21 May

Do you need a transit visa on your next international trip?

Have a trip planned?

Indian passport holders may need a transit visa when transiting through certain countries, depending on the country’s specific immigration policies and the duration and nature of their transit.

Below is a list of some countries where Indian citizens typically require a transit visa:


United Kingdom

Required for most Indian travelers unless holding a valid visa for Canada, the USA, Australia, or New Zealand, or if certain other conditions are met.

Schengen Area

Indian citizens generally need a Schengen Transit Visa to transit through most Schengen Area countries.

However, there are exceptions for France, Germany, Netherlands, and Switzerland where an airport transit visa is not required if you are staying within the airport's transit area and meeting your connecting flight.

Travelers who hold a valid visa or residence permit for certain countries (e.g., USA, Canada) may also be exempt.


Russia

Required for transiting through Russian airports.

United States

Required (C-1 Transit Visa) unless the traveller holds a valid visa for entry into the USA or meets certain other exemptions.

Canada

Required unless the traveller is eligible for a visa exemption under specific conditions.

China

Required unless eligible for the 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy under certain conditions.

Japan

Required for most Indian travelers unless they hold a valid visa or residence permit for the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or a Schengen country.

South Korea

Required unless the traveller meets certain exemptions like holding a valid visa for the USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.

Singapore

Required unless eligible for the Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF) under specific conditions

Thailand

Generally required for transits longer than 12 hours or if exiting the transit area.

United Arab Emirates

Required for layovers exceeding 24 hours, unless eligible for a visa on arrival or holding a visa for a GCC country.

Saudi Arabia

Required for all transit unless eligible for specific exemptions.

Qatar

Required unless eligible for a visa on arrival under certain conditions

Australia

Required (Subclass 771 Transit Visa) unless the traveller is eligible for an exemption under specific conditions.

New Zealand

Required unless the traveller holds a valid visa for Australia, USA, Canada, or certain other countries.

South Africa

Required unless transiting under specific exemptions.

Kenya

Generally required for transits longer than 24 hours or if exiting the transit area.

Brazil

Generally required if transiting for more than 24 hours or if exiting the transit area.

Source:   https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/visit/do-you-need-a-transit-visa-on-your-next-international-trip/have-a-trip-planned/slideshow/110271020.cms