France scraps transit visa for Indian nationals

New Delhi (TIP): In a significant boost to travel convenience, France has lifted airport transit visa requirements for Indians, with the decision coming into effect earlier this month as part of deepening bilateral ties.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said the visa-free transit regime for Indians passing through French airports in European territory has now been operationalised by the French government. The move follows an announcement made during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India in February, when he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed on measures to ease travel between the two countries.
Under the revised rules, Indian nationals holding ordinary passports and transiting exclusively by air through French airports will no longer require an airport transit visa, with effect from April 10. The exemption applies to passengers who remain within the international transit zone during layovers en route to a third country.
The French Embassy in New Delhi said the change was enabled through a decree amending earlier visa regulations, which was published in France’s Official Gazette (Journal Officiel) on April 9.
Describing the step as a reflection of the “enduring partnership” between the two countries, the MEA said the decision underscores a shared commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties by facilitating smoother movement.