What is a transit visa - and do I need one for my layover?
In short
- A transit visa allows you to pass through a country on the way to your final destination, usually during a layover or connecting flight.
- Whether you need one depends on three factors - your nationality, the country you transit through, and whether you stay in the international zone or pass through immigration.
- Schengen, US, UK, and Canadian transit rules differ widely - check requirements before booking flights with layovers.
What is a transit visa?
A transit visa is a special short-term visa for travelers passing through a country en route to another destination. It is not for tourism or extended stays - just for the time needed to make your connection.
Some countries waive visa requirements for travelers who remain in the airport's international transit area. Others require a transit visa even if you never officially enter the country. trip1 helps you book a hotel near a transit airport when you have a long layover, with crypto payment options that work globally.
When do I need a transit visa?
You typically need a transit visa if your nationality requires a visa for the transit country, you need to leave the international transit area, you have to collect baggage and re-check it for the next leg, or your layover lasts more than 24 hours.
Visa-free nationals such as US, EU, Japanese, and Canadian passport holders rarely need transit visas. Travelers from countries like India, China, Pakistan, or Nigeria often do, depending on the transit hub.
Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV)
A Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV) is required for citizens of certain countries to transit through a Schengen airport's international zone. The list includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the DRC, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Syria.
An ATV does not allow you to leave the airport. If you need to leave during your layover, you must apply for a regular Schengen short-stay visa instead.
US transit visa (C-1)
The US C-1 transit visa is for travelers passing through the United States to another country. It allows up to 29 days for the connection. The application fee is 185 USD, and most applicants need an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate.
There is no airside transit option in US airports - all transit passengers must clear US immigration. If you cannot transit visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA, you need a C-1 visa or a regular B-1/B-2 visa.
Related articles
Transit visa for layovers - FAQ
It depends on the country and your nationality. Many transit airports have an international transit area where you can stay without a visa, but countries like the UK, US, and Canada often require a transit visa even if you do not leave the airport.
Schengen Airport Transit Visas are typically valid for 24 hours within the international zone. US C-1 transit visas allow up to 29 days for travelers passing through the United States.
A Schengen Airport Transit Visa costs 90 EUR. A US C-1 transit visa application fee is 185 USD. Service fees from visa centers may add to the total.
A standard airport transit visa does not allow you to leave the airport. To leave during a layover, you usually need a short-stay visa or visa-free entry rights for that country.
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