First, let’s understand ‘what is a transit visa’? A transit visa is a short-term visa that lets travellers pass through a country which is on their way to the destination country without the intent of staying there. When you book a flight, it is crucial to know the need for a visa at your layover destination.
A transit visa is necessary in cases like the country of transit that requires it, the period of your layover or if you wish to move out of the airport during the layover period.
Every country has a different set of rules for passengers transiting through and it can vary depending upon your nationality or the itinerary. So, it is also advisable to check and know if you require a transit visa for connecting flights to avoid any inconvenience.
Here are a few scenarios where transit visa is required for connecting flights:
Transit Country: For example, if you are travelling to the US with an Indian passport and have a layover at a Schengen country, then you require a transit visa for the Schengen area. Other countries that require this type of visa for Indians are Afghanistan, Albania, Bolivia, Botswana, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, and Eritrea.
Layover Duration: In cases where the layover time is beyond a certain number of hours, then a transit visa is required, even if you are not moving out of the airport. Layovers less than 24 hours do not require a transit visa but this typically varies from country to country.
Nationality: Depending upon your passport or nationality, the requirement of a transit visa may vary. Some passports have easier rules of transit than others.
Leaving the Airport: If you plan on leaving the airport to explore your layover destination, then most countries will either need a transit visa or a tourist visa.
