If your international flight involves a layover in another country, you might need a transit visa, even if you’re not planning to leave the airport. Failing to understand transit rules can lead to denied boarding, missed connections, or even deportation from the airport.
In this Remitly guide, we’ll break down what a transit visa is, who needs one, and how various countries enforce transit visa policies, so your next layover is nothing but smooth sailing.
What is a transit visa?
A transit visa is a short-term visa that allows you to pass through a country on your way to another destination. It typically doesn’t allow you to exit the airport or remain in the country for extended periods.
Unlike tourist, business, or employment visas, a transit visa is meant solely for temporary, immediate passage. Depending on the country and your nationality, you may need a transit visa even if you’re just switching flights in an airport terminal.
Who needs a transit visa?
Whether or not you need a transit visa depends on several factors, including your nationality, the country you’re transiting through, whether you plan to leave the airport, the duration of your layover, and the airport’s transit policies.
Some countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival options for certain nationalities. Others require you to obtain a pre-approved transit visa, regardless of the layover duration or whether or not you remain airside (inside the international terminal). Here’s how some major countries handle transit visas for connecting flights.
Australia
- The Transit visa (subclass 771) allows you to transit through Australia for up to 72 hours on your way to another country.
- If your layover is less than 8 hours, you remain airside (do not pass immigration), and you are from an eligible country, you may transit without a visa (TWOV).
- If you do not meet the TWOV conditions, you must apply in advance for a transit visa before your departure.
China
- The 144-hour visa-free transit offer is available in select cities for travelers from eligible countries.
- You must remain within the approved transit region and meet specific entry and exit port requirements.
- Not all airports or cities participate, so always check current regulations based on your specific travel plans.
Schengen Area
- Requires an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) for nationals of specific countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka, when transiting through a Schengen airport.
- Applies only if you’re not entering the Schengen Area, meaning you are staying in the international zone of an airport while waiting for your connection.
- Exemptions may apply based on residency permits or valid visas from countries like the US, Canada, or the UK.
Singapore
- Most travelers can transit visa-free through Changi Airport (and enjoy the world’s best airport).
- Singapore’s Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF) allows eligible travelers, including Chinese and Indian nationals, to stay up to 96 hours if specific requirements are met.
United Kingdom
- A Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) may be required for citizens of certain countries if you’re transiting through a UK airport without passing through border control.
- If you plan to go through UK border control, you may need a Visitor in Transit visa, which is valid for up to 48 hours.
- Exemptions apply if the traveler has a valid visa for countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the US.
United States
- A C-1 transit visa may be required even if you’re not leaving the airport during a layover in the US.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries with an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) do not need a C-1 visa.
It’s essential to verify your specific situation, as visa requirements can vary based on individual circumstances.
How to know if you need a transit visa
Here’s how to check whether a transit visa is necessary for your travel:
Step 1: Check the rules for your nationality
Start by visiting the immigration website of the country where your layover will take place. Most immigration sites provide visa requirement charts or lookup tools based on citizenship.
Step 2: Analyze your layover
Your specific flight logistics can trigger visa requirements. Ask yourself:
- Will I be changing terminals or rechecking luggage? This may require you to clear immigration, which often triggers the need for a visa.
- Does the airport allow airside transfer? This allows you to stay within the international transit area without going through customs or passport control.
- Is my layover longer than 8 or 24 hours? Extended layovers often exceed the visa-free allowance, even for airside transfers.
- Do I have separate tickets or airlines for each leg of my journey? If so, you might need to collect luggage and check in again, which usually requires a visa.
Step 3: Consult the airline or airport
Airlines are responsible for ensuring passengers meet the entry and transit requirements of all countries on their itinerary. They may deny boarding if visa requirements aren’t met.
- Contact your airline directly to confirm transit policies specific to your flight.
- Review the airport’s official website to understand transfer procedures and whether visa-free international transit is allowed.
- Look for guidance on terminal transfers and services for international transit passengers.
Step 4: Use official online tools
There are several trusted resources, including online eligibility tools or wizards, to help you determine what visa you may need.
- IATA Travel Centre: This tool from the International Air Transport Association outlines passport, visa, and health rules specific to your nationality and full itinerary.
- Government immigration portals: Most countries provide visa checkers, transit FAQs, and online visa wizards. These tools consider your nationality, layover time, and travel route.
- Embassy or consulate website: If you’re still unsure or have a complex travel case, reach out to the country’s embassy or consulate for confirmation.
How to apply for a transit visa
Applying for a transit visa involves several steps, and the process can vary slightly depending on the country you’re transiting through. Here’s a general guide:
Step 1: Check if you need a transit visa
Verify whether your nationality and route require a transit visa by visiting the official immigration website of the country you’re transiting through. Some countries allow visa-free airport transit for certain nationalities under specific circumstances, like same-day connections or no change of terminal.
Step 2: Gather required documents
While requirements vary, most countries will ask for the following:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity
- Proof of onward travel
- A valid visa or entry permit for your final destination (if required)
- A completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Evidence of transit only (no intention to enter the country beyond the airport)
Some countries may also request travel insurance, proof of finances, and accommodation or travel details.
Step 3: Submit your application
You can usually apply through an online application portal, by scheduling an in-person appointment, or by visiting a visa center authorized to process applications on behalf of the government. Processing times range from a few days to a few weeks, so apply well before your travel date.
Step 4: Pay the visa fee
Transit visa fees vary depending on the country and your nationality. For example, the fee for a UK DATV is £39 and the Schengen Area fee is €90, while Australia’s transit visa is free for most travelers.
Always check the most current fee and payment method on the official embassy or immigration website.
Step 5: Attend an interview (if required)
Some countries may require an in-person interview, especially for travelers from high-risk regions or those without prior visa history. Be ready to explain your travel route, the reason for transiting, and that you intend to leave the country promptly.
Tips for a smooth transit experience
- Apply early if a visa is required, as processing times vary.
- Book same-terminal layovers if possible to avoid passing through immigration.
- Bring printed documentation of your next flight and any visas you already hold (if applicable).
- Avoid booking separate tickets with different airlines unless you’re sure you won’t need to clear immigration.
- Stay informed, as visa policies change frequently due to political or public health-related developments.
Final boarding call
Transit visas are one of the most overlooked travel requirements, yet one of the most crucial. A layover that looks simple on paper could easily turn into a nightmare without the right documentation.
Research your layover country’s policies before booking. When in doubt, consult your airline or the official immigration website for guidance. Planning ahead ensures you can breeze through your layover and arrive at your final destination without stress.
FAQs
Can I leave the airport with a transit visa?
In most cases, you typically cannot leave the airport or transit zone, but it depends on the country that issued the transit visa. Some countries do permit short-term exits, especially if your layover is long and you apply for a specific type of transit visa that allows it.
Can I apply for a transit visa online?
Some countries, like Australia and Turkey, allow online transit visa applications, while others require embassy visits. Even if a country allows an online application, there may still be an in-person interview required. Always check with the relevant immigration authority.
What happens if I don’t have a transit visa?
You may be denied boarding at your departure airport or refused entry at the layover point. Airlines may also hold you financially responsible for rebooking or return travel.
What if I’m transiting through multiple countries?
You may need separate transit visas for each country, depending on your citizenship and the airport’s policies. Even if one country allows visa-free transit, another may not. Review all legs of your trip carefully.
How long is a US transit visa valid?
Transit visas are typically valid for a very short duration, usually 24 to 96 hours, depending on the country. The validity can vary based on country regulations, the length of your layover or port stop, and the number of entries allowed (single vs. multiple).
What if I am on a cruise? Do I need a transit visa?
Yes, you may need a visa for each country where the cruise docks, even if you don’t plan to disembark. Whether a transit visa applies depends on your nationality, the cruise itinerary, and the length of time spent in each port. It’s best to always check with the cruise line and embassies of each country on your itinerary to confirm whether transit or tourist visas are needed.
Is a transit visa the same as a tourist visa?
No, a transit visa typically allows a very limited stay and does not permit tourism activities. If you plan to leave the airport for sightseeing or visiting friends or family, you may need a tourist or visitor visa instead.
Can I get a transit visa on arrival?
Some countries offer transit visas on arrival, but many require advance approval. On-arrival options can be risky if you don’t meet all the eligibility criteria, so it’s best to confirm in advance through an embassy or immigration website.