1Airside connection
Remain in the international zone between two non-Schengen flights. An ATV may apply to listed nationalities.
France connection guide
France Transit Visa
Connecting through a French airport? Find out whether your route can stay airside, requires an Airport Transit Visa (ATV), or means entering the Schengen Area with a short-stay visa.
RouteNon-Schengen → France → non-SchengenATVDoes not permit Schengen entryKey riskBorder control or airport change
Visa rules and nationality exemptions can change. This guide is educational, not legal advice. Verify your exact itinerary with France-Visas and your airline before travel.
01 / ROUTE
Your route through France
The permission changes according to the passenger path—not simply the number of hours between flights.
12Border control
A flight onward to France or another Schengen country means entering Schengen at the first border checkpoint.
3Changing airports
Moving between CDG and Orly requires entering France; an ATV alone is not enough.
02 / PERMISSION
Which permission fits your trip?
Airport Transit Visa (ATV)
For certain passport holders who remain airside between two non-Schengen flights. It never permits entry into Schengen.
Short-stay Schengen visa
Potentially required if you cross border control, change airport, collect bags landside, stay in a hotel or connect onward within Schengen.
Visa exemption
Some passports, valid visas or residence permits can create an exemption—but only under the exact official conditions.
No French visa
Many passengers staying airside between non-Schengen flights need no French visa. Nationality and route still decide.
03 / DECISION
France transit decision map
Arrive from outside Schengen
Map every flight and technical stop.
Next flight outside Schengen?
If no, you enter Schengen in France.
Stay airside?
Bags, terminal access and overnight closure matter.
Check nationality
France’s ATV list and exemptions decide.
Verify officially
Save the result and reconfirm after schedule changes.
04 / DOCUMENTS
Documents you may need
Passport valid for the journeyConfirmed onward ticket and complete itineraryVisa or permission for the final destinationProof supporting any ATV exemptionTravel insurance and accommodation if entering SchengenFrance-Visas application receipt and biometrics, when required
05 / APPLICATION
How to apply
1Check the France-Visas wizardEnter nationality, residence and exact route.
2Gather the listed evidenceRequirements vary by country of application.
3Complete the online formSelect airport transit or short stay correctly.
4Book the appointmentUse the authorized visa centre or consulate shown.
5Track and recheckCarry supporting documents and verify any itinerary change.
France-Visas 06 / AIRPORTS
French airport scenarios
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Terminal changes can involve security, shuttle transport and sometimes border control. Confirm the exact terminal pair.
Paris Orly (ORY)
Do not assume every international connection remains airside; verify terminals, baggage and overnight access.
CDG ↔ Orly transfer
An airport change is landside. You must be permitted to enter France and allow substantial transfer time.
07 / FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does an ATV let me leave the airport?⌄
No. A French Airport Transit Visa only covers the international transit zone and does not authorize entry into Schengen.
Do I need an ATV for a flight onward to Spain?⌄
An onward flight to Spain is intra-Schengen, so you enter Schengen in France. Check short-stay entry requirements instead.
What if I must collect my baggage?⌄
If collection requires border control, you must meet French/Schengen entry rules. Confirm through-checking with the airline.
Can I transfer between CDG and Orly with an ATV?⌄
No. The transfer takes place landside and requires permission to enter France.
What if the terminal closes overnight?⌄
France-Visas states that an overnight closure forcing entry can require a valid short-stay Schengen visa.
How early should I apply?⌄
Processing and appointment times vary. Use the official wizard and apply as soon as your itinerary is firm.
08 / VERIFY
Official sources
Reviewed 4 September 2026 · Next review: December 2026