Indian nationals transiting through mainland France will no longer need airport transit visas with effect from April 10, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday (April 23).
Speaking at a press conference, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the decision reflected the enduring partnership between India and France, “elevated to the level of a special global strategic partnership during the recent visit of President Macron and further facilitating the smoother movement of people and strengthening people-to-people ties”.
The French Embassy shares details
Earlier in the day, Embassy of France in India issued a statement saying: “Indian nationals holding an ordinary passport are no longer required to have an airport transit visa when passing through the international zone of airports located on French territory.”
The statement said that during his recent visit to India in February 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron had announced that measures would be taken to make it easier for Indian nationals to travel through France.
“Following President Macron’s statement, a decree amending the decree of 10 May 2010 on the documents and visas required for foreigners to enter French territory was adopted and published in the Official Journal (Journal Officiel) on 9 April 2026,” it added.
Consequently, with effect from April 10, 2026, Indian nationals holding an ordinary passport are no longer required to have an airport transit visa when passing through the international zone of airports located on French territory, the embassy said in a statement.
“This measure applies to passengers who remain in the international zone during a stopover at a French airport en route to a third country,” it said.
The embassy also informed that the change was also reflected in the procedures on the France-Visas platform.
Other scenarios where you don’t need an airport transit visa
According to the embassy, you do not need an airport transit visa if you are:
