Greece•EuropeType A — Airport Transit Visa (Θεώρηση Αεροδρομιακής Διέλευσης - Type A)
At a Glance
Varies
EUR €80
Varies (Within 180-day period, single or multiple entries)
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Allows transit through the international area of a Greek airport during a stopover without entering the Schengen territory.
The Airport Transit Visa (Type A) is a specialized travel document established under the Schengen Agreement and regulated by the EU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009). It is designed to bridge the gap for third-country nationals who must pass through the international transit area of a Greek airport while traveling between two non-Schengen countries. This visa ensures that travelers remain within the designated international zone, maintaining the security integrity of the Schengen Area without requiring them to formally enter the country or pass through immigration controls.
This visa is intended for citizens of specific countries who do not hold visa-exempt status or other qualifying residence permits. It is essential for travelers with layovers in Greece who need to wait for a connecting flight to a destination outside the Schengen zone. The applicant must provide proof of their onward travel, such as a confirmed flight ticket, and must possess valid health insurance covering the duration of their transit. It is a strictly limited permit that does not grant the holder permission to leave the airport terminal.
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must hold a valid passport issued within the last 10 years with at least 2 blank pages.
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen area.
Must possess a valid visa or residence permit for the final destination country (if required).
Must remain within the international transit area of the airport; cannot enter the Schengen territory.
Must have a confirmed onward flight ticket to a third country.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Completed and signed Schengen visa application form.
Valid passport and copies of previous visas.
Recent passport-sized biometric photograph (35x45mm).
Confirmed flight ticket for the onward journey to a third country.
Valid visa or entry permit for the final destination country.
Proof of sufficient financial means for the transit period.
Travel medical insurance (if applicable for specific transit scenarios).
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Allows transit through Greek airports for travelers whose nationality is subject to the airport transit visa requirement.
- Facilitates travel to non-Schengen destinations via a Greek hub.
Worth Knowing
- Valid only for the international transit area; you cannot leave the airport or enter Greece.
- If you need to change airports or leave the transit area, you must apply for a regular Type C Schengen visa instead.
- Processing times can vary; apply well in advance (up to 6 months before travel).
- Visa fee is non-refundable even if the application is rejected.
Application Process
Check if your nationality requires an Airport Transit Visa (ATV).
Book an appointment at the nearest Greek Embassy, Consulate, or authorized Visa Application Center (VAC).
Complete and sign the Schengen visa application form.
Gather all required supporting documents.
Submit the application in person, provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photo), and pay the visa fee.
Collect the passport once the visa is processed.
Application Forms
| Schengen Visa Application Form | — |
Related visas
More visas in Greece
Transit visas in other countries
- Bridging visa E (BVE) - General
Australia
- Direct Airside Transit visa
United Kingdom
- Transit Visa (Транзитная виза)
Russia
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