Transit visa: what it is, how to apply for it and when it will come in handy

Moving from one country to another can sometimes require a short stay in a third country – this is the so-called transit. In order to ensure a lawful stay in the country of transit, passengers may need a transit visa.

When is such a visa not required?

There are a few cases when a traveler will not need transit documents:

• stay in the exclusive transit areas of the airport in the Schengen countries. But you can't leave these zones, be careful;
• Waiting time between flights does not exceed the set limit (usually 24 hours);
• Availability of all required documents for the next destination.

When do you need a visa?

• when purchasing tickets for separate bookings. The passenger will have to leave the transit area, re-check in and get baggage - without a transit visa, they simply will not be allowed;
• making several transfers within the Schengen area;
• Use of low-cost airlines that may require border control.
• The scheduled time in the transit zone exceeds the allowed period.

The main requirement for registration: the presence of all the necessary documents confirming the right to enter the point of travel.

For smooth travel, it is always recommended to check in advance about the need for a transit visa.

Visa-free transit

Visa-free transit provides travelers with the opportunity to stay at the airport or even in the city of the transfer country without the need for a visa. However, the conditions and duration of such a stay can vary greatly from country to country.

In which countries is visa-free transit allowed for Russians?

• United Kingdom. Visa-free transit is possible at some airports (e.g. Gatwick and Heathrow), but with certain restrictions on time and direction (with today's sanctions, it is no longer possible, but the ban is probably temporary);
• Schengen countries. Many Schengen metropolitan airports have transit areas, however, some airlines (e.g. Lufthansa) may present special requirements;
• UAE and Qatar. Countries provide the possibility of a transit stay of up to 24 and 72 hours, respectively;
• China. The duration of the transit can be from 24 to 144 hours, depending on the ticket purchased.

United Kingdom

The issue of obtaining a transit visa when transferring in the UK is relevant for many travelers. There are several cases when a visa is not required, and when, on the contrary, it should be issued.

Situations where a visa is not required:

• arriving and departing from the UK by the same mode of transport (except by land);
• transfer time does not exceed 24 hours;
• availability of tickets and visa to the country of destination;
• flight to the USA, New Zealand or Australia through the airports of London (Heathrow or Gatwick), Manchester, without leaving the transit area.

If at least one of these points is not met, a transit visa is required. Not all UK airports have transit zones: according to statistics, most UK airports do not offer such a zone, in which case a visa will almost always be required. Citizens of the European Economic Area and Switzerland and holders of a British visitor visa do not need to issue a transit document.

It is not so easy to get a transit visa - to begin with, the traveler will need to simply prove that he needs it, convince the consulate of the following:

• The purpose of the trip is another country;
• you have tickets and sufficient funds for the time spent in the transit area;
• you have permission to enter the next country;
• you need to stay in the UK solely for your transfer.

The procedure for obtaining a transit visa is almost similar to obtaining a tourist visa.

Experts talk about how to avoid possible obstacles during transit:

1. First, you should familiarize yourself with the requirements on the official platform of the UK visa service.
2. The next step is to collect documents. The main ones include proof of employment, information about financial status (for example, bank statements), accommodation reservations and airline tickets.
3. To simplify the process, it is worth checking the availability of visa tickets for the next country.
4. If the traveler's documents are not issued in English, it is recommended that they be professionally translated.
5. To complete the registration, you need to make an appointment at the nearest visa center and clarify the amount of the monetary contribution - it may fluctuate depending on the type of visa chosen.

Types of Transit Permits

• Direct Airside Transit Visa (24-hour stay at the airport). This option is suitable for travelers who do not intend to leave the airport;
• Visitor in Transit Visa (48-hour stay with the opportunity to explore the city). This visa is ideal for those who wish to explore the country's attractions in a short time during transit – or need to change airports to continue their trip.

Transit through the Schengen countries

If we consider the countries of the Schengen area, the process of obtaining a transit visa is very similar to the procedure for obtaining a tourist visa. First, you need to fill out questionnaires and prepare a standard package of documents. It is important to choose the right embassy for submitting documents: it is better to contact the embassy of the Schengen country through which you plan to enter for the first time.

Tickets to the next destination country and the corresponding visa should be added to the main documents. The cost of the visa will depend on the country chosen.

Transit through the USA, Australia and Canada

Even a very short transit through these countries requires a visa, no matter if the traveler plans to go out into the city or not. In the United States, among other things, the traveler will be invited for an interview conducted by a visa officer.

Transit through Japan

Previously, Russians were allowed to stay in Japan in transit mode without a visa, but now it is necessary to issue a corresponding document at the Japanese embassy. An important condition is that the path through the Land of the Rising Sun should be the only possible or the most optimal.

Each country has its own nuances and rules regarding transit stay. In order to avoid possible difficulties and unpleasant situations, it is recommended to clarify all the details in advance with the consulates of the respective countries!