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Type A — Airport Transit Visa (Type A)
ItalyItaly•Europe
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Type A — Airport Transit Visa (Type A)

Tourist Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–2 weeks

Estimated Cost

EUR €90

Stay Duration

24 hours

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
Italy flag

Living in Italy

Cost of Living
12% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€21,000
Quality of Life
156/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Transit pass for nationals of specified countries through Schengen airport international zones within 24 hours, without entering Schengen territory.

The Airport Transit Visa (Type A) is a Schengen visa for nationals of designated countries transiting through airport international zones without entering the territory. Governed by EU Visa Code Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, it balances border security with aviation connectivity for passengers connecting to non-Schengen destinations.

The visa is valid for 24 hours in the airport transit zone and costs €90, with processing taking 7–15 days. Holders cannot leave the international zone or work. Dependents may be included. It is non-renewable and offers no residency pathway.

This visa is ideal for nationals of ATV-designated countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan, and others) transiting Schengen airports to reach non-Schengen destinations.

Eligible Nationalities (16)

AfghanistanAfghanistanBangladeshBangladeshCongo - KinshasaCongo - KinshasaEritreaEritreaEthiopiaEthiopiaGhanaGhanaIranIranIraqIraqNigeriaNigeriaPakistanPakistanSenegalSenegalSomaliaSomaliaSri LankaSri LankaSyriaSyriaTajikistanTajikistanUzbekistanUzbekistan

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a national of a country subject to the Airport Transit Visa (ATV) requirement (e.g., Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Syria, Somalia, Sri Lanka)

Must remain within the international transit zone of the airport

Must hold a valid visa or residence permit for the final destination country

Proof of onward travel (confirmed flight ticket to a non-Schengen destination)

Exemption applies if the applicant holds a valid visa/residence permit issued by an EU/Schengen member state, USA, Canada, or Japan

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Proof of income

Employment contract

Health insurance

Accommodation proof

Criminal record certificate

NIF number

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Streamlined 24-hour airport transit without full border entry required
  • Fee is modest at EUR 80 for airport-only passage through Schengen zone
  • Dependents can be included on the visa for family transit together
  • Fast processing window of 7-15 days compared to standard long-stay visas
  • Clear-cut qualification based on nationality and onward flight confirmation
  • Exemption available for holders of valid visas from major countries (USA, Canada, Japan)

Worth Knowing

  • Limited to nationals of 16 designated countries subject to airport transit visa requirement
  • Strictly confined to international airport transit zone—no entry into Schengen territory permitted
  • Requires confirmed onward flight ticket to non-Schengen destination within 24 hours
  • Final destination country visa or residence permit mandatory before airport transit approval
  • Non-renewable and non-convertible—no path to longer stays or residency
  • Restricted to 16 high-risk nations only (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Nigeria, Syria, etc.)
  • Absolute 24-hour maximum stay; any departure from airport transit zone voids visa validity
  • No work authorization or activity permitted outside the airport transit area

Application Process

1

Gather documents

Prepare proof of income, employment contract, accommodation proof, health insurance

2

Book consulate appointment

Schedule appointment at Italian consulate for visa application

3

Submit application

Submit all documents in person at consulate

4

Biometric collection

Provide fingerprints and photograph at appointment

5

Pay visa fee

Pay EUR 50 visa fee

6

Await decision

Wait for processing, typically 60-90 days

7

Collect visa

Pick up visa from consulate

8

Apply for residence permit

Within 8 days of arrival in Italy, apply for residence permit

Application Forms

National Visa Application Form—

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