What is a transit visa?

A transit visa is a short-term visa that allows you to pass through a country on your way to a final destination. Some countries require one even if you never leave the airport.

Do I need a transit visa if I don't leave the airport?

It depends on your nationality and the transit country. Some countries, like the UK (DATV) and Schengen zone (ATV), require airport transit visas for certain nationalities even for airside-only connections.

What is a DATV (Direct Airside Transit Visa)?

A DATV is required by the UK for nationals of certain countries who wish to transit through a UK airport without passing through border control. You may be exempt if you hold a valid US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, or Schengen visa.

What is a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV)?

A Schengen ATV is required for nationals of 14 countries (EU Annex IV list) when transiting through any Schengen-area airport. Holders of valid US, Canadian, or Schengen visas are generally exempt.

Can my airline deny boarding even if no transit visa is required?

Yes. Airlines are legally liable for passengers refused at transit points, so they may apply stricter rules than the government. Always confirm transit requirements directly with your operating airline before travel.

Does the transit visa checker cover all countries?

The tool covers the most common transit hubs including the UK, Schengen zone, Turkey, Qatar, UAE, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Egypt. Data is verified against official government sources and updated regularly.

Is this transit visa checker free?

Yes. The Transit Visa Checker is completely free to use with no account required for basic checks.

Sourced from official government databases

Do You Need a Transit Visa?

Flying through another country on your way to your destination? Check if you need a transit visa for your stopover, before you book. Free, no signup.

Each result cites its source

70+ countries covered

Last verified: Jun 2026

1Enter your route · Passport, stops, destination
2We check official rules · Government sources, cited
3Get your verdict · Per stop, with next steps

Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about transit visas and airport transfers.

Country Guide

Transit Visa Requirements by Country

UK · DATV (Direct Airside Transit Visa)

The UK requires nationals of certain countries to obtain a DATV to transit airside through UK airports, even without passing through border control. Exemptions apply if you hold a valid visa from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or the Schengen area.

Check UK DATV rules on gov.uk

Schengen Zone · Airport Transit Visa (ATV)

The EU requires nationals of 14 countries (Annex IV list) to hold an ATV for transiting through Schengen-area airports. Holders of valid US, Canadian, or Schengen visas are generally exempt. Individual Schengen states may maintain additional national ATV lists.

Check full visa requirements

Qatar · Airside Transit + Optional Transit Visa

No visa is required for airside transit at Hamad International Airport (DOH). To leave the airport during a layover, a transit visa (up to 96 hours) is available for Qatar Airways passengers flying QR on both legs. Contact your local Qatar Airways office to arrange, as the online application has been suspended since 2023.

Turkey · Conditional e-Visa for Exit

Airside transit through Istanbul does not require a visa for most nationalities. However, if you want to leave the airport, you may be eligible for a Turkish e-Visa if you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa. Confirm eligibility at evisa.gov.tr.

Data verified against official government sources. Always confirm with your airline before travel. Last verified: Jun 2026.

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