How to get a Transit Visa: A Guide for Indian Travellers
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A transit visa is a short-term visa that allows travellers to pass through a country on their way to another destination without staying for an extended period. These visas are typically issued for a stay time ranging from a few hours to a few days – depending on the transit country, the purpose of transit and the means of transport. There are two types: Direct Airside Transit Visa (for staying in the airport) and Visitor In-Transit Visa (for short outings during layovers). Requirements and application process vary by country.
What is a Transit Visa?
A transit visa is a particular type of visa that allows travellers to pass through a country briefly without entering, mainly for connecting flights or changing terminals. It ensures smooth travel to the final destination and often allows a short stay for exploration.Â
Primarily, a transit visa facilitates a smooth and uninterrupted travel experience, ensuring that travellers can continue their journey without needing a full entry visa. Additionally, transit visas for Indian passport holders and others may qualify for a brief exploration of the transit city, offering a glimpse of its culture and attractions.Â
It has a specific period when it’s valid, but this doesn’t determine how long you can stay. The transit country decides the allowed stay duration, usually from hours to days. It is crucial to follow these limits to avoid visa issues. Also, some visas allow staying only within the airport or port area. Leaving without permission can cause problems and might void the visa.
How is a Transit Visa Different from Other Types of Visas?
A transit visa is specifically for travellers passing through a country to reach their final destination. Unlike other types of visas like tourist, work, student, or family visas, a typical transit visa is solely issued for the purpose of transit through the country and doesn’t allow tourism, work, study, or family visits. It is essential to apply for the right visa type to avoid legal issues and ensure a smooth journey. Travellers should carefully assess their travel needs and select the appropriate visa category.
Schengen Transit Visa: When is it needed?
The Schengen area consists of 27 European countries. If you are planning a trip with a layover in one of these countries, you will need a Schengen transit visa. This visa allows you to stay within the airport’s international transit area without exiting or spending the night in a hotel.
Whether you are changing flights or making a brief stop, having a Schengen transit visa ensures your transit experience is hassle-free. It simplifies the process, allowing travellers to smoothly navigate flight connections or short layovers without the complexities of a full entry visa.
How to Get a Transit Visa?
Step 1: Check If You Need an Airport Visa:
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents:
Step 3: Locate a Visa Application Center:
Find an embassy, consulate, or visa application centre representing your transit country. Schedule an appointment for an interview and submit your transit visa application there. Alternatively, check if it is possible to submit the transit visa application online, as that would save time, money, and effort!
Step 4: Submit Visa Application:
There are typically two ways to submit a transit visa application:
- Embassy or Consulate: Visit the official website of the transit country’s embassy or consulate in your home country to know how to get a transit visa. Download the visa application form, complete it accurately, and gather all the required documents. Schedule an appointment if necessary and apply in person. Pay the applicable visa fee, which may vary depending on the transit country’s regulations.
- Online application: Some countries like the UAE offer the option to apply for a transit visa online. Visit the designated online visa application portal the transit country’s government provides. Fill out the online form, upload the required documents in the specified format, and pay the visa fee electronically. Follow the instructions provided to complete the application process.
Transit Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
To apply for a transit visa, you will typically need the following documents:
- Valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended transit period. Some countries may also require additional blank pages in your passport.
- Travel itinerary: Provide a detailed itinerary that includes your flight/train/bus details, departure and arrival times, and any layovers or connections.
- Proof of onward travel: Show evidence of your onward travel plans from the transit country, such as a confirmed flight ticket or travel reservation and the Visa to enter the final destination. This demonstrates that you intend to leave the transit country within the allowed transit period.
- Additional specific requirements: Depending on the transit country, other specific requirements may exist. These can include visa application forms, passport-sized photographs, travel insurance, hotel reservations, and financial proof to demonstrate your ability to cover your expenses during transit. Research the specific requirements of the transit country to ensure you have all the necessary documents.
Transit Visa: What are the Exemptions?
You may not need a Transit Visa if:
- Valid Visa: If you have a valid visa for the country you are transiting through, a separate transit visa may not be necessary. This means if you are already allowed to enter that country, you can transit without an additional visa.
- Diplomatic Passport: Holders of valid diplomatic passports are often exempt from transit visa requirements. Diplomats and certain government officials enjoy this privilege due to international agreements.
- Bilateral Agreements: Some countries have agreements with specific nations, exempting their citizens from transit visa requirements. These agreements facilitate easier transit for travellers between these countries.
- Staying Within Transit Zone: Certain countries allow travellers to remain within the international transit zone of the airport or port without passing through immigration. In such cases, a transit visa might not be needed if you don’t exit this designated area.
- Short Transit Period: For layovers of less than 24 hours, some countries waive the transit visa requirement. However, the exact conditions and exemptions can vary, so it’s crucial to confirm this based on your nationality and the transit country.
Things to Remember in Case of a Transit Flight
If you are flying with an international airline from origin to destination via a transit country, it is crucial to check if the ticket has been issued with a single PNR reference number or has multiple PNRs. Remember that:
- A single PNR ticket usually means that the airline you booked your ticket with will be responsible for your journey from origin to destination. The airline typically issues your boarding passes for all the flights on this journey at the time of your check-in at the origin airport. This usually means you are allowed to fly till you reach your destination without a need for a transit visa.
- A ticket with multiple PNRs means you will most likely check in only for the first PNR in the origin airport and again at the airline’s desk in the transit country for the second PNR. This means you may pass through Immigration/border control, and a visa is mandatory.
Be very careful about this, as the most common response to landing in a transit country without a transit visa is deportation. The other most common experience for travellers who do not prepare well is not being issued boarding passes at the check-in desk on the day of travel at the origin airport.
In case of any questions or concerns around transit and transit visas, this is the best practice to follow:
- First, contact the airline toll-free helpline immediately after booking the ticket – either by call or by email and confirm if the ticket issued (single PNR or multiple PNR, as the case may be) requires a transit visa
- If yes, follow the next step
- If no, write an email to the airline’s official email ID and obtain a response in writing regarding the same. A written confirmation makes a big difference in this matter.
- Second, contact the embassy (or consulate or Immigration department of the foreign affairs ministry) of the country you intend to transit in, request clarification – either by email or phone – and request guidance.
- Last, if all responses point to obtaining a transit visa beforehand, apply promptly.
Airline-Sponsored Transit Visas
Airline-sponsored transit visas offer a hassle-free solution for travellers with layovers or connecting flights. These short-term visas, often provided at no cost, enable passengers to transit through a country without needing a full visa. Examples include Qatar Airways, which offers complimentary transit visas in Doha, and Turkish Airlines, which provides free transit visas for Istanbul layovers. Singapore Airlines facilitates transit visa-free stays for eligible passengers in Singapore. These initiatives enhance travel convenience and encourage passengers to explore and enjoy the layover destinations, contributing to the local tourism experience. Other airlines include Etihad Airways, Emirates Airline, Ethiopian Airlines and Gulf Air. These airlines not only assist with transit visas (either in advance or upon arrival at the airport), but also provide free hotel stay, food vouchers and meals and transport between the transit airport and hotel.
Key Takeaways
- A Transit Visa allows you to pass through a country briefly without entering, mainly for connecting flights or changing terminals.
- A Transit Visa doesn’t allow tourism, work, study, or family visits.
- A Schengen Transit Visa is needed for layovers in 27 European Schengen countries and allows you to stay within the airport’s international transit area.
- You can apply for a Transit visa through an embassy or consulate or online.
- The required documents for a Transit Visa include a valid passport, travel itinerary, proof of onward travel, and other additional documents like visa application forms, passport-sized photographs, hotel reservations, and financial proof.
- Transit visa exemptions include having a valid visa, holding a diplomatic passport, bilateral agreements, staying within the transit zone, and short layovers under 24 hours in specific cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
A temporary transit visa allows travellers to pass through a country for a limited period. It is typically required when you have a layover in a country on your way to your final destination in another country.
The countries that require transit visas vary based on your nationality, the transit country, and the duration of your layover. Some countries commonly known to require transit visas include the United States, Canada, China, Russia, some Schengen countries and Australia. It is essential to check the specific requirements of your transit country before your journey.
In many cases, an airport transit visa may not be required for connecting flights as long as you stay within the airport’s transit area and do not pass through immigration control. However, this can vary depending on the country and the duration of your layover. It is crucial to check the requirements of your transit country and consult with your airline or travel agent to ensure a smooth transit process, especially when changing terminals within the airport.
Eligibility for a transit visa varies depending on the regulations of the transit country. Generally, anyone travelling through a country to reach their final destination and meeting the specified criteria, such as having a valid passport, confirmed onward ticket, and appropriate travel documentation, can apply for a transit visa. It is essential to check the specific eligibility requirements of the transit country before applying.
The cost of an Indian tourist visa can vary depending on several factors, such as the duration of stay, the type of visa (e.g., single-entry or multiple-entry), and the applicant’s nationality. It is recommended to visit the official website of the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your country to get the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the cost of an Indian tourist visa. The fees are usually listed on their website or can be obtained by contacting the embassy or consulate.
