Transit visa: instructions for use

Surely, having at least some experience of traveling abroad, every tourist knows what a visa is. This document gives permission to foreigners to cross the border and enter a particular country. The exception is those who have concluded an agreement with Russia on a visa-free regime.

In turn, a transit visa is also needed to enter the territory of a foreign state. However, unlike a regular visa, it is short-term (no more than 5 days) and involves visiting this country only for the purpose of transplantation to continue the trip.

In other words, you will need a transit visa if you travel from one country to another through the territory of a third. But not everything is so simple. It has its own peculiarities and subtleties.

When do you need a transit visa?

1. When traveling by land or water transport from one country to another through the territory of a third (if the third country is not included in the list of visa-free countries for Russia).

For example, to travel from Russia by rail through Mongolia, you will need a Mongolian transit visa.

2. When flying with a transfer in a third country, if a change of airport or transfer from one terminal to another is required (if the third country is not included in the visa-free list), or there is no transit zone at the airport (a space specially created for passengers without passport control that exists in many airports, where you can stay no more than a day without a transit visa).

For example, for a flight from Russia to via (in the event that a tourist has arrived at one Spanish airport, and to continue the journey you need to go to another or there is no transit zone at the airport), you will need a Schengen transit visa.

For example, for a flight from Russia to via Berlin, you will definitely need a Schengen transit visa. The exception is passengers of Air Berlin and Swiss airlines, who do not need a visa.

4. If necessary, make two or more transfers in the Schengen area.

For example, when flying Russia - - - you will need a Schengen transit visa, which must be issued at the embassy of the first transit country (in this case, at the embassy of Poland).

5. When flying through, if the tourist's stay in the kingdom while waiting for a transfer is planned for more than a day (24 hours).

For example, when flying from Russia to the USA, in this case, you will need a special British Visitor in transit visa.

For example, when flying Russia-USA, you will need an American transit visa.

7. Finally, a transit visa will be required for any connecting air flight if the tourist has issued two separate tickets for his trip.

For example, when flying Russia-and the subsequent Germany-USA, you will need a Schengen transit visa.

. Copying is prohibited and will be prosecuted.

When you do not need a transit visa

If the transfer country is on the list for visa-free entry to Russia.
If necessary, make only one change in the Schengen area. At the same time, the tourist should not leave the transit zone, where you can stay for no more than 24 hours.
When flying to a third country via Berlin or Geneva by Air Berlin and Swiss, respectively.
When flying through the UK (even if transferring from one airport to another), if the time difference between the two flights is less than a day (24 hours).

How to get a transit visa

The rules for obtaining a transit visa may vary slightly in different countries. It is important to remember the main thing - a transit visa is issued at the consulate of the country through which the tourist is transiting. For example, when flying Russia-France-USA, a transit visa should be applied for in Russia. The average price of the issue is 35 euros, you can pay the fee immediately upon delivery of documents.

The following documents will be required for registration:

A completed and signed application form for a transit visa (it is recommended to fill out an application form online).
Personal photo (1 or 2 pieces, 3.5 × 4.5 cm).
Passport (valid for at least three months from the end of the trip; it must also have at least two blank pages for gluing a visa).
Internal passport and a copy of all its completed pages.
Visa for the country of destination (if required for entry).
Air ticket to the country of destination.
Medical insurance policy for the period of stay in the transit country.
Bank statement or salary certificate (usually considered at the rate of 40 or 50 euros for one day of stay in a transit country).