Big relief news for Indian passport holders. Airport transit visas will no longer be required for transiting through airports in mainland France. India's Ministry of External Affairs has announced that this new rule has come into effect from April 10, 2026.
At a press briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said this decision has been taken as a result of the strengthening of India and France's long-standing strategic relationship. During French President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to India, this relationship was elevated to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'.
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This decision will make people-to-people movement between the two countries easier. Especially for those who transit through France on their way to other countries, this rule will bring great convenience.
Move follows stronger India-France ties
Earlier, Indians needed airport transit visas when transiting through French airports. However, this requirement has now been lifted.
The French Embassy in India has stated in a release that Indian citizens holding ordinary passports will no longer need any transit visa to stay in the international transit zone of French airports.
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However, this facility applies only to those who will remain in the international transit zone of French airports and travel to another country from there. That is, even if passengers land in France during their journey, if they do not go outside the designated international section of the airport, they will no longer need a transit visa.
According to experts, this decision will make travel easier for Indian tourists and businesspeople and make travel planning to Europe more convenient.
