There are two kinds of transit visa : Airport Transit Visa (VTA in French) and ordinary transit visa ( VTB Transit Visa ). They serve different purposes. Make sure to read the information notice for both of them to determine which one applies to you.

The procedure described hereafter applies to travelers who need to take a connecting flight at a French airport on their way to a country situated outside the Schengen area.

Do I need a VTA visa ?

Persons traveling with a passport issued by one of the following countries or authorities need a VTA visa unless they benefit from a waiver. Click here to read the waiver list.

Afghanistan
Albania
Angola
Bangladesh
Burkina Faso (3)
Cameroon (3)
Colombia
Congo (People's Republic of)
Côte d'Ivoire (1)
Cuba (5)
Dominican Republic
Egypt (4)
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gambia (3)
Ghana
Guinea
Haiti
India
Iraq
Iran
Lebanon (4)
Liberia
Libya
Mali (3)
Nigeria
Pakistan
Palestinian (4)
Senegal (2)
Sierra Leone
Somalia
Sudan
Sri Lanka
Syria (4)
Togo

(1) As of April 18, 2003
                               
(2) As of May 09, 2003  
                                  
(3) As of June 28, 2003

(4) Required only for holders of a Travel Document issued by authorities of these countries. VTA not required for ordinary passport holders of these nationalities

(5) As of January 31,2006 .

The VTA visa obligation is waived if :

you hold a valid residence permit in any of the European Union member states

you hold a valid residence permit in any of the European Trade area member states

you hold a valid visa allowing you to enter a Schengen country.

you hold a Record of Landing and a Permanent Resident Card issued by Immigration Canada allowing you permanent residency in Canada. If you are leaving for more than 6 months, you also need the Returning Resident Permit.

you hold a residence permit in Monaco, Switzerland, Andorra, Holy Siege, San Marino or the USA.

 

What does a VTA visa allow me to do ?

The VTA visa only allows you to remain in the international area of a French airport while waiting for a connecting flight to another country outside the Schengen area.You are not allowed to leave the airport. There is no means of overnight accommodation in the international area of French airports. Therefore, if you have to spend a night in France waiting for your connecting flight, you need to apply for an transit B visa so you can leave the airport area and go to a hotel, for example.

Special case of a transit through two different airports in Paris:
( between Charles de Gaulle-Roissy airport and Orly airport ) the VTA allows you to change airport with an escort which will be provided upon arrival.

Special case if you are transiting through two different airports within the Schengen region ( two different cities ) :
this is considered a domestic flight and therefore you must apply for a B type transit visa. Contact us if this is your case and we will guide you for your application. Click on our e-mail address at the bottom of this page.

What documents shall I enclose with my application ?

Please note that the photocopies as well as the originals are mandatory. If they are missing, your file will be considered incomplete and sent back by courier service at your expense.
If for a special reason you don't have the original, submit two photocopies of the copy you have. We will stamp them and return them so that you can take them on the trip.

1) The following documents must be submitted in original only. They will be returned to you when the process is over. You must take them on the trip for immigration authorities and also in case police require to see them.

Depending on your nationality you need to fill out either one or two short stay visa application form(s) . The forms must be completely and neatly filled out. Do not leave anything blank. If there is something that does not apply to you, write N/A - for "not applicable". Don't forget to sign them and to glue one recent, original identity picture cut to the size indicated on the form. When your spouse and children under 18 years old are registered in your passport, only you and your spouse need to fill out visa application form(s). However, a recent picture of the children must be glued on the back of one of the parent's forms. Children applying with their own passport submit separate application form(s). The form (s) must be signed by the parents or legal guardian who must also accompany the minor to the Consulate to apply. The parents or legal guardian must bring proper id (include photocopies of it when applying by mail).

the original of your passport, which must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of your trip. Make sure there are at least two empty pages left on it.

the original of your Permanent Resident Card or work authorization or student authorization. If you are not a resident of Canada, include a letter explaining the reason why you did not apply for this visa to the French consulate nearest your place of permanent residence (your country).

1 recent color photo, format 35mm x 45mm, with a clear plain background. The height must be between 31.5mm and 36mm from chin to crown. The person’s head must be full front view centered in the middle of the photograph. Photos with hat, caps, sunglasses, etc. will not be accepted nor digitized photos. This photo will be scanned in the visa.

2) The following documents must be submitted in original and one photocopy of each per application :

supporting documents concerning the means of transportation and return to your country of origin or of permanent residency:

a detailed reservation itinerary an airplane ticket to your final country of destination;

or an airplane ticket bearing the exact dates of your trip, if you have already have it.

Additional documents or proof may be requested if deemed necessary. We will contact you to inform you.

Fees

Click here for fees and instructions for payment.

Time process

Depending on the nationality and status in Canada, the process usually takes between 2 and 8 working days.

WARNING:

Your application may be refused or delayed. Do not buy an airplane ticket prior to obtaining confirmation that the visa will be issued.

Incomplete applications cannot be processed. The file will be returned or sent back by courier service at your own expense.

If you have questions after reading these instructions, the best way to reach the visa section is by fax 604.681.4287 or by e-mail:
visas@consulfrance-vancouver.org
Don't forget to specify your nationality and status in Canada and whether you will be transiting through one or more airports and through what cities in Europe.