Last updated: September 2026
France has scrapped its airport transit visa (ATV) requirement for Indian nationals travelling on ordinary passports, making it easier to connect through French hubs like Paris Charles de Gaulle on the way to a final destination elsewhere.
What Changed
Effective April 10, 2026, Indian ordinary-passport holders passing through the international transit zone of a French airport no longer need to apply for an airport transit visa, provided they stay within that zone and do not clear French immigration. The change was announced following French President Emmanuel Macron’s February 2026 visit to India, as part of a broader push to ease travel between the two countries.
Who This Applies To
- Indian nationals holding an ordinary (non-diplomatic, non-service) passport
- Travellers who remain in the international zone of a French airport while connecting to a flight to another country
Who Still Needs a Visa
This exemption covers transit only. If you plan to exit the airport, enter French territory, or you’re travelling on to a destination that itself requires you to clear French border control first, you still need the appropriate visa — a standard Schengen visa for onward or extended stays, or a different visa category depending on your travel purpose.
Why It Matters
Paris Charles de Gaulle is one of the busiest connection points between India and destinations across Europe, the Americas, and parts of Africa. Removing the transit visa requirement cuts a step out of trip planning for travellers who were previously routing through France mainly to avoid the extra paperwork, and it puts France in line with several other European hubs that don’t require a transit visa for Indian passengers in similar circumstances.
If you’re booking connecting flights through Paris and need supporting travel documentation for a separate visa application, check our flight itinerary guide for what consulates typically expect to see.