Short-stay visas (Type C)
Schengen Airport Transit Visa (Type A)
For travellers who need to connect through the international transit area of a Schengen airport during a stopover, without leaving that area or entering the country.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Important information
An airport transit visa only allows you to wait in the international transit zone to change planes; you cannot leave the transit area, even overnight. Multiple airport transits need a standard Type C visa instead.
On this page
- Official name
- Airport Transit Visa (Type A)
- Route type
- Transit
- Length of stay
- The airport transit visa is valid only in the international transit area for up to 24 hours; the seafarer variant allows a stay of up to five days.
Who can apply
- Nationals of countries that require an airport transit visa (e.g. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka)
- Exemptions may apply for diplomatic passport holders, family of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, and holders of valid visas/residence permits from certain countries
Requirements
- You are a national of a country whose travellers require an airport transit visa
- You are only changing flights, not entering the Schengen area
- You hold travel documents and any visa for your final destination
- You have travel insurance covering at least €30,000
What you can do
- Airport transit — Wait in the international transit area to change planes to your final destination.
- Seafarer transit — Briefly disembark at a Schengen seaport while arranging onward transport.
Documents you may need
- Completed, signed visa application form
- Two recent Schengen-standard photographs
- Valid passport (2+ blank pages, issued within 10 years)
- Travel documents for your final destination and any onward visa
- Return/onward flight reservation to a third country
- Travel insurance covering at least €30,000
- Proof of visa-fee payment
Processing time
You should usually receive a response within about two weeks; in exceptional cases this can extend to 30–60 days. Apply at least 15 days before travel, and no earlier than 3 months ahead.
Frequently asked questions
At least 15 days before your trip, and no earlier than three months before departure.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-10. Information only — not legal advice.