Airport transit visa

Airport transit visas are visas that allow the holder to transit through the international zone of a French airport with no access to the Schengen space, before flying on to the final destination outside the Schengen area.

> > > I do not need a visa to transit throught the international zone of a French airport if:

 I am not a national of one the counties listed below;
 OR I am a resident in the United Kingdom, i.e. I am the holder of a valid residency permit;
 OR I hold a valid residency permit for one of the European Countries, for Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, for Andorra, for Japan, for Canada, for Monaco, for San Marino, for Switzerland or for the USA;
 OR I hold a Diplomatic, Service, Official or Special passport.

If you wish an official letter certifying you do not need an airport transit visa, please write to the Visa Section (6a Cromwell Place, London SW7 2EW), enclosing photocopy of the main pages of your passport. Please provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for the reply.

> > >May i apply for an airport transit visa?

> > > I may apply for a visa to transit throught the international zone of a French airport if:

 I am a national of one of the countries listed below,

 AND I am not resident in the UK but i’am in the situation described hereafter :

As from the 17th of November 2008 and as per the decree 2008-1176 of the 13th of November 2008, the French consulate, London, is no longer competent in processing visa applications of holders of ’C-Visit’ visas or of a British visa valid for 6 months or less. People must apply for their Schengen visas before travelling to the UK in their country of residence except if they have an unpredictable and urgent matter.

Table of nationalities concerned by the Airport Transit Visa :

As well as:

Stateless persons holders of travel documents issued by a country whose nationals are submitted to the obligation of the ATV.

How to apply:

Please attend the Visa Section in person, Monday to Friday, 8.30am, no appointment necessary.

Documents required + photocopies:

Caution : failing to produce the supporting documents and/or their copies will most probably lead to the visa being refused.

The French Consulate insists on the photocopies of the documents to be included with the application.

Please print this questionnaire, complete it and join it to your visa application.

1. A full national passport or official travel document valid for at more than 3 months beyond the validity of the requested visa, with at least 2 blank visa pages.

A copy of your passport (data pages) and of your resident permit are required and must be joigned to the file. Failing to do so will present a high risk of refusal.

2. One application form duly completed and signed by the applicant (or legal guardian for applicants under the age of 18).
3. 2 photographs. Please read photo guidance document
4. A confirmed airline ticket to your finale destination. Photocopies are not accepted.
5. A visa for your onward destination country if necessary.

> > > Additional documents to be produced:

If minor (under 18):
6. Original Full Birth Certificate, stating both parents’ names, with official translation if not in French or English. This translation must be certified as a true copy by your Embassy/ Consulate or by the legalisation bureau of the Foreign Office in GB;
7. Parents’ original passports or certified copies if the parents are residing abroad.

If under the age of 18 and travelling to France without the parents or with one parent:
6. A parental authorisation to travel form, completed and signed by the parents or legal guardian authorising the child to travel and appointing the person responsible for him. This letter should be duly authenticated by a solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths, or by a Consular Officer of the applicants’ nationality;
7. Parents’ passports must be enclosed with the application, or certified copies if the parents are residing abroad;
8. Original Full Birth Certificate, stating both parents’ names, with official translation if not in French or English. This translation must be certified as a true copy by your Embassy/ Consulate or by the legalisation bureau of the Foreign Office in GB.

If under the age of 18 and fostered:
6. An official up-to-date letter from the British social services authorising the trip. This letter must indicate the full name of the child, full name of the carer and the address and length of stay;
7. Carer’s valid passport

Ensure that all documents requested are provided.
If deemed necessary, additional documents may be requested.
Incomplete applications will not be dealt with: applicants will need to book another appointment to provide the lacking documents.

 Visa application fee:

Delay:

On presentation of all required documents, a delay of a few hours may be expected.