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France has started a big diplomatic effort to strengthen its partnership with India by making travel and education easier. The French government has announced visa-free transit for Indian nationals and aims to host 30,000 Indian students by 2030. These steps aim to make France a leading global destination for Indian talent and to build stronger academic and professional connections between the two countries.
France Announces Visa-Free Transit for Indians
During his visit to India from February 17 to 19, 2026, President Emmanuel Macron announced a visa-free transit option for Indian nationals passing through French airports. This measure, which will start as a six-month pilot, aims to make travel easier and improve movement for Indians travelling through France. Both India and France will assess the program after the pilot period.
What are the New Visa-Free Transit Rules?
To make travel easier, France has dropped the requirement for an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) for Indian passport holders.
- Transit Access: Indians can now pass through the international zone of any French airport without a transit visa.
- Destination: This applies to travellers going to a non-Schengen country, such as the UK, USA, or Canada.
- Benefit: This change reduces costs and paperwork for frequent flyers using French airports, such as Paris-Charles de Gaulle.
The ‘30,000 Students by 2030’ Vision
President Emmanuel Macron has set a clear goal to welcome 30,000 Indian students by 2030. This initiative focuses on several key areas:
- International Classes: The creation of "Classes Internationales" allows Indian students to study in English while also learning French.
- Diverse Disciplines: There will be an expansion of programs in management, engineering, humanities, and the arts.
- Alumni Benefits: Indian students who have completed at least one semester of study in France and hold a Master’s degree can apply for a 5-year short-stay Schengen visa. This visa helps them maintain professional links with Europe.
>>>Read More: What Happens If You Overstay Your Schengen Visa?
Strengthening the Indo-French Partnership
These updates are part of the "Horizon 2047" roadmap, which celebrates 25 years of partnership between India and France. By focusing on "people-to-people" ties, France aims to create a lasting bridge of innovation, culture, and academic excellence between the two nations.
