Travel Documents5 min read

Transit Rules: Passing Through Another Country

You might never leave the airport, but some countries still want to know you were there. Transit rules are the most overlooked part of trip planning.

Transit means passing through a country on the way to somewhere else. Many countries let passengers transit without a visa if they stay airside. Some require a transit visa for certain nationalities. A few require it even for airside transit.

Airside vs landside

Airside transit means you stay in the international area, go to your next gate and never pass immigration. Landside transit means you pass immigration, perhaps to collect bags, change terminals or stay overnight. Landside transit may require a visa or travel authorisation.

When transit gets complicated

Separate tickets: you may need to collect bags and recheck them, which means entering the country.
Changing airports: for example, landing at one airport in a city and departing from another.
Overnight layovers: leaving the airport to stay at a hotel.
Terminal changes at some airports that require passing through immigration.

Where to check

Look at the official immigration website of the transit country, and ask the airline, which checks documents at departure. Requirements can change, always verify current rules with the relevant official authority.

This guide is general information. Policies and requirements vary by provider and can change, so confirm details with the airline, airport or official authority involved.