France Lifts Airport Transit Visa Requirements for Indian Nationals
Move, announced by Emmanuel Macron, eases travel via French airports
New Delhi: France on Thursday announced that it had lifted airport transit visa requirements for Indian nationals, with the move being welcomed by India. The measure came into effect on April 10.
France said: "Indian nationals possessing an ordinary passport are no longer required to hold an airport transit visa when passing through the international zone of airports located on French territory." The French Embassy in New Delhi said: "This measure applies to passengers remaining in the international zone during a layover at a French airport en route to a third country".
At his weekly briefing on Thursday evening, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed the French move. The measure was announced during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India in February.
The French Embassy said, "During his recent visit to India in February, French President Emmanuel Macron had announced that measures would be taken to ease Indian nationals’ travel via France. ... Subsequent to President Macron’s statement, a decree amending that of 10 May 2010 regarding the documents and visas required for the entry of foreigners into French territory was adopted, and published in the Official Gazette (Journal Officiel) on 9 April 2026."
In its reaction, New Delhi said, "The visa free transit for Indian nationals transiting through French airports in the European territory has now been operationalised by the French Government. This follows an announcement made by Prime Minister Modi and President Macron during the latter's visit to India in February 2026."
New Delhi added, "Indian nationals transiting through the European territory of France exclusively by air will no longer require a transit visa, with effect from April 10. The decision is a reflection of enduring partnership between India and France and showcases deep commitment by the two leaders to strengthen bilateral relations including strengthening of people-to-people bonds by facilitation of smoother movement of people between the two countries."
