France announced a major relief for Indian travellers by scrapping the requirement of an Airport Transit Visa (ATV).
Effective April 10, 2026, Indian passport holders can transit through French airports without an ATV, provided they remain in the international zone during layovers.
The Embassy of France in India confirmed the change, stating that ordinary passport holders no longer need to apply for an ATV when passing through French airports en route to a third country. This exemption reduces paperwork, saves time, and lowers costs for passengers flying to destinations such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom via French hubs like Paris.
Officials clarified that the exemption applies strictly to airside transit. Travellers who wish to leave the airport or enter the Schengen area must still obtain a valid short-stay visa.
The policy shift marks a significant change in France’s visa framework. Until now, Indian travellers faced additional procedures even for short layovers without entering French territory. The new rules align France with more traveller-friendly transit policies seen in other global aviation hubs.
Travel experts welcomed the move, calling it a practical step that will boost convenience for Indian passengers. The exemption is expected to encourage more travellers to choose French airports as transit points, strengthening France’s position as a key aviation hub.
