South Africa tour of India 2019
France Removes Airport Transit Visa Requirement for Indian Travellers
In a significant boost for Indian travellers, France has officially scrapped the requirement for airport transit visas for Indian passport holders passing through its airports. The decision, which came into effect on April 10, 2026, is expected to ease travel for thousands of Indians who transit through French airports en route to other international destinations. The Indian government has welcomed this move, describing it as an important step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
The announcement was confirmed during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi by Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. He stated that the decision was the result of high-level discussions held earlier this year between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron during their meeting in Mumbai. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to improving mobility and enhancing cooperation.
According to an official release from the French Embassy in India, the policy change follows a decree amending earlier visa regulations from May 2010. The updated rule allows Indian nationals holding ordinary passports to transit through the international zones of French airports without requiring a transit visa.
However, authorities clarified that this exemption applies only to passengers who remain within the airport’s international transit zone and do not enter French territory. Travellers exiting the airport will still need the appropriate visa.
The move is aligned with commitments made during Macron’s India visit earlier this year, particularly under the India-France Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement and the Young Professionals Scheme. Both nations aim to expand opportunities for youth, professionals, and skilled workers, while strengthening people-to-people connections. The visa exemption will initially be reviewed after a six-month pilot phase.
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