Quick answer
An airport transit visa (A visa) allows transit through the international area of an airport without entering the Schengen area [1]. Nationals of certain countries must hold this visa when transiting through Schengen airports [1]. Exemptions apply if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen state, EU/EEA, Canada, Japan, or the US, among others [1]. The visa can be valid for up to five years [1]. Applications must be submitted in person at the competent consulate or VFS centre [1][2]. Required documents include a valid passport, visa for the final destination, and proof of onward travel [2].
Key facts
| Visa validity | Up to 5 years[1] |
| Purpose | Transit through international airport area without entering Schengen[1] |
| Who needs it | Nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka[1] |
| Schengen member states | Schengen member states are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.[7] |
| Competent consulate for airport transit | In the case of airport transit, the application must be lodged at the consulate of the Member State in whose territory the airport is located or the Member State in whose territory the entry is located.[15] |
| Where to apply if Estonia is main destination | If your main country of destination is Estonia, you must apply for a visa at the Estonian representation or at the representation of the member state representing Estonia in issuing Schengen visas in your country of residency.[16] |
| Appointment and biometrics | Every applicant, including minors, must have a separate appointment. Biometric identifiers (photograph and 10 fingerprints) will be collected at the time of lodging.[21][26] |
Am I eligible?
Airport Transit Visa (ATV) for Schengen area
- You must be a national of a country that requires an airport transit visa when transiting through the international transit area of an airport located in a Schengen member state.
- You must hold a valid travel document (passport) and any required visas for your onward journey.
- You must not intend to enter the Schengen area; you will remain in the international transit area of the airport.
- You must have sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of the transit and for the onward journey.
- You must not be listed in the Schengen Information System (SIS) for refusal of entry.
Don't want to read through this yourself? Answer a few questions and see exactly which category fits your situation.
Requirements in detail
Passport issued within the last 10 years, with at least 3 months validity after the scheduled return, and at least two empty pages.
Application form completed and signed twice by the applicant (or legal guardian for minors).
One recent color photograph (35mm x 45mm) with white background, not older than 6 months.
Valid in Schengen countries with coverage of at least 30,000 EUR for the entire duration of stay.
Hotel reservations, rental agreement, or proof of sponsorship/private accommodation from host.
Flight return tickets and itinerary (do not buy tickets before obtaining the visa).
Last 3 months personal bank account statements with stamp and signature of Bank, and ITR acknowledgement for last 2 assessment years. Additional documents depending on employment status.
Last 3 months personal bank account statements with stamp and signature of Bank.
Personal ITR acknowledgement receipt page for the last 2 assessment years.
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport [2]
- Visa or other entry permit for the third country of destination and documents in relation to the onward journey [2]
- Travel health insurance valid in Schengen countries with coverage of at least 30,000 EUR [2]
- Proof of accommodation (if applicable) [2]
- Proof of financial means [2]
- Passport copy of first and last page [2]
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Determine if you need an airport transit visa based on your nationality and exemptions [1].
- 2
Lodge your application at the competent consulate or VFS centre in your country of residence [1].
- 3
Book an appointment online [1].
- 4
Submit your application in person with all required documents [1][2].
- 5
Pay the visa fee and service fee if applicable [1].
Frequently asked questions
What is an Airport Transit Visa (ATV)?
An Airport Transit Visa (ATV) allows a traveller to transit through the international transit area of an airport in a Schengen member state without entering the Schengen area. It is required for nationals of certain countries when transiting through a Schengen airport.
Where should I apply for an Airport Transit Visa if I am transiting through Estonia?
In the case of airport transit, you must apply at the consulate of the Member State in whose territory the airport is located. If the airport is in Estonia, you apply at the Estonian representation or the representation of the member state representing Estonia in your country of residency.
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
How to apply?](/en/node/22920) - [Activity](#) #### FOREIGN ECONOMICS AND TRADE [Foreign economic policy](/en/foreign-economics-development-cooperation/foreign-economics-and-trade) [Implementation of
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [2]
**Short stay visa (C visa)** is issued for transit through or an intended stay in the territory of the Schengen States of a duration of no more than 90 days within any 180-day period
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [3]
Fingerprints are not taken if the fingerprints were given in connection with a previous visa application less than 59 months ago
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [4]
**The following applicants are exempt from the requirement to give fingerprints:** - children under the age of 12 - persons for whom fingerprinting is physically impossible - Heads of State or Governm
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [5]
As a general rule, a decision is taken by the consulate within 15 days from the date the application has been considered admissible
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [6]
This period may, in individual cases, be extended up to 45 days, if a more detailed examination of your application and/or additional documents are required
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [7]
Travel document must be issued within last 10 years, must be valid at least three months beyond the intended departure from Schengen area and must include at least two free pages intended for affixing
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [8]
**The extent of sufficient financial means for each day of stay in Estonia is 70 euros.** Documents indicating the purpose of the journey may include the following: **For business trips:** - an invita
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [9]
When paying the state fee from a bank outside Estonia, it may take up to 2 weeks for the funds to be received
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [10]
| Schengen visa | 90 Euros | Children 6-11 years | 45 Euros | Children under 6 years | No fee | Schengen visa for citizens of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Mo
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [11]
Estonia Visa Application Centre Website: https://www.vfsglobal.com/estonia/india/ Online completed visa application: https://eelviisataotlus.vm.ee/ Checklist for Schengen Visa: AIRPORT TRANSIT YES NO
Checklist-Airport-transit-1.pdf · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Cross-referenced - [12]
If the applicant is a minor, visa application signed twice by legal guardian (Proving the custody of a minor child, apostilled birth certificate, divorce papers etc) 3 One passport photograph – not ol
Checklist-Airport-transit-1.pdf · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Cross-referenced - [13]
- Last 3 months personal bank account statements with stamp and signature of Bank
Checklist-Airport-transit-1.pdf · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Cross-referenced - [14]
- Personal ITR acknowledgement receipt page for the last 2 assessment years If employed : - Last 3 months salary slips and last 3 months salary bank account statements (stamped and signature of the Ba
Checklist-Airport-transit-1.pdf · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Cross-referenced - [15]
If retired : - Personal pension bank statement for the last 3 months (stamped and signature)
Checklist-Airport-transit-1.pdf · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Cross-referenced - [16]
If sponsored : - proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation (personal bank statements for the last 3 months (stamped, signature of the Bank; proof of work or ownership of business and ITR ackno
Checklist-Airport-transit-1.pdf · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Cross-referenced - [17]
Children under 18 years old, travelling alone : - Written consent letter of both parents or legal guardian, certified by public notary
Checklist-Airport-transit-1.pdf · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Cross-referenced - [18]
Definition of airport transit visa
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [19]
Nationals required to hold airport transit visa
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [20]
Exemptions from airport transit visa requirement
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [21]
Visa validity up to five years
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [22]
Application submission in person
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [23]
Appointment required
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [24]
Documents required for airport transit visa
Checklist-Airport-transit-1.pdf · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Cross-referenced - [25]
Airport transit visa requirements
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [26]
Application submission rules
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [27]
Appointment and biometrics
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [28]
Documents and fees
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked
This page reflects Estonia's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Estonia's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.