Transit Visa Requirements for Indian Nationals Transiting Through Helsinki and London

Many travelers from India, especially those who are studying or working in Canada, often find themselves with complex travel itineraries involving multiple stops. In this article, we will break down the transit visa requirements for Indian nationals traveling from Toronto to New Delhi via London and Helsinki.

Overview of Transit Visa Requirements

When you are traveling from a place of residence to another destination via multiple layovers, it's important to understand the visa requirements for each country you transitanbsp;

Finland (Helsinki)

When you are transiting through Helsinki, the capital of Finland, the requirements for getting a transit visa can vary. If you are not leaving the international transit area and your layover is under 24 hours, you generally do not need a transit visa to enter Finland. However, it is always advisable to check the latest travel restrictions on the official government websites or contact the Finnish Embassy in Canada for accurate information as regulations can change.

For Indian nationals with a study visa staying in Canada, if you are not intending to exit the international transit area in Helsinki, you are exempt from obtaining a transit visa. Nonetheless, it's essential to ensure that your travel itinerary allows you to remain in the international transit area during your layover.

United Kingdom (London)

London's visa requirements are typically stricter, especially if you are changing flights within the airport. If you are using a direct airside transit route and not intending to exit the airport, you may be eligible for a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV). This visa is required for Indian nationals transiting through the UK.

If your flight itinerary involves separate PNRs within the UK, meaning you will change from one flight to another within the UK itself, you will need a DATV for the UK. Otherwise, a single PNR through the UK does not require a transit visa.

General Advice

It is crucial to always verify the latest entry and exit requirements on the official government websites or contact the relevant embassies or consulates. Additionally, make sure your travel itinerary is in line with the rules so that you can stay within the international transit area during your layovers.

For a seamless travel experience, make sure you carefully check your PNR and layover locations. If in doubt, it is best to consult the relevant authorities in advance.

Example Scenarios

Assuming a travel itinerary like TON-LHR-HEL-DEL (Toronto-London-Helsinki-New Delhi) on a single PNR, you would not require a transit visa for either Helsinki or London, as you will be remaining in the international transit area. However, if you change flights in each airport with separate PNRs, you would need a transit visa for London.

Example 1:
DEL-LHR-HEL-DEL on a single PNR: No visa is needed.

Example 2:
DEL-LHR-HEL-DEL on separate PNRs: Transit visa for UK needed.

Conclusion

In summary, you likely do not need a transit visa for Helsinki, but you will probably need one for the UK. Always check the official government websites or contact the relevant embassies or consulates for the most accurate and updated information.