Frankfurt Airport Transit Visa 2026

Airport Transit Visa (Type A) is required for airside transit at FRA between two non-Schengen flights for nationals of specific countries.

Last verified: 2026-07

Airside transit zone at Frankfurt Airport

FRA is a Schengen airport with clear separation between Schengen and non-Schengen gates. Non-Schengen ↔ non-Schengen transit requires an Airport Transit Visa (Schengen Type A) for certain nationalities.

Usually need a transit visa

  • Afghanistan
  • Bangladesh
  • Eritrea
  • Ethiopia
  • Ghana
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Pakistan
  • Somalia
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sudan
  • Syria

Usually exempt

  • USA, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, Japan, Korea, Singapore, most Latin American + Caribbean nationals
  • Type-A-required nationals holding valid Schengen visa, or valid US/UK/Canada/Japan/Ireland visa, or Schengen residence permit

Visa types + cost

Airport Transit Visa (ATV — Schengen Type A)

Duration
Airside only
Price
€80
Process
Apply at German embassy/consulate in country of residence. 15 days processing.

Real scenarios

Scenario 1
Indian citizen Delhi → FRA → New York, airside
No transit visa needed (India not on German ATV list)
Scenario 2
Pakistani citizen Karachi → FRA → Toronto, airside
ATV needed unless holding valid US/UK/Canada/Schengen visa
Scenario 3
Nationals wanting to leave FRA + visit Frankfurt city on layover
Requires Schengen Type C visa (not just Type A ATV)

Official source

https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/-/231148

Visa rules change frequently. Always verify with the official source before travel.