Husband needs airport visa?

[VictoriaUSA 0]

My husband is visiting family in Morocco. We didn't get an airport visa for him when he flew through Paris, and he was almost stuck there. The French consulate here told me he needs an airport visa and he can get one in Morocco.

Two questions:

1. How much does the airport visa cost if he buys it in Morocco? (French consulate in Morocco has given different answers)

2. I read that he doesn't actually need one since he's just changing planes in Charles DeGaulle since he already has a green card, but since they gave him such a hard time GOING to Morocco, we are afraid to chance it. Anyone know what the actual regulations are? Also, the airport is VERY big and he had to take a train from one part of the airport to another which is why we think they gave him such a hard time.

[maggieNomar 0]

That is interesting. My husband, also from Morocco, just went for the second time, through CDG. Neither time did he have an issue. Now you have me wondering. At what point in his transfer was he stopped and questioned?

[MrsAmera 41]

The only reason he would need a visa would be if he were leaving the airport. MY husband too has flown through CDG and never had a problem. Sounds to me like the consular guy got mixed up or didn't understand what your husband was doing. And why would he get stopped going into Morocco? He would show his Moroccan passport when entering (no green card needed) and that would be it. The GC is only needed when checking in on the way back..

[Beauty for Ashes 257]

My husband is visiting family in Morocco. We didn't get an airport visa for him when he flew through Paris, and he was almost stuck there. The French consulate here told me he needs an airport visa and he can get one in Morocco.

Two questions:

1. How much does the airport visa cost if he buys it in Morocco? (French consulate in Morocco has given different answers)

2. I read that he doesn't actually need one since he's just changing planes in Charles DeGaulle since he already has a green card, but since they gave him such a hard time GOING to Morocco, we are afraid to chance it. Anyone know what the actual regulations are? Also, the airport is VERY big and he had to take a train from one part of the airport to another which is why we think they gave him such a hard time.

Its called a transit visa and only necessary if you want to go out of the airport for a few days in Paris or you went to France going to one airport and somehow your flight to Morocco was going through another airport. It indeed will be a problem if his connecting flights are at orly (like some of the less expensive flights to North Africa) and you are flying into Charles De Gaulle. If he is flying through 2 different airports, he could very well be stopped going back to France. It is absolutely impossible to apply for the transit visa once he has travelled because its a schengen and a lengthy process and as of November 10 requires an in person visit to a French or European embassy together with a several week waiting period. You used to be able to apply by mail but that was discontinued 11 10. You can ask at the French embassy in Morocco to see if they will issue a greencard holder a transit visa but my guess is no and you will most likely need to make sure that both flights are going out of the same airport.

This is a visa that needs to be arranged several months ahead of time and requires fore thought..

If he is just changing planes in Charles De Gaulle, he doesnt need anything. If he wants to go outside and visit friends or see things in Paris , yes he does.

In the future, before he travels, you can apply for the transit visa along with your itinerary and 100 dollars. Ive done it twice and the first time was extremely simple but now the schengen is extremely hard to get because you have to appear in person and most people dont live anywhere near a consulate.VISA HQ used to be the online source.Most greencard holders dont know that going to Europe is not a given and that they have to show financial proof as well as travel insurance and wait for a clearance. ( they want to see bankstatements in the travellers name as well as a travellers policy)

[payxibka 10,047]

You don't need to leave the airport, it is also needed if you are changing planes and connecting to a flight headed to a Schengen country.

As long as he is able to stay in the international transit area he should be fine... changing terminals or taking the train is not considered staying in the transit area

[belinda63 3,047]

It depends on the airlines, my husband traveling prior to receiving his green card had the same problem when going through Amsterdam. But because he remained with the same airline for the connecting flight he was able to avoid getting a transit visa. IF he had changed airlines he would have needed one. They wouldn't let him connect through Frankfort at all stating he would need a transit visa no matter what if he flew through there.

I think it depends on the airlines and the airports and the agreements they have with the country the airport is in. But.....Delta told us once he has his green card he wouldn't need the transit visa so go figure.