transit layover query

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What does it mean when I see this in TIMATIC?

VISA REQUIRED, EXCEPT FOR PASSENGERS WITH A CONFIRMED ONWARD TICKET FOR A FLIGHT TO A THIRD COUNTRY WITHIN 24 HOURS. THEY MUST STAY IN THE INTERNATIONAL TRANSIT AREA OF THE AIRPORT AND HAVE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE NEXT DESTINATION.

Must the confirmed onward ticket be with the same PNR, and/or the same airline?

If we issue two separate tickets with different PNRs, and the connection flights is within 24 hours, do the travellers still require a transit visa?



Best Answer

If we issue two separate tickets with different PNRs, and the connection flights is within 24 hours, do the travellers still require a transit visa?

That depends a lot on the details. Two different PNRs can be tricky. The troublesome part here is

THEY MUST STAY IN THE INTERNATIONAL TRANSIT AREA OF THE AIRPORT

With two different PNRs you need to collect your luggage, go to the check in counter of the second flight and get a boarding pass and drop of your bags, and re-enter the secure area. That means you are NOT staying in the international area. In many airports you can't get back from the baggage claim to the secure area and you often also have to pass through customs and immigration along the way. Some airports don't even HAVE an "international area" (mostly in the US and Canada).

Without checked luggage things are a bit easier. If you can check in online or at a customer service desk, you can get a boarding pass of your second flight without having to leave the transit area. However, whether you can get to your departing gate staying inside the transit area depends a lot on the layout of the specific airport and the terminals/gate.

There is also a good chance that you will be refused at check in for your first flight. Let's say you are flying from A to B to C. At airport A the check in staff needs to verify that you are legally able to enter country B since that's the end of your journey as far as they are concerned. They may not accept your onward ticket and they may not be able to verify whether you can enter country C if they don't fly there. If they deliver you to B and you are not admitted or sent back, the airline risks a heavy fine, so they tend to be conservative.

With two PNRs I strongly recommend getting a transit visa. It's not impossible to do without, but it requires careful research, many conditions must be met and you need to validate this with the first airline before check in.




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Does layover need transit visa?

In most cases \u2014 no, you don't need a visa, even if the layover is in a third country where you would need a visa to travel to. However, there are a few exceptions, as well as a few things you should know about transiting in a third country.

Is transit visa required for layover in London?

You might need a visa to pass through the UK in transit (on your way to another country). Check if you need one before you apply. To get a transit visa you must prove that: you'll be in transit to another country, with enough funds and the intention to travel on.

Can we go out of Delhi airport during layover?

If it's a domestic connection, yes you can go out of airport. However in both cases, remember to return back to airport with ample time in hand. Delhi airport is fairly busy at certain times; and in case of international connection, you will have to undergo the regular immigration formalities again.

Can we get out of airport during layover?

Re: Can I leave the airport during a layover? Yes you may, assuming your passport allows you visa free entry. Remember to take your boarding pass for your next flight with you otherwise you may not be able to re-enter airside.



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