In a significant boost to travel convenience, France has lifted airport transit visa requirements for Indian nationals, with the decision coming into effect earlier this month as part of deepening bilateral ties.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on Thursday, said the visa-free transit regime for Indians passing through French airports in the European territory has now been operationalised by the French government.The move follows an announcement made during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India in February this year, when he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed on measures to ease travel between the two countries.Under the revised rules, Indian nationals holding ordinary passports and transiting exclusively by air through French airports will no longer require an airport transit visa, with effect from April 10, 2026.The exemption applies to passengers who remain within the international transit zone during layovers en route to a third country.The French Embassy in New Delhi said the change was enabled through a decree amending earlier visa regulations, which was published in France’s Official Gazette (Journal Officiel) on April 9.Describing the step as a reflection of the “enduring partnership” between the two countries, the MEA said the decision underscores a shared commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties by facilitating smoother movement.The easing of transit norms is expected to benefit a large number of Indian travellers using French hubs such as Paris for onward international connections, reducing both procedural hurdles and travel time.Officials said the updated provisions have already been incorporated into France’s visa processing systems, signalling swift implementation of a key mobility initiative agreed at the highest political level.