Transit Areas

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The transit areas are defined for travellers which are making en route stops while changing flights to next destinations. This way these travellers don’t have to go through immigration and custom checks as they have not formally entered the country they are transiting through.

Still, these transit areas are the territory of the country where the specific airport is located. Therefore the country’s laws still apply there. In most of these cases, you won’t need a visa if you are just in transit. For example, India citizen don’t need a visa to go through major China airports, but if they want to enter the city, they will need to obtain it. Some countries allow transit travellers to enter the city without visa for certain period of times (e.g. 24 hours) provided they meet all the condition defined.

The international zones have various rules depending on the country. It is quite common that while you are in transit, you are not allowed to leave the airport.

On the other hand, there are countries that issue a visa even if it’s only for transit. For example, travellers will need to apply for a Direct Airside Transit visa if they will be changing flights in the UK and won’t be going through UK border control. Direct Airside Transit visas last for up to 24 hours.

In some case you don't need a visa but you do need a travel authorization (ESTA) even if you are only changing planes in the US without leaving the airport.

Difference Between Transit and Transfer Passenger

As a transit passenger, you will be continuing your journey on the same aircraft. While, as a transfer passenger, you will continue your flight in another aircraft or airline. Usually, for transfers, you must check in again at the airport.

Important: You need to check with your airline whether you need a visa when transferring during your flight.

Difference Between Direct, Connecting, and Non-Stop Flights

There is a significant difference between a direct, connecting, and a non-stop flight:

• A direct flight follows a route from point A to point B without changing flight numbers but may stop along the way to pick up new passengers.
• A connecting flight follows a route from point A to point B with a stop in point C (in this case, you will need a transit visa if required).
• A non-stop flight follows a route from point A to point B without stopping or transiting in point C.

It is advisable that you check with your airline for the transit visa requirement prior to leaving to your destinations.

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