DIRECT AIRSIDE TRANSIT VISA
What is a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)

Nationals of certain countries, which includes India, must have a visa to enter certain countries in Europe. The Direct Airside Transit Visa allows entry only for the purpose of catching a connecting flight leaving from the same airport on the same day where you do not need to pass through immigration control to catch the flight.

You will not be eligible for DATV and will need a Visitor Visa if any of the following applies:
a) You will be staying for more than 24 hours
b) You need to get out of the airport
c) You need to change airports

For example, if your flight reaches London Gatwick and the onward connection is from London Heathrow, you will need a Visitor Visa. DATV does not allow you to go out of the airport.

Who needs to apply for DATV
You do NOT need to apply for DATV if you meet one of the following exemptions:
  1. You are a US Citizen
  2. You hold a valid US I-551 Permanent Residence Card (Green Card) issued on or after 21 Apr 1998
  3. You hold a valid visa for entry to USA
  4. You hold a valid common format Category D visa issued by a member state of the European Union
  5. You hold a diplomatic or official passport issued by Government of India
If you hold any of the following, you DO NOT qualify for an exemption and you will need to apply for DATV:
  1. I-512 Parole Letter
  2. I-797C Notice of Action instead of a valid US Visa
  3. Transportation Letter instead of a Green Card issued on or after 21 Apr 1998
  4. A valid travel document with ADIT stamp worded - "Processed for I-551. Temporary Evidence of Lawful Admission...Employment Authorized"
Generally, when traveling between USA and India, transit through the following countries requires a DATV: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland and Canada.

DATV rules may be applicable for other countries and you will need to verify with the respective consulate for rules applicable to you.

NOTE: In addition to above, if you are a Indian National traveling from USA to India you DO NOT need DATV if your transit point is Paris or Frankfurt ONLY when flying Air India or Lufthansa. However, certain check-in staff of certain US domestic airlines may not be aware of this waiver for Air India passengers and may deny boarding to you.

NEW: As of Jan 1, 2005, German Border Control requires DATV for Indian nationals irrespective of their US visa status. However, as per the latest information available, effective February 24th, Indian Nationals will be granted an Exceptional Airport Transit Visa Upon Arrival at a German Transit Airport on a goodwill basis. This is a temporary exemption till German Border Control is able to establish further procedures.

When do I have to apply for DATV
Unless you have requested a specific routing, your 4LOWFARE.COM Travel Consultant will review your visa status and make such travel arrangements that do not require you to apply for DATV. However, if your travel arrangements include transit via countries that require a DATV, you will need to have an approved DATV prior to boarding your first flight.

More Information
Here are links to some of the commonly used web sites:

DISCLAIMER: The purpose of presenting the above information is to assist you in making your travel plans. The above information is based on information available to us as of December 31st, 2004. 4LOWFARE.COM Inc. and its staff do not specialize in visa issues and we do not guarantee the validity of the information presented here. You should consult the appropriate consulate/embassy for rules applicable to your particular situation prior to purchasing your tickets. You should also clearly advise your visa situation to your 4LOWFARE.COM Travel Consultant so that they can make appropriate travel arrangements for you.