New Delhi, Apr 23 (APAC Media): The Embassy of France in India on Thursday announced that Indian nationals holding ordinary passports will no longer require an airport transit visa when transiting through the international zones of French airports, with the exemption coming into effect from April 10, 2026.
“The exemption applies to passengers who remain within the international transit area while connecting through French airports en route to a third country. Travellers will not be permitted to enter French territory or pass through immigration under this facility.” The Embassy of France said in a statement.
The decision is expected to facilitate international travel for Indian passengers transiting through France, particularly via major hubs such as Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
“We welcome the announcement on the operationalisation of visa-free transit for Indian nationals transiting through French airports. As you may recall, the removal of the requirement of transit visas for Indian passport holders was agreed upon between the prime minister and President Macron during their meeting in Mumbai in February this year. ” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
Aviation and travel industry stakeholders have said the move is likely to reduce documentation requirements, streamline transit procedures, and strengthen the attractiveness of French airports as convenient one-stop connecting points on global routes.
“The Government of France has now operationalised this agreement, and Indian nationals transiting through mainland France exclusively by air will no longer need a transit visa with effect from 10th April 2026,” he added.
Earlier, many Indian travellers were required to obtain an airport transit visa even when not entering French territory. The new policy removes this requirement under specified conditions, marking a significant relaxation of transit regulations.
Officials have clarified that the exemption is strictly limited to airside transit. Any passenger intending to exit the international transit area or enter French territory will still be required to obtain the appropriate Schengen visa.
The measure is viewed as part of wider efforts to enhance mobility and connectivity between India and France, further facilitating smoother passenger movement between the two countries.
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