When flying to another country, especially when you are flying with layovers in a third country, you must have heard the term ‘transit visa.’ Though it seems like it is just a minor detail that is generally overlooked as compared to the main visa, it actually is very important. What is it exactly? What are the rules? Why is it important? Here’s a guide on transit visa rules every Indian traveler should know!
What Is A Transit Visa?
A transit visa is a temporary or short-term visa that is issued to travelers passing from one country to another through a third country. It allows the traveler to pass through the third country legally. This clearly means that this visa does not allow business activity, extended stays, or tourism. Transit visas allow travelers to stay in the airport or leave the airport for a brief period before continuing their journey. Most transit visas are valid for 24 to 72 hours only.
Types Of Transit Visas
There are two major types of transit visas: an Airport transit visa and a Transit visa with entry.
Airport transit visa: An airport transit visa is applicable when the traveler does not clear immigration and stays within the transit area. It is typically used when the layover is same-day or short, with no immigration required, and the baggage is checked completely.
Transit visa with entry: A transit visa with entry is applicable when, during the transit, a traveler has to clear immigration. It is typically used when the traveler has to change airports within the same city, bags have to be rechecked on different tickets, and overnight layovers.
Why Transit Visas Are Important?
If the transit country requires a transit visa and you fail to obtain one, you might be denied boarding at the departure point. Worst-case scenarios might be that you may have to stay back at the layover airport and pay hefty fines.
In some cases, you might also get to discover a third country for a short period of time during long layovers. A transit visa can help you seize that opportunity.
You can enjoy a nice stress-free journey when you know you have all the required documents. This also helps in avoiding last-minute stress and delay.
Transit Visa Rules Every Indian Traveler Should Know
For Indian passport holders, some countries require a transit visa even though the traveler has not left the airport terminal. There are some countries that allow visa-free transit, but only under special conditions. The rules for transit visas vary from country to country.
Whether an Indian traveller would need a transit visa or not completely depends on a combination of various factors. These factors include:
- Nature of the layover
- Existing visa
- Transit country’s policies
The general cases when an Indian traveler would need a transit visa are:
- They have to change the airport within the same city or the terminal
- A ticket for the further journey is booked separately
- It’s an overnight layover, and the traveler has to leave the airport
- The transit country makes a visa necessary even for a short airside stay
How To Apply for a Transit Visa As An Indian Traveller
- Check with the airline and the official website of your transit country to know about their rules and regulations regarding a transit visa.
- Prepare all your documents accordingly and make sure to apply a week in advance to be safe.
- Carry the e-visa printouts handy.
Summing Up
In short, transit visas are very important, and Indian travelers must make sure that they have researched well about their requirements in the third country before the trip. Planning well in advance can help them avoid stress and enjoy a hassle-free journey.
