France has introduced visa-free airport transit for Indian nationals and set a target of hosting 30,000 Indian students annually by 2030. President Emmanuel Macron announced these measures during his state visit to India from February 17-19, 2026, as part of expanding the “Special Global Strategic Partnership” between the two countries.
France Visa-Free Transit Pilot Program
The six-month pilot program will allow Indian passport holders to transit through French airports without requiring a Schengen visa. The initiative will launch in Q2 2026 and could become permanent if security benchmarks are met during the trial period.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | Q2 2026 |
| Duration | 6-month pilot program |
| Airports Covered | Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle, Orly, and other French airports |
| Transit Type | Airside transit without Schengen visa |
This change will benefit Indian business travelers routing through French airports to destinations in the Americas or Africa. Companies with India-to-Europe assignee flows can update their travel policies once the pilot start date is officially announced.
Tripling Indian Student Numbers by 2030
France currently hosts approximately 10,000 Indian students and plans to increase this to 30,000 by 2030. President Macron told university rectors in Delhi that France will expand English-taught master’s programs, fast-track Campus France admissions, and align visa issuance with academic calendars.
The enhanced student pathway aims to ensure “paperwork is never a reason to miss the first day of class,” according to Macron’s announcement. Universities are preparing dedicated welcome desks and housing guarantees to compete with other European destinations like Germany and the Netherlands.
For students considering French education, our Schengen Visa Guide provides comprehensive information about visa requirements and application processes.
Impact on Indian Travelers and Students
The visa-free transit facility will reduce costs and save time for Indian executives and travelers using French airports as connection points. This operational change eliminates the previous requirement to obtain a Schengen transit visa for airside connections.
The expanded student program creates opportunities for Indian graduates in STEM fields, with France offering post-study work options that remain among the most generous in the EU. Use our Visa Fee Calculator to compare costs for different visa categories and plan your application budget.
French post-study work policies provide pathways for talent passport or EU Blue Card applications, creating opportunities for long-term residence and employment in France and the broader European Union.
Implementation Timeline and Requirements
Details about specific documentation requirements for visa-free transit have not been announced yet. The pilot program’s exact start date within Q2 2026 will be officially gazetted soon.
HR teams and mobility managers should monitor official announcements for implementation details and update corporate travel policies accordingly. The streamlined visa processes for students align with academic calendars to facilitate timely enrollment.
Source: Campus France, French Embassy
FAQ
Q: Which French airports will allow visa-free transit for Indians? A: The policy applies to French airports including Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle and Orly for airside transit connections.
Q: How long is the visa-free transit pilot program? A: France announced a six-month pilot program starting Q2 2026, which could become permanent if security benchmarks are met.
Q: What is France’s student target for Indians by 2030? A: France aims to host 30,000 Indian students annually by 2030, tripling from the current 10,000 students.
Q: Do I need any documents for visa-free transit in France? A: Details about required documentation for the visa-free transit have not been announced yet.