France starts visa-free transit for Indian nationals. Check details here

Indians going to Europe and passing via France will no longer need to get an airport visa for transit. France has implemented the visa-free transit for Indian nationals in line with President Emmanuel Macron's announcement during his visit to India in February.

According to a statement by the French Embassy in India, the move will be operationalised from April 10.

"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," it read.

The measure is applicable to passengers who will remain at French airports during a layover en route to another international destination.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed the announcement. "The decision reflects the enduring partnership between India and France, elevated to the level of a special global strategic partnership during the recent visit of President Macron and further facilitation of smoother movement of people and enhanced people-to-people ties," he said.

The decision is expected to benefit numerous Indian travellers, particularly those flying to Europe, North America and other regions via major French airports such as Paris.

The announcement to adopt such a measure was decided during Macron's February 17 to 19 visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The India–France joint statement said at the time that both sides welcomed the move, which will be reviewed after a six-month pilot period.

Besides, both nations have also set a target of welcoming more Indian students in the European country by 2030 - 30,000 up from nearly 10,000 currently. The announcement was made after PM Modi and Macron elevated India and France's diplomatic ties to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'.

- Ends