France Removes Airport Transit Visa for Indian Nationals, ETTravelWorld

France has eased transit travel regulations for Indian nationals by removing the requirement for an airport transit visa, effective 10 April 2026. The policy change follows an announcement made by French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to India in February 2026, where he indicated steps would be taken to facilitate easier travel for Indian citizens.

The decision was formalised through a decree amending the regulation of 10 May 2010 concerning entry requirements for foreign nationals into French territory. The revised decree was published in the Official Gazette (Journal Officiel) on 9 April 2026, bringing the new measure into immediate effect.

Under the updated regulation, Indian nationals holding ordinary passports are no longer required to obtain an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit zones of airports in France. The exemption applies specifically to passengers who remain within the international zone during their layover and are travelling onward to a third country.

The move is expected to simplify travel procedures for Indian passengers using French airports as transit hubs, reducing administrative requirements and travel planning complexity. It also enhances the appeal of France as a transit gateway for long-haul travel between India and destinations across Europe, the Americas and other regions.

This development aligns with broader efforts to strengthen bilateral travel and tourism ties between India and France, while supporting smoother passenger flows through key European aviation hubs.