Do I Need a Transit Visa to Travel Between LHR and CDG?
When traveling between airports like LHR London Heathrow and CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle, the requirement for a transit visa can depend on several factors. If you are an Indian student with an F1 visa in the US, traveling from BOM Bombay, India to DTW Detroit, US via two countries in Europe (LHR and CDG), you may wonder whether you need a visa. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand the requirements.
General Guidelines for Indian Pass holders
LHR London Heathrow
When transiting through LHR and not leaving the airport, you typically do not need a UK transit visa. This applies even if your layover is longer than 24 hours, provided you remain in the international transit area. However, if you have a longer layover and plan to leave the airport or if you need to change terminals and therefore pass through UK border control, you will need a visa.
CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle
Since France is part of the Schengen Area, if you are transiting through CDG without leaving the international transit zone, you generally do not need a transit visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport or have a long layover that necessitates passing through customs, you will require a Schengen visa.
General Requirements and Recommendations
Whether you need a transit visa when traveling between LHR and CDG depends on a few key factors:
Your nationality The length of your layovers Whether you will leave the international transit areaTo ensure a smooth journey, follow these recommendations:
Check Your Itinerary
Confirm if your layovers require you to change terminals or if you will have to go through immigration. This can significantly impact whether you need a transit visa.
Consult Official Sources
Check the official UK and French government websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding transit visa requirements. Websites such as the UK’s official UK Border Control and France’s official France Visas can provide you with the necessary details.
Airline Information
Contact your airline as they can provide specific guidance based on your itinerary and any recent policy changes. Airlines often have comprehensive resources on their websites, and their customer service can be a valuable resource.
Conclusion
To avoid any issues during your travels, ensure you have the necessary documentation based on your travel plans. If in doubt, it's wise to apply for the transit visas.
For a quick and clear answer, you do not need any transit visa when traveling between LHR and CDG. As an Indian passport holder with a valid US visa, you generally do not need a transit visa for both airports you are transiting through, provided you do not leave the international transit zone.
If you need to leave the airport or have a significant layover that involves passing through customs, you may need to apply for the respective visa.