Transit and Airport Transit Visa
Each year, countless people venture to different destinations. Sadly, not all flights can be accomplished in a single journey without a stopover. For this purpose, transit visas are typically granted by most countries in order to facilitate the transit of travelers who will only be in that specific country for a few hours before continuing their journey.
What is a Transit Visa?
A transit visa is a travel document that permits you to pass through another country until you reach your destination. For example, if you are traveling from South Asia (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, etc.) to the US but need to stop in the Schengen Zone to continue your flight to the US, you require a transit visa for the Schengen Area.
London (Heathrow) has the Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV). While most flyers transiting through London require a DATV, exemptions exist for travelers bound for the US, Canada, Australia, or Japan with valid visas. However, changing airports from Heathrow to Gatwick en route to the West Indies necessitates a transit visa.
A US visa is mandatory for flights overflying the US en route to Canada and vice versa for flights for most international nationalities.
Transit visas are short-term and usually not required for everyone. That is why you must contact an embassy, consulate, or airline before you travel to see if you need one.
What is the Transit Zone?
The transit zone is a designated area within an international airport where you can stay until your flight to your destination is ready to board. Transit zones allow you to wait in the airport without going through immigration if you don’t leave the airport.
If I leave the transit zone, do I need a transit visa?
Yes, you need a transit visa if you leave the transit area. However, nationals from specific countries (Iran, Syria, Guinea, etc.) will need a transit visa regardless of whether they leave the transit area.
Difference Between Transit and Transfer Passenger
As a transit passenger, you will continue your journey on the same aircraft. As a transfer passenger, you will continue your flight in another aircraft or airline. Usually, for transfers, you must check in again at the airport.
Important: You need to check with your airline whether you need a visa when transferring during your flight.
Difference Between Direct, Connecting, and Non-Stop Flights
There is a significant difference between a direct, connecting, and non-stop flight:
– A direct flight follows a route from point A to point B without changing flight numbers but may stop to pick up new passengers.
– A connecting flight follows a route from point A to point B with a stop in point C (in this case, you will need a transit visa).
– A non-stop flight follows a route from point A to point B without stopping or transiting in point C.
