What is a transit visa and when do I need one?

A transit visa allows a passenger to travel through one country while en route to another destination.

Whether you need a transit visa depends on your nationality, itinerary, travel documents, and the immigration requirements of the country where you have a connection.

You may need a transit visa if:

  • you need to leave the airport's transit area during your connection;

  • you need to change airports;

  • you need to collect and re-check your baggage;

  • your journey is booked on separate tickets and you must check in again for your next flight;

  • your connection includes an overnight stay and the airport's transit area is closed at night;

  • the country where you are connecting requires a transit visa for citizens of your country, even if you do not plan to leave the transit area.

You may not need a transit visa if:

  • you remain within the airport's transit area throughout your connection;

  • your baggage is checked through to your final destination;

  • you already have all boarding passes for your journey;

  • the transit country allows citizens of your country to transit without a visa.

Please note that not all airports have transit facilities. In addition, some transit areas are not open 24 hours a day.

If your journey is booked on separate tickets

If your itinerary consists of separate tickets, you may need to:

  • collect your baggage;

  • pass through passport or border control;

  • leave the transit area;

  • check in for your next flight.

In this case, you may need a transit visa or another document that allows you to enter the country where your connection takes place.

How can I check whether I need a transit visa?

Requirements depend on:

  • your nationality;

  • the country where you are connecting;

  • your destination country;

  • the length of your connection;

  • whether you need to leave the airport's transit area.

Before travelling, we recommend checking the requirements with:

  • the embassy or consulate of the transit country;

  • the official immigration website of the transit country;

  • your airline.

In case of uncertainty, airlines usually verify travel document requirements using the IATA Timatic database.

Important: It is the passenger's responsibility to ensure they have all visas and travel documents required for their journey.

In case of disputed situations, airline staff clarify visa information in Timatic (www.timaticweb.com); unfortunately, access to it is paid. However, Timatic is integrated into the websites of some airlines and alliances, where you can get visa information:

Visa requirements depend on citizenship and, in some cases, on the type of residence permit in a particular country.