Whether you need a transit visa depends on the country where you connect, the airport, whether you leave the secure area, and your own passport and visas. A layover does not always mean that no visa is needed.
Key principles
- Staying in the international transit area does not always avoid visa rules. Some countries require a transit visa even for airside transit.
- Leaving the transit area to enter the country usually requires a visa or entry permission.
- Rules can differ between airports in the same country, and can change over time.
Examples to check
- United Kingdom: Indian nationals generally need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) to transit the UK airside, even if they do not pass through UK immigration. Check GOV.UK before you fly.
- Schengen countries: some airports require an Airport Transit Visa, and rules differ between countries. Reports conflict for some airports, including Germany, so check the specific airport and the embassy of that country.
- Other hubs: some hubs offer visa-free transit under conditions, such as holding a valid visa for another country or having a confirmed onward ticket within a set time.
Before you fly
- Check the official immigration page or embassy of the transit country.
- Check the airport’s transit rules and the airline’s requirements at check-in.
- Carry your onward ticket and any visa needed for your final destination.
- If you want to leave the airport on a long layover, check whether you need a full visa first.
Ready to apply? Start your visa application on this site, and read our detailed visa guides at visa2travel.news.
Last verified: 5 November 2026. Visa rules change often, so confirm the details on the official link before you book or apply.