France Airport Transit Visa for Indians Removed: Big Travel Relief for Passengers via France
France Airport Transit Visa for Indians
In a big relief for Indian passengers travelling abroad, France has officially removed the requirement of an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) for Indian passport holders.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday that this new rule has been in effect since April 10, 2026. Under this change, Indian travellers who are only transiting through French airports will no longer need a special transit visa, as long as they remain inside the international transit area and do not enter French territory.
Earlier, Indian passengers had to apply for a transit visa while connecting flights through France, especially when travelling to non-Schengen destinations. This often caused delays, extra cost, and additional paperwork for travellers.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a briefing in New Delhi that this decision reflects the strong and growing partnership between India and France. He added that it will make international travel smoother and more convenient for Indian citizens.
The move follows an announcement made by French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to India in February 2026. After that, France issued an official decree and published it in its government gazette, confirming the rule change.
An airport transit visa is usually required when passengers change flights in a country without entering it. It is only meant for short airport layovers and not for tourism or long stays.
With this decision, thousands of Indian travellers are expected to benefit, especially those using France as a transit hub for Europe and other international destinations. The change is also seen as a step toward stronger travel ties between India and France.
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