The Transit Schengen Visa is essential for travelers passing through the Schengen Area on their way to another destination in Europe. If your travel plans include a stopover or transit within the Schengen Zone, this visa is required. This comprehensive guide covers the different types of Transit Schengen Visas, eligibility requirements, application process, and more, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your journey.
Navigating the Types of Transit Schengen Visa Guide
Airport Transit Schengen Visa
Schengen Airport Transit Schengen Visa (ASSV), more explicitly referred to as an Airport Transit Visa, is a special kind of visa designed specifically for passengers who are transferring at a Schengen airport. The main purpose of this document is to allow passengers to cede to duty-free shopping areas of the transit zone in Schengen Airport for connection of the flight to the end of travel. But, keep in mind that the checkpoint still bars its holder from leaving the transit area regardless of the length of a stay on long layovers.
Exceptions to the Airport Transit Schengen Visa
The Airport Transit Visa is no longer available for travelers passing through multiple Schengen Area airports. This visa type is intended for stays longer than 90 days in any EU/EEA country. Flights within the Schengen Zone are considered “domestic” and do not qualify as “transit flights.” If you need to leave the airport to catch another flight from a different airport within the Schengen Area, you will also need a regular Schengen visa.
Transit Schengen Visa for Seafarers
Transit Schengen Visa for Seafarers is a specific document aimed at marine crews entering a Schengen seaport only for leaving the ship. It allows them to temporarily leave their vessel in a Schengen seaport and stay for a limited duration before they continue their journey to a non-Schengen country.
Do You Need an Airport Transit Schengen Visa ?
To determine whether you need an Airport Transit Schengen Visa, it’s crucial to consider your nationality. The following countries’ nationals require an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit area of any Schengen airport:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Iran
- Iraq
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
Moreover, some Schengen states have extended the list of countries whose nationals require an airport transit visa when traveling through their airports. Here is a detailed breakdown of these countries:
A
- Algeria
- Angola
- Armenia
- Austria
B
- Belgium
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
C
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- China
- Colombia
- Cuba
- Côte d’Ivoire
D
- Denmark
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
E
- Egypt
F
- France
G
- Gambia
- Germany
- Greece
- Guinea
- Guinea Bissau
H
- Haiti
- Honduras
I
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Italy
J
- Jordan
L
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Libya
M
- Mali
- Mauritania
N
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- Niger
P
- Palestinians (Transit visa required for travel document holders)
- Poland
- Portugal
R
- Republic of the Congo
- Russia
S
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Spain
T
- Togo
- Turkey
Y
- Yemen (Transit visa required for ordinary passport holders only)
- Yemen (Transit visa required for travel document holders)
Airport Transit Schengen Visa Exempt Categories
Certain individuals may be exempt from the airport transit visa requirement, even if they belong to one of the above-listed countries. Exemptions include:
- Holders of diplomatic passports
- Family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens
- Holders of valid visas issued by Schengen states, EU Member States, the European Economic Area, Canada, Japan, or the United States
- Holders of valid residence permits issued by Schengen states, EU Member States, the European Economic Area, the Principality of Andorra, Canada, Japan, the Republic of San Marino, or the United States
- Flight crew members who are nationals of a contracting party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation
Required Documents for an Airport Transit Schengen Visa
When applying for an Airport Transit Schengen Visa, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Visa Application Form: A fully completed short-stay visa application form, printed, and signed.
- Recent Photos: Two recent passport-size photos taken within the last three months, following Schengen visa photo requirements.
- Valid Passport: A valid passport with at least two blank pages for visa affixation. It must be no older than ten years and should have sufficient validity.
Documents Related to Onward Journey
Proof of your onward journey to your final destination, which may include:
- Return flight ticket reservation demonstrating travel to a third country
- Visa issued by your travel destination, if applicable
- Travel insurance policy with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies, including repatriation in case of death
- Proof of paid visa fee (equivalent to a short-stay visa fee)
- These documents collectively demonstrate your intent, the purpose of travel, and your ability to meet any financial obligations during your transit.
Applying for a Transit Schengen Visa for Seafarers
The Transit Schengen Visa for Seafarers caters specifically to seafarers who need to disembark in a Schengen seaport. Here’s what you need to know about this specialized visa:
Eligibility and Use Cases
You will require a Transit Schengen Visa for Seafarers if you are a national of a third country and:
- Intend to join a vessel currently or soon to be docked in a Schengen port
- Need to transfer from one vessel to another within a Schengen port
- Plan to disembark due to reasons like the end of a contract, illness, repatriation, urgent family matters, or a holiday
Required Documents for Seafarers
When applying for a Transit Schengen Visa for Seafarers, ensure you provide the following documents:
- Visa Application Form: A visa application form, filled out and signed.
- Passport Photos: Two recent passport-size photos adhering to Schengen visa photo guidelines.
- Valid Passport: A valid passport issued within the last ten years and valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen territory.
- Seaman’s Book: Both the original and a photocopy of your seaman’s book.
- Letter from the Inviting Shipping Company: A letter issued by the inviting shipping company in the Schengen country where you will disembark.
- Travel Medical Insurance: Valid travel medical insurance covering health emergencies with a minimum coverage of €30,000, including repatriation in case of death.
- Flight Reservation: If applicable to your journey.
- Employment Contract: Your employment contract with the navigation company or ship you are boarding.
- Proof of Paid Visa Fee: Demonstrate payment of the visa fee.
Application Process
To apply for a Transit Schengen Visa, follow these steps:
- Check if you are required to hold the visa based on your nationality.
- Complete the application form.
- Gather the necessary documents, including those mentioned above.
- Schedule an appointment to submit your application and documents.
- Pay the visa fee (€60 or as applicable).
- Attend the appointment and submit your application.
- Await a response on your visa application, which typically arrives within two weeks. In exceptional cases, this duration may extend to 30 or 60 calendar days.
Therefore, it’s advisable to apply well in advance, though you cannot apply more than three months before your intended departure.
Duration for Transit Schengen Visa
The validity of a Transit Schengen Visa varies based on its type:
Airport Transit Schengen Visa:
Valid for 24 hours within the international transit area of a Schengen airport. For extended stays or leaving the transit area, a regular Schengen visa is required.
Transit Schengen Visa for Seafarers:
Allows a maximum stay of five days within the Schengen territory before departing the area.
Navigating the Transit Schengen Visa process requires careful planning and proper documentation. By meeting all the requirements, you can ensure a smooth transit through the Schengen Area. Whether you’re on a layover or a short stop as a seafarer, understanding the Transit Schengen Visa allows you to travel through Europe with ease and confidence.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the Schengen Area through transit straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Schengen Short Stay Visa or a National Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas have a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit Schengen Area. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
