When you are travelling internationally from India, your itinerary might include stops in other countries—stops that could require a transit visa. Understanding these requirements is just as important as carrying your passport. This guide will help you know which countries require a transit visa for Indian travellers. It will also ensure you are well-prepared for any layovers on your journey. Let us dive into which destinations might need extra paperwork so your travel remains smooth.
Countries That Require Transit Visa for Indian Citizens
Understanding transit visa requirements is important as you prepare for international travel. Each country has specific rules that can vary widely. Here is an overview of what to expect in various countries with regard to transit visas:
- United Kingdom: A transit visa is usually required unless you have a valid visa from Canada, the USA, Australia, or New Zealand.
- Schengen Area: A transit visa is needed for most countries unless you have exemptions in France, Germany, Netherlands, or Switzerland, where staying in the airport’s transit zone does not require a visa.
- Saudi Arabia: All travellers passing through must obtain a transit visa unless they qualify for certain exemptions.
- United Arab Emirates: A transit visa is necessary for layovers longer than 24 hours. However, travellers may be eligible for a visa on arrival or can bypass this requirement if they hold a visa from a GCC country.
- Russia: A transit visa is required for anyone passing through Russian airports.
- United States: A C-1 transit visa is needed unless the traveller holds a valid US entry visa or qualifies for certain exemptions.
- Canada: Transit visas are generally required, but there are exemptions available for travellers who meet specific conditions.
- Thailand: A transit visa is generally required for stays longer than 12 hours or if you need to exit the transit area of the airport.
- Kenya: For Kenya, transit visas are typically needed if the transit duration exceeds 24 hours or if you plan to exit the airport transit area.
- Brazil: In Brazil, transit visas are usually required for all transits lasting more than 24 hours or if you exit the transit area.
- China: A transit visa is not required if you qualify for the 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy under certain conditions.
- South Korea: Transit visas are not needed if you hold a valid visa for Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the US.
- Singapore: You do not need a transit visa if you meet the Visa-Free Transit Facility (VFTF) requirements.
- Japan: Transit visas are generally required unless you have a current valid visa or residency permit for the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or a Schengen country.
- Australia: Most travellers require a transit visa (Subclass 771). However, exemptions are available under specific conditions, providing flexibility for certain international visitors.
- New Zealand: Transit visas are generally necessary unless you hold a valid visa from Australia, the US, Canada, or certain other countries, which helps facilitate easier travel between these nations.
Conclusion
You need to have a proper understanding of transit visa requirements to avoid interruptions when you apply for a transit visa. It is also important to secure comprehensive travel insurance online. Such insurance safeguards against unexpected travel issues like delays, cancellations, and emergencies. It also ensures peace of mind throughout your journey. Arrange robust travel insurance online before your trip— it will be your first step toward stress-free and secure travel.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.