirements is one of the reasons for denial of boarding to travelers flying between USA and India via France. Do you need a Schengen visa or airport transit visa for France? This depends on your nationality, itinerary and visa for the destination country. France is a popular international transit point on long-haul routes between USA and India that see flights by Delta Air Lines and Air France.

airport transit French visa, Schengen visa France, visa for flights to India from USA

Effective from July 2018, Indian passport holders were excepted from requiring an airport transit visa to travel through Paris CDG and other international airports in France. However, the visa-free transit facility was ruled out during the pandemic. Some Indians are still under the impression that they can pass through France without a transit visa while traveling on international flights between India and USA.

But the truth is that Indian passport holders must need an airport transit visa to transit through France for their final destinations outside the Schengen area. There are certain exemptions. If you have a valid US visa or a Green Card, you are eligible for visa-free transit in the international transit area of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Those holding a valid visa or residence permit issued by Canada, Ireland, and Japan are eligible for the same. The visa-free transit facility is subject to the condition that they don’t step out of the international transit area.

France’s transit visa requirement for Indians changes if their visa or residence permit issued by the US or any other aforementioned country expires before, during or right after their transit in Paris. In this scenario, they need an airport transit visa or a transit Schengen visa for hassle-free transit in France. However, an airport transit Schengen visa does not allow them to enter the Schengen area outside the Paris CDG Airport.

If your itinerary has long daytime or overnight layover in France and you plan to go for sightseeing or accommodate yourself outside the airport, you need a short-stay Schengen Visa, regardless of your valid US visa or residence permit. Even if you are a US citizen, you need a short-stay Schengen visa to enter the Schengen territory during a layover at Paris CDG Airport.

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205 thoughts on “I am Traveling between USA and India via France? Do I Need a Transit or Schengen Visa for France

    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Prabhu! Yes, having a valid US visa, transit visa for France is not required unless you step out of the international transit zone of Paris CDG Airport.

      Reply
      • Avani

        Hi ,
        Me and my parents are travelling from Mumbai to US via Paris on 3rd of June. We have a 11 hour transit at Paris…

        1) Can i roam around in France / Paris without have a valid Schengen VISA?? on the basis of B1/B2 US VISA??
        2) What can i do to kill my time???

        Reply
        • indianeagle Post author

          Hi Avani! We’re sorry for the delayed response. Indian passport holders need a short-stay Schengen visa to go out of the airport and tour the city of Paris.

          Reply
        • SIMARDEEP SINGH

          I am resident of Canada, but I have self transfer of Flights in France, it says I need to re-check in with my bags in Airport. So, Will I need visa for self transfer of flights?

          Reply
    • Brenden Louis

      Do I require a transit visa for a layover of 10hrs 50mins at CDG Paris if I have a valid Canadian visit visa? I am travelling from BOM-YYZ.

      Reply
  1. KANAV SHARMA

    I AM TRAVELLING FROM DELHI TO SENTO DIMANGO WITH A STAY OF 5 HOURS AT PARIS CDG AIRPORT .DO I NEED THE VISA OF PARIS

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Kanav! If you have a valid visa or residence permit issued by the US, Canada, Japan or Ireland, you don’t need a transit visa for Paris. Otherwise, Indian passport holders must have an airport transit visa (ATV) for France/Paris.

      Reply
      • Sathish GC

        I am traveling from Bangalore,India to Canada, via CDG airport with layover of 11.5 hours, i have valid visitor from Canada, do I still need to have transit visa at CDG ?

        Reply
        • indianeagle Post author

          Hi Satish! If you have no plans to go out of the airport a city tour and if there is no terminal change requiring immigration checks during the layover, you don’t need an airport transit visa or a Schengen visa.

          Reply
          • Aravind

            Hi Satish, Does EAD and Advance Parole also considered as Residency Permit?
            I’ve EAD and AP.
            I’ve cheaper ticket for USA to India via Paris and India to USA via Amsterdam.

            Paris will reach at 7:30 am and Depart 10am same day.

            Does it require A transit visa?

  2. Rajasekaran

    HI, I am traveling to Costa Rica via Paris from India, I have multiple visitor visas for Canada which I haven’t used. Can I go with this visa.

    Reply
  3. simran

    Hi, I will be leaving to india via airfrance from USA in the month of may and it is a roundtrip where i’ll be traveling back to usa from india in the month of august ,Do i need a airport transit visa?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Simran! If you have a valid US visa or a Green card, you don’t need an airport transit visa for France.

      Reply
      • Abhay

        Have a similar situation.. my parents are travelling Delhi to US via paris. They are on B1/B2
        Would they need transit visa ? Thr B1/B2 Visa is valid.

        Reply
        • indianeagle Post author

          Hi Abhay! They don’t need an airport transit visa if Paris is the only international transit in their itinerary.

          Reply
  4. sharath

    I have expired US visa. Do I still need to get transit visa while travelling to India from USA ?

    Reply
  5. Akhil

    Hi ,if i traveling to usa from Mumbai to Paris to USA do i need transit visa.i have c1d visa

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Akhil! We are little knowledgeable about C1D visa. Kindly check with the airline.

      Reply
  6. Anand

    I have a Super visa for Canada. I will be traveling first time on this visa to Canada from Mumbai. The flight has 6hrs layover in Paris. Do I need a transit visa?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Anand! In our knowledge, a valid Super visa for Canada makes you eligible for visa-free transit via Paris. However, we recommend you check with the airline as well.

      Reply
    • De

      Please give a reply to this.

      Do we need transit visa in CDG if traveling from India to Scotland via CDG with valid UK BRP?

      Reply
  7. Rocky

    Hi I am travelling from Toronto to Delhi with 3 hours stay at Paris. I am permanent resident of canada. Do I need a transit visa for Paris?
    Thx

    Reply
  8. Vishnu

    Hello, I am travelling from Toronto to Bengaluru with 3 hours layover in Paris. I am on my study permit in Canada. Do I need a transit visa for Paris?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Vishu! In our knowledge, you don’t need an airport transit visa for Paris as you have a valid US/Canadian visa. However, it is recommended that you check with the airline too.

      Reply
  9. Ankit

    I have a student visa and going for the first time from INDIA to CANADA via FRANCE, do I need a transit visa ?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      HI Ankit! It is clearly stated that having a valid US or Canadian visa, you don’t need an airport transit visa for France unless you plan to spend a long layover outside the airport. However, it is recommended that you check the same with the airline.

      Reply
    • Mohamed Anees

      Hi Ankit,

      Could you let me know if you required the transit visa? I have Canada student visa and I’m going from. Toronto to Turkey via Paris (3 hr layover)

      Thank you

      Reply
  10. Ravi Agarwal

    Hi

    I am travelling USA with a flight change at Paris.. Do I need any Transit Visa or Schegen Visa.
    I have a valid B1/B2 USA visa.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Ravi! If the flight change happens at a different terminal, the interterminal transfer may require you to step out of the transit area, for which you may need an airport transit visa. Hence, be advised to check this requirement with the airline.

      Reply
      • Rajat Singh

        I have a flight from
        BOMBAY-amsterdam-BOGOTA
        return flight
        BOGOTA-Paris-BOMBAY
        I have an indian passport with an valid M1 US visa
        Do i need a transit visa for my journey?

        Reply
  11. Venkat

    Hi @indianeagle,

    I have a flight from Bangalore to Toronto, has layover at Amsterdam (1hr 50min) and another layover at Paris (2hr 35 min) on same day. I am travelling on Student VISA.

    Please let me know If I need transit visa. There is a change in terminal from 2F TO 2E in Paris.

    Please clarify.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Venkat! In our knowledge, a transit visa is required for the itinerary having more than one Schengen airport. There are two Schengen airports in your itinerary. It is advisable that you kindly check the transit visa requirement with the airline.

      Reply
  12. Asif

    Hi, i am taking my parents on a b1,b2 visa to USA, i want to transit through paris and take them out of airport in paris to see places and then continue travel to USA, what do i need to do to make this happen? Is there a paris transit visa for 24 hrs like Dubai transit cisa?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Asif! A sightseeing tour during the transit is recommended only if the layover is minimum 7-8 hours. Irrespective of their valid US visa, Indians require a short-stay Schengen visa to step out of Paris airport and tour the city during a layover.

      Reply
  13. Saurabh Roongta

    I am travelling from India to Seattle (USA) and i have 2 stops in france: Munich and Franz Josef Strauss.
    Do I need a transit visa in this case and I am on H1B USA visa?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Saurabh! In our knowledge, a transit visa is required for the itinerary having more than one Schengen airport. There are two Schengen airports in your itinerary. It is advisable that you kindly check the transit visa requirement with the airline.

      Reply
  14. Arun

    Hi, my father is travelling from Bengaluru to Dallas (USA) via Paris CDG Airport through Air France and has a transfer time of 2 hours change the flight in the same airport. He has a valid B1/B2 US visa. I believe he does not need an airport transit visa but I wanted to double check with you. Could you please clarify? Much appreciated.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Arun! Usually, Indian passport holders having a valid US/Canadian visa do not need an airport transit visa for France. If there is terminal change requiring immigration checks during the layover at Paris Airport, a transit visa may be required. Hence, we recommend double-checking with the airline.

      Reply
  15. Vivek Jain

    I have expired US visa while I have an extension to stay in USA. Do I still need to get transit visa while travelling to India from USA via CDG Paris? The official site of Paris government https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/airport-transit-visa says “In the case of a return trip, the holder of a visa issued by one of the above-mentioned countries is exempt from the airport transit visa even if the visa has been used and is therefore no longer valid, provided that the return trip is made from an airport located in the country that issued the visa” Do you still believe I need a transit visa in this case. You are suggesting to others for same question as required per your knowledge? If it is not required, can you correct this article, so reader is not confused. Thanks

    Reply
    • Dileep Kumar

      Hi Vivek,

      I am also confused due to the conflicting information on transiting in Paris on an expired US visa when
      travelling from US to India.
      When is your trip planned and do you have any updates ?

      Reply
      • indianeagle Post author

        Hi Dileep! In our knowledge, a transit visa will make your journey hassle-free in case of an expired US visa.

        Reply
        • Dileep Kumar

          yes, but the airlines (Delta) said I don’t need a transit visa and they will allow me to board in the US.

          Reply
          • indianeagle Post author

            Dileep, we suggest you take a written confirmation via email from the airline and carry a printout of the same while traveling.

          • Swaroop

            Hi Dilip, any updates on your travel? Were you able to travel via Paris with expired US Visa and without a transit visa?

  16. pratz

    I have flight from Mumbai to SFO with layover at Paris(2.35hrs) and London(1.5hrs). Do I need transit visa as London doesn’t come under Shenzhen visa anymore

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Pratz! In our knowledge, you need a transit visa since there are two connecting airports in your itinerary. However, it is highly recommended that you check with the airline.

      Reply
  17. Bharat Sharma

    I am traveling to India from Seattle. I have a valid F1 Student visa. Do I require a transit visa? Delta Airlines says I require one.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Bharat! Having a valid US visa, one does not require an airport transit visa for France usually. If there is terminal change requiring immigration checks during a layover at Paris Airport, the airline may require you to have a transit visa. Hence, the airline can tell you better.

      Reply
  18. Abhi

    Hey there!
    I’m an Indian national. I am currently studying in the USA (F1 Visa). I’ll be traveling from the USA to India. I have a layover in Paris of 3.5 hrs. Can you Tell me if I require an Airport Transit Visa or any Schengen visa? I don’t plan to leave the airport.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Abhi! Usually, a transit visa is not required given your valid US visa. A transit visa may be required if there is terminal change requiring immigration checks during the layover. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you check with the airline.

      Reply
  19. Ranjit singh

    Hello,
    I have Indian passport and canada visa
    My question is for few countries if u dont mind. If I’m going to canada through(Japan, France, Poland, Switzerland, etc, beside USA any other country we need transit visa if we have layover of only 4 to 5 hours ?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Bhuvanes! Kindly check the visa requirement with the airline (that you will travel on). We have the best low-fare deals from European and Gulf airlines. You can log on to IndianEagle.com or call us at 1-800-615-3969.

      Reply
  20. Gayathri

    Hi there..I am traveling from USA to India for an H1B visa stamping appointment with a layover in pairs. I currently have an approved I-797A and an expired H1B visa. Do I need an airport transit visa for Paris? Do you know if an approved I-797A is considered valid for the exemption?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Gayathri! We are not sure whether an approved I-797A is valid for exemption from requiring a transit visa for Paris or any other transit city in Europe. We recommend you check with the French Embassy/Consulate and the airline that you will travel on.

      Reply
    • Varun

      Hello folks,

      Can you confirm if you needed a transit visa for this journey? I am also traveling for H1B stamping and need to know if I would need a visa.

      Reply
    • Arjun

      Hi, Can you please let us know if we need transit visa for your situation ? I am in same situation: Valid -I797A with expired H1B visa stamping.

      Reply
      • indianeagle Post author

        Hi Arjun! There are instances of boarding denial to travelers having valid I-797A with expired H1B visa stamping. Having a valid US visa is the safest option.

        Reply
      • Mukul

        Hi Arjun,

        Were you able to transit through Paris with expired US Visa Stamping and valid I797A ? I’m in the same boat and have a flight in less than a week.
        Quick response is appreciated.
        Thanks

        Reply
  21. sonal

    HI All – I have Expired H4 Visa and also have the Advance Parole. But we don’t have the GC yet. I will be doing H1B visa stamping In India. Can I still travel from USA to India via any European countries without transit visa. I will be using my new H1 Visa during my return from India to USA. Appreciate your inputs on USA – – INDIA

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Sonal! We are not sure whether the advanced Parole is valid for exemption from requiring a transit visa for Paris or any other transit city in Europe. We recommend you check with the French Embassy/Consulate and the airline that you will travel on. However, you may need an airport transit visa for Europe, to the best of our knowledge.

      Reply
  22. Pascalraj

    Hello, I am traveling from Mexico to India via Paris and I have a transit layover about 19h in Paris. I have valid B1/B2 visa. Do I need transit visa for Paris. P.S: I won’t go outside but may require to change terminal as I will have to stay at transit hotel.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Pascalraj! It is recommended that you check the transit visa requirement with the airline in case of terminal change at Paris Airport.

      Reply
  23. Rajat Singh

    I have a flight from on 25th may 2023 from colombia to india via paris(18hrs layover)
    I have an M1 US Visa(valid till 16 sep 2023)
    Do i need a transit visa for paris?

    Reply
  24. Suresh

    Hi I have work permit approved by Canada and I have valid Canada visa..and passport issued by India(I’m from India).
    My question is , I’m Traveling from Canada to India via Paris and wait time is 2hr 30mins… Still I need any transit visa.. please some one can help on this query
    Airline is – airfrance

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Suresh! You don’t need a transit visa as far as the rules are concerned.

      Reply
    • Deepak

      Hi suresh, im in the same situation as yours.
      So did you completed your trip? If yes can you let me know did they asked for any transit visa or not.

      Awaiting your reply

      Reply
  25. Muskan

    Hi,I am travelling to Toronto, Canada from India and I am permanent resident of Canada. Do I need usa transit visa for a layover over there?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Muskan! We have little knowledge of whether a Canadian PR requires a transit visa for the United States. It is recommended that you check with the airline or the US mission/Consulate in Canada.

      Reply
  26. Vibhuti Dave

    Hi,
    I am a Canadian citizen with OCI card holder. I will be traveling via Paris to Mumbai and wondering if OCI visa (which is not stamped in my passport) is recognized by the French authority.
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Vibhuti! In our knowledge, Canadian citizens with/without an OCI Card don’t need a transit visa for Paris unless your itinerary has a connection between two airports in a Schengen area. However, it is recommended that you can also check with the airline.

      Reply
  27. Shiv

    Do i need transit visa in France if I have to change airline at the airport, even though I have Canadian pr?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Shiv! If the change of airlines requires you to undergo immigration checks at Paris Airport, you may need a transit visa. Hence, it is recommended that you check with the airline (s).

      Reply
  28. Vikas

    Hello Sir

    May I please know if I require a transit visa for a layover of 8 hours in Paris. I wont be changing the Airport in Paris (Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport T2E)

    I am travelling to Vancouver, Canada from Paris via Mexico and I have a valid visa of Canada.(Spousal open work permit visa)

    I found this information “ Those holding a valid visa or residence permit issued by Canada, Ireland, and Japan are eligible for the same. The visa-free transit facility is subject to the condition that they don’t step out of the international transit area.”

    Thank you for your time
    Regards,
    Vikas

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Vikas! We’re sorry for the delayed response. You need a French airport transit visa only if you have plans to step out of the international transit area, or you need a short-stay Schengen visa if you have plans to spend the layover outside the airport.

      Reply
  29. AV

    Hi Indian eagle

    I have an expired H1B visa. I have a short layover of 2.5 hours at Paris to travel to India. I plan to remain only in the international area. On checking with delta they sent me a link to a Timatic website that states this :
    “Transiting without a visa is possible for
    Nationals of India with a normal passport transiting through Paris (CDG), arriving from a non-Schengen Member State with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight within 24 hours to a third country which is not a Schengen Member State. They must:
    – have a used, valid or expired visa issued by Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Ireland (Rep.), Japan, Romania or USA (an expired visa is accepted if it is valid when departing from the country that issued the visa), and
    – be returning from the country that issued the visa, and
    – stay in the international transit area of the airport, and
    – have documents required for their next destination.”

    Would I still need a transit visa in this situation? What is the contact for the French embassy/consulate that you refer to above ?

    Reply
  30. Harkirat Singh

    Hi,

    So I am Indian passport holder and permanent resident in Canada. My flight is through DELHI TO PARIS TO AMSTERDAM TO VANCOUVER. My layover is 1hr 20 mins and 5hr respectively.
    My question is do I need a schenegan visa as I need to take flight from Paris to Amsterdam through domestic terminal?

    Thank you

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Harkirat! Paris to Amsterdam is the domestic leg that involves terminal change at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Terminal change from international to domestic requires transit passengers to undergo immigration checks. In our knowledge, it is safe to have an airport transit visa. At the same time, it is recommended that you check with the airline as well. Thanks1

      Reply
  31. Vishwa

    We are planning to visit to India via Atlanta-Paris and in return Paris to Atlanta. We have Green Cards and Kids are US Citizens. Is transit visa required?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Vishwa! Neither you nor your kids need a transit visa for Paris if there is no plan to step out of the international transit area of the airport.

      Reply
    • Pankaj

      Hi, I am travelling from Toronto Yyz to Mumbai BOM. I have a valid work permit also a TRV stamp on my passport which is also known as a tourist visa for canada. My layover is for 2h40m on Paris CDG. Do I need a Schenegen ATV ?

      Reply
  32. Sam

    Hi guys,

    I am traveling from USA to India on my Indian passport in May. My current H1B is expired and that is the purpose of my visit to India to get a new stamp. Do I need a transit visa for CDG? Your guidance is appreciated.

    Reply
  33. Aravind

    can you travel on EAD and AP USA to India via France?
    Return ticket is India to USA via Amsterdam
    Does it require A Transit visa?

    Reply
  34. Yax

    Hi,
    My parents are travelling from Vadodara, Gujarat to Quebec, Canada via Paris on visitor visa. They have 10 hrs of layover in Paris. Do they need transit visa or any other kind of visa for travelling? I checked on google, it says they do not need of visa but when I called in airline, they told that my parents need transit visa. But I still have to checked with embassy. I am very confused. Any of your help will be much appreciated. Thank you in advanced.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Yax! There are different scenarios of a layover at Paris Airport. If they are required to transfer from one terminal to another terminal in the event of airline/aircraft change, they may undergo immigration checks – which makes a transit visa compulsory. A transit visa is mandatory if your parents plan to spend the 10-hour long layover outside the international transit area of the airport.

      Reply
      • YAKSH PATEL

        Hi,
        They do not have any terminal change in Paris. Neither they are going out of the airport. So, in that case they need any visa? Moreover, I also called in airline AirFrance and talked with 2 different people and both have different answers. One is saying they need transit visa and other person told they do not need any visa as long as they have valid Canadian visitor visa. Thank you in advanced.

        Reply
  35. Chandramouliswar Vijayakumar

    My parents are returning to India from Canada. They hold a Canada Visitor visa and a US B2 visa. Do they still require a transit visa for 2.5hrs layover.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Chandramouliswar! In our knowledge, they don’t require a transit visa for Paris Airport. If there are two Schengen airport layovers in their itinerary, a transit visa is mandatory.

      Reply
  36. Rakshith Sridhara

    I am traveling to India from USA via Paris, My H1B stamp has expired, but I also have a Canadian PR. Do I need Transit visa?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Rakshith! Having a Canadian PR, you don’t need a transit visa for Paris in our knowledge.

      Reply
  37. Gitika

    Hi, I am travelling to LAX from Delhi via Paris in June. I have a valid US tourist B1B2 visa. I have a layover in Paris for 3hrs 30 mins. Do I need a Transit visa for Paris?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Gitika! In our knowledge, you don’t need a transit visa. However, it is recommended that you also check with the airline.

      Reply
  38. Venkat

    Hi I am travelling to Chennai from CLE via Paris CDG. My US visa is expired but I have valid Canada visitor visa. Do I need Airport transit visa?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Venkat! In our knowledge, your Canadian visitor visa does not require you to have a transit visa. However, it is still recommended that you check with the airline as well.

      Reply
  39. Muthu

    Hi,

    I am travelling from USA to India via Paris next week. I am a US GC holder and the transit time is 3 hours. Please advise if I need a transit visa.

    Thanks,

    Reply
  40. Rao

    I am travelling from the USA to INDIA and has layover at Paris Charles de GaulleCDG airport. I have f1 student visa in USA. Could you let me know whether do I need any transit visa for travelling.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Rao! Usually, US visa holders do not require a transit visa for France. If your itinerary has terminal change which may require you to undergo immigration checks at Paris CDG Airport, you may need a transit visa. Hence, it is recommended that you should also check with the airline.

      Reply
  41. MD

    Hi, I have booked a return flight ticket from the UK to India via France (1 stop). I’m an Indian national and holding a UK work visa. My transit time is only 1.5 hours and I do not intend to leave the France airport. Do I need to take an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) while transiting through France? Appreciated much on all the above feedback with patience !

    Reply
    • Shaz

      Hi,

      i am in same situation. please can you share your experience. did u get Visa for france?
      Thanks in advance.

      Reply
  42. Sabyasachi

    I have a valid b1 visa. I will be travelling from new york to delhi via 2 transits: Canada and Paris. Do I need a transit visa for these countries?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Sabyasachi! Since India is not yet on Canada’s list of visa-exempt countries, you need a transit visa for Canada. In our knowledge, you don’t need a transit visa for France.

      Reply
  43. MP

    I am travelling from USA to INDIA with stop at Paris (CDG) for 3.5 hours.
    My visa is expired but have valid I797 and going to get stamping in INDIA, do I need transit visa?

    Reply
    • HP

      Did you apply for France transit visa? or it was not required.
      Can you share you travel experience so others can benefit from it?

      Reply
  44. Rahul

    Hi I am traveling from US to India via Paris, I have a H1B which is expired and would get it stamped in India. Do I need a transit visa? Please help.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      HI Rahul! It is safe to have a transit visa given that your US visa has expired. It is also recommended that you check with the airline.

      Reply
    • Hardik

      Did you apply for transit visa for France? or it was not needed.
      Can you share your travel experience?

      Reply
  45. Bhavana

    Hi I am travelling from USA to India on June 20th via paris. I have valid H4 visa till September 2023, but my 1-94 is valid only till march 2023. Do I need a transit visa?

    Reply
  46. Rahul Raju

    Hi, I am travelling from India to Mauritius via CDG, do I need a transit visa for 8 hr layover? and I am not changing the terminals either. I have already a[[lied for the transit visa and Mauritius is a visa-free country for India.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Rahul! We have little idea of whether Mauritius-bound Indians are eligible for visa-free transit at CDG Airport, Paris.

      Reply
  47. santhosh

    I’m F1 student traveling to US from India, i have 10.2 hrs layover in Paris and 13 hrs layover again in Amsterdam What are requirements to explore Paris during my flight layover?i have F1 student visa of US, Do I need any visa for exploring Paris or Amsterdam? If yes, is it on-arrival visa or should we apply for it anywhere? can anyone please let me know what is the process for exploring cities during my layover?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Santosh! In our knowledge, you need a short-stay Schengen visa to explore Paris and Amsterdam during layovers.

      Reply
  48. Anirudha

    Hello,
    Thank you so much for wonderful post.
    I will be travelling to Canada from India via CDG (Paris Airport) and have Immigrant VISA. DO I need to apply for the transit visa. Please guide me in the same.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Anirudha! Thank you for appreciating our efforts! It is clearly stated in the post that you don’t need a transit visa for Paris if you have a valid US/Canada visa (immigrant or nonimmigrant) and if you don’t go out of the airport.

      Reply
  49. Pream

    Hello,
    I am planning to tavel from US -> India via Frane. My visa is changed from F1 to H1B. The US visa stamp that I have on my passport is the F1 visa which is expired but i do have documentation that proves that my visa is changed and extended to 3 more years.
    Does this help to secure my transit through Paris. Or do I still need a transit visa?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Pream! It seems you are good to go without a transit visa. However, it is recommended that you contact the French Embassy/Consulate and the airline for more accurate information. Thanks!

      Reply
  50. UBS

    Hello, I am traveling from India to USA with 2 stops flight. first stop is in Frankfurt airport with short layover and 2nd stop in Paris with 6hrs layover . I have a valid US stamped VISA do I need transit visa in Frankfurt or Paris.?

    here I am having connecting flights in Frankfurt(Germany) and Paris so thats the reason I want to know if I need transit visa.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Usha! Most probably, you need a regular Schengen visa to connect/transit via two Schengen countries in your itinerary. Be requested to check the visa requirement with the airline too.

      Reply
  51. Abhishek

    Hi,
    I am planning to travel from US -> India via Paris ( CDG) Airport. The stop over is 3-4 hours and I will be transferring from Delta to Air France to Paris airport as the airlines are on code share.

    I have a US H1b visa stamped on my passport. Do I need an airport transit visa?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Abhishek! Be advised to check with Delta Airlines or Air France whether there is terminal change at Paris Airport and whether terminal change (if yes) would require you to undergo immigration checks. If yes, you may need an airport transit visa.

      Reply
  52. Tirlochan Singh

    I have Canada Visitor visa and I fly from New Delhi and my connection is in paris but I have to change the terminals (1 to 2B), in order to board the next flight to Toronto.
    Do I need transit visa for that?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Tirlochan! If the terminal change at Paris Airport requires you to go through immigration, you may need a transit visa. Hence, be requested to check with the airline.

      Reply
  53. Sriram

    Hi,

    My wife and child are travelling to India via cdg next month. They are both l2 visa holders but do not have the latest stamping. Valid i797 is there. Do they need a transit visa? There are no plans to step out of the transit zone

    Reply
  54. Mohan

    Hi, am planning to book tickets for my mom from india to los angeles. she has a valid B1/B2 visa . i see am getting bit cheaper tickets on air france ,british and luftansa air lines. am not sure if she needs the airport transit visa ?

    can some body help me in understanding this requirement ? . i read the requirements in many web sites and it is very much confusing . none of them is clear.

    Thanks
    Mohan

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Mohan! Indians having a valid US visa don’t need a transit visa for Paris, Frankfurt/Munich, or London if they don’t step out of the transit area.

      Reply
  55. Hetal Patel

    Hi,
    I am having USA student visa. I was travelling from India to USA. My flight was Mumbai – Amsterdam – Paris – Atlanta by Delta airlines.. do i need transit transit visa ?

    Reply
  56. Rohin

    Hi,

    I am travelling from Chicago ORD to BOM Mumbai with a layover in France CDG airport. I am currently residing in the US on a valid F1 Student Visa and my passport is of Indian nationality. Do I need a airport transit visa or Schengen Visa for the layover at CDG Airport in France? Please let me know.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Rohin! Having a valid US visa, you don’t need a transit visa for Paris if you have no plans to step out of the transit area.

      Reply
  57. Kusuma Arasada

    i have valid H1b visa, i am travelling from India to US via Paris. Do i need to have transit visa? Can someone please help

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Kusuma! Having a valid H1B/US visa, you don’t need a transit visa for Paris.

      Reply
  58. Jaya Shivtare

    Hi,

    I am travelling from Manila to Toronto with a layover in Toronto and Newark any my passport is of Philippines nationality. Do I need a airport transit visa for Japan and USA .Please let me know.
    Thank you in advance for help.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Jaya! You need a transit visa for the USA. We have little idea about whether you need a transit visa for Japan.

      Reply
  59. Shivaramakrishnan Rajendran

    Hi, I am having an F1 student visa. I will be travelling from chennai- buffalo via Paris and Atlanta in Air France . Do I need transit visa?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Shivaramakrishnan! It seems there is only one Schengen layover in your itinerary. If you stay within the transit area of Paris Airport, you don’t need a transit visa.

      Reply
  60. Ashiq Ashraf

    Hi my parents are travelling from Delhi to manchester via paris. Layover time is 2hr. They have. Avalid visit visa. Do they need a transit visa?

    Reply
    • Shaz

      Hi Ashiq Ashraf

      Please you share your experience? did your parents manage to go through Paris? do they got France visa to travel?

      Reply
  61. Nischal

    I am student who has Canadian study permit and I travelling to India so do I need a transit visa in Paris

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Nischal! In our knowledge, you don’t need a transit visa in Paris. However, it is recommended that you do also check with the airline.

      Reply
  62. Santy

    I don’t understand the exception. Everyone travelling to the US will have a valid US visa. Which category of Indian passport holders need a transit visa in France for travelling onward to India/US.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Atul! If you have a valid US visa stamp on your passport and if you don’t leave the transit area of London Heathrow Airport, a transit visa is not required for London.

      Reply
  63. Abhijit

    Hi this is abhijit. I am traveling from Mumbai tu Paris and then Paris to Manchester United I have valid C1D visa ,and I got 16hr overlay in Paris airport so do I need transit visa for Paris.?????

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Abhijit! We have little knowledge whether C1D visa holders need an airport transit visa for Paris. All we know is that an aircraft crew member or a national of a country that is party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation does not require an airport transit visa.

      Reply
  64. Karthik

    Hi, I have a Valid US visa (L1B) on my expired passport. can I travel from the USA to India through France with a renewed passport and valid visa in my old passport?
    Do I need a transit visa, in this case?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Karthik! In our knowledge, you can. It is advisable that you contact the airline and keep the airline informed about the same.

      Reply
  65. Ravi Sharma

    Hey
    Im travelling from Delhi to London via Paris (layover 12 hours). Do I require transit visa ?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Ravi! We have little idea that whether UK visa holders need a transit visa for Paris.

      Reply
  66. Dhana Polasi

    Hey,
    I am traveling from Detroit, US to Hyderabad, India via Paris (layover 2hr 30min) . My Visa expired on my passport but I have valid I797 upto 2026. Along with that I have valid Canada visiting visa. Do I need transit visa to Paris?

    I did not book this route but my flight through Amsterdam got changed to Paris by KLM Airlines itself. I can try to switch to Amsterdam if Paris won’t work for me. Please advice.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Dhana! Having a valid Canadian visa, you don’t need an airport transit visa for Paris, as far as we know.

      Reply
  67. Balasundar

    Hi,
    Am student Travelling from Bangalore, India to Ireland via Paris (2 hrs layover) with student visa do i need France transit visa.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Baladundar! Whether you need a transit visa or not, it depends on your visa.

      Reply
  68. Sudheesh

    I am an Indian Pass port holder travelling from Saint Marteen to Bangalore via CDG france in Air France . Do i need a transit visa at CDG

    Reply
  69. Bhagyashri Narkhede

    I am planning to travel from India to Italy via France
    On student visa.
    Do I require transit visa for France?

    Reply
  70. Guddu

    Hello, I’m holding Indian passport and valid US visa. If, I’m travelling from India to UK. Via Paris , Munich, Amsterdam or Frankfurt or any Europian country. I’m not travelling to US.

    1. Do I need transit visa?
    2. What if I change terminal?
    3. What if my terminal is same?
    4. What proof I can provide in case immigration officer will ask other than US visa?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Guddu! If there are two Schengen airports in your itinerary, you need a Schengen visa.

      Reply
      • Guddu

        Hello, thnx for reply. I’m travelling Ahmedabad to Mumbai, Mumbai to Paris, Paris to Birmingham. Only 1.30 hr lay over at Paris and same terminal. Just passing via Paris, one Schengen country.

        Reply
  71. Sharvani

    Hi, I am an Indian student travelling from US to India via Paris (2hr transit) and Bahrain (3hr transit). Do I need a transit visa?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Sharvani! In our knowledge, you don’t need a transit visa for having a valid US visa. However, it is recommended that you do also check the airline.

      Reply
  72. HEMANTA KUMAR

    Hi I am Having Indian Passport and I am travelling form Nigeria to India Via Paris, do i need air Trasit Visa, Kindly let me know.

    Reply
  73. Aniket Vishwarupe

    Hello,

    I am travelling from Minneapolis to Mumbai through Paris. I have expired visa on my passport but new I797A.
    It looks like I can go through Paris without needing transit visa. But what have been experiences here?

    Reply
  74. Ankit

    Hi, thanks for responding to all the queries here!

    I am planing to travel to Cancun, Mexico via CDG Paris(layover of 6 hours – same terminal) from New Delhi

    I have a valid UK tourist visa, do I need to apply for ATV ?

    Thanks again

    Reply
  75. Sanjas

    hello sir..i am indian passport holder and i am holding valid USA b1/b2 Tourist visa. my layover is less than 4 hours in CDG paris while going to ATLANTA, USA from delhi airport and while coming back from ATLANTA, USA also i have stay at CDG which is less thn 4 hours… so my query is do i need transit visa for paris if i am transiting twice through CDG Paris airport while going and coming back through same route or not sir ? kindly reply soon as i have to confirmed my ticket sir.

    Reply
  76. venu kokkari

    Hello,

    I am traveling from DFW to BOM with a valid H1B visa. The layover is for 2.5 hours but I am not sure if there will be a terminal change. Is a transit visa required?

    Reply
  77. Siri B

    Hi, I have valid USA visa. Im traveling from DFW to HYD Via CDG and Bahrain international airport. do i need any transit visa?

    Reply
  78. Preeti Nair

    Hi,
    I am travelling from U.S, on student visa, to India and have a layover of abt 3:30 hrs in CDG. Do I need any type of transit visa for Paris ?

    Thank you

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Preeti! In our knowledge, you don’t need an airport transit visa for Paris for having a valid US student visa.

      Reply
  79. Rajk

    I have a flight from ORD to MAA via CDG. I have an expired F-1 visa stamp but have H-1B approval in hand. Do I need a transit visa just for a connecting flight at CDG? There are no terminal changes.

    Reply
  80. Raja

    Hi, my parents are traveling from ORD to HYD via CDG (2 hours layover) & BAH (3 hours 5 minutes layover) – Gulf Air. They have valid B2 visa. Will they require a transit visa in CDG to board their flight to BAH?

    Thanks,
    Raja

    Reply
  81. Abhishek Maheshwari

    Hi,
    I got a green card issued in 2020 which expired in 2022. Now I have an extension for 2 years(till 2024) – I have an I 797 approval document. Can I buy a one stop flight via Paris to India?

    Reply
  82. CS

    Hello,

    We are traveling one way to India from USA on 19th Jan and our usa visa stamp on passport expires on 23rd Jan even though i have my visa extension until 2025 but valid us stamp on passport until 23rd Jan. Can we travel to India one way? I dont have any plans of returning at this point.

    Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  83. Maulik

    Hello,

    I am travelling to USA from India on B1-B2 visa via Paris. So I don’t need transit visa as I have valid US Visa.

    But in my case, I have 14hr layover at CDG airport. Due to layover the day changes e.g. 8pm to 10AM next day. I will be arriving at terminal 2F 8pm and leaving from terminal 2E at 10am terminal at CDG airport.

    Do I need transit visa? I am not sure changing terminal requires getting out of international zone or not.

    Please advise.

    Reply
  84. Mukul

    Hi, My family needs to travel to US on the visitor visa. The return is via Paris CDG. It is a single halt of 2hr 10 mins. Do they need transit visa?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Mukul! In our opinion, she does not need a transit visa if her US visa remains valid during her return journey to India via Paris.

      Reply
  85. Priya

    Hi ,
    I am on Canadian work permit visa , I am planning to travel to Delhi from Ottawa via Paris (cdg) with my family .
    Do I need France Transit visa ?

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Priya! Usually, having a valid Canadian or US visa, you may not need an airport transit visa for France. However, it depends on your itinerary, transit connection time, and/or terminal change at Paris airport. Hence, it is recommended that you contact the airline for more accurate information.

      Reply
  86. Una May Van Wyk

    We are immigrating to Canada via PR. Do we need a transit visa if we fly from South Africa via Paris charles de gaulle to Toronto

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Una! We have little knowledge of the transit visa applicable to your itinerary starting from South Africa.

      Reply
  87. Janvi

    Hi I am on my Canadian work permit. I am travelling from India to Canada via paris (around 4 hrs layovsr) and another layover at Montreal Canada.
    Do I still need airport transit visa for paris?

    Thanks in advance for any leads.

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Janvi! In our opinion, you don’t need a transit visa for Paris if there is no terminal change at Paris Airport.

      Reply
  88. Ishan

    Hi, am in a Canadian student visa. I have transit which says “self transfer baggage recheck in layover of 19hr” in paris. Am not sure of I need a airport transit visa or short schengen visa. Chennai – paris – canada. Whichnis booked as two separate tickets by kiwi.com . Kindly help me info. Thank you

    Reply
    • indianeagle Post author

      Hi Ishan! Since you booked two separate flights, you will have to claim your checked bags and recheck-in them for the Paris to Canada leg. Given a layover of 19 hours at Paris Airport, you can go for a short Schengen visa in our opinion.

      Reply
  89. Ranjeet Gupta

    Hi , I need to travel from Delhi to Toronto via Paris with 12hr layover in Paris cdg. Same terminal 2e. Do I need airport transit visa. I don’t want to go outside.

    Reply
  90. Raj

    Hi,
    From your article above, if I have a valid US visa, I can transit via France for a USA India travel. How about via Amsterdam?

    Reply

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