Exemptions: when you don't need the transit visa
- A valid visa or residence permit for an EU/EEA country or Switzerland
- A valid visa for the USA, Canada or Japan (conditions apply)
- A valid residence permit for the USA, Canada, Japan, Andorra or San Marino
- Family members of EU citizens, and holders of diplomatic passports
Can you leave the airport?
To leave the airport, or if your onward flight goes to another Schengen country, you need a Schengen visa (type C).
Airside vs landside: what it means
You stay in the international transit area and never pass passport control.
You clear immigration to collect bags, change airports, use an outside hotel or visit the city. This always needs entry permission for France.
Tips before you book
- Apply for the ATV at the consulate of the country where you change planes, 3–4 weeks before travel.
- Consider routing via a Gulf hub or Istanbul, where airside transit usually needs no visa.
Layover guides for France
Frequently asked questions
Do Pakistani citizens need a transit visa for France?
Usually yes, unless you qualify for an exemption. Pakistani citizens are on the EU-wide airport transit visa (ATV) list, so they generally need an ATV to change planes at airports in France such as Paris CDG, even without leaving the airport, unless an exemption applies.
Can Pakistani citizens leave the airport during a layover in France?
To leave the airport, or if your onward flight goes to another Schengen country, you need a Schengen visa (type C).
Who is exempt from the France transit visa requirement?
Common exemptions include: A valid visa or residence permit for an EU/EEA country or Switzerland; A valid visa for the USA, Canada or Japan (conditions apply); A valid residence permit for the USA, Canada, Japan, Andorra or San Marino; Family members of EU citizens, and holders of diplomatic passports.
Other transit rules for Pakistani passport holders
Official sources
Last checked against these sources on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source or your airline before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.