Do I Need a Schengen Visa for Transit?

If you plan to travel through one of the Schengen countries and intend to spend up to 12 hours at an airport without departing it, no visa is needed – this is known as “transit privilege”.

There are various situations in which this privilege applies, but they vary based on your citizenship. For example, if you’re from Finland and need to stopover in Germany for only 12 hours, staying at their airport won’t cause any issues.

But if you are from another country and transiting Germany, an “A” visa will allow you to disembark at one of Germany’s airports for 12 hours before continuing on your way.

Airport Transit Visa applications also require you to bring along both your passport and copies of any documents submitted as part of the application process – another reason to apply early!

Submit a valid passport that is no more than 10 years old and features two blank pages to allow for the visa sticker to be applied. Your passport should also be undamaged, unblemished, and bear an appropriate photo for a Schengen visa application.

As part of your application for visa and medical coverage, please also submit proof of paid fees, along with an emergency medical plan covering any potential medical emergencies, biometric data collection form and biometric submission form.