Airport Transit Visa
An Airport Transit Visa lets you pass through a country's international airport transit area during a layover, without formally entering the country. Whether you need one depends on your nationality, the transit country, and your layover length.
At a glance
- Typical validity
- A few hours up to 24 hours — covers the layover period only
- Processing time
- 3–15 working days — apply well ahead of travel
- Passport requirement
- 3+ months beyond departure — 2 blank pages
- Countries that commonly require it
- US, UK, Canada, Schengen states, Australia — for specific nationalities
Eligibility
- Valid passport, 3+ months beyond departure, 2 blank pages Required
- Completed visa application form for the transit country Required
- Two recent passport-sized photos (35mm x 45mm) Required
- Confirmed onward ticket to your final destination Required
- Visa for your final destination, if required If applicable
- Proof of accommodation at your final destination If applicable
- Travel itinerary — flight numbers and layover details Required
- Visa fee payment Required
Application steps
Check if you need one
Based on nationality, transit country, and layover length.
Gather required documents
Passport, form, photos, onward ticket, itinerary.
Submit your application
At the embassy or consulate of the transit country.
Pay the visa fee
Wait for processing
Typically 3 to 15 working days.
Receive your visa
Stamped in your passport.
Staying inside the transit area
An airport transit visa generally requires you to remain within the airport's international transit area. Leaving that area — to change terminals outside airside, for example — may require a different visa entirely, so check your specific airport's layout and your airline's guidance.
Countries that commonly require one
The United States requires an airport transit visa (C visa) for certain nationalities, especially when switching from an international to a domestic flight. The United Kingdom requires one for travelers from certain countries who need to change terminals or leave the airside area. Some Schengen countries require it for specific nationalities. Canada requires a transit visa (TRV) for some nationalities. Australia may require one if a layover exceeds a certain duration or the traveler leaves the airport.
Why work with BIZ TRP
Transit visa rules are genuinely nationality- and airport-specific, and getting it wrong means missing a connection you can't recover.
- Nationality-specific check. We confirm whether your nationality actually requires a transit visa for your specific route.
- Itinerary review. We check your layover length and airport against the transit country's rules before you book.
- Application support. Where a visa is required, we help you prepare and submit it in time.
Common questions
Do I always need a transit visa for a layover?
No — it depends on your nationality, the transit country, and whether you leave the international transit area. Many nationalities transit visa-free.
How long is an airport transit visa valid for?
Generally just the layover period — a few hours up to 24 hours, depending on the country.
Can I leave the airport during my layover?
Only if your visa or visa-free status permits entry — an airport-only transit visa keeps you inside the international transit area.
Not sure if your layover needs a transit visa?
BIZ TRP checks your nationality and itinerary against the transit country's requirements before you book your connection.
Check your transit visa requirement Email us