Do you need a visa to change planes?

Some countries want a permit or visa even if you never leave the airport. Here's what each passport needs to change planes in the places we cover.

The short version

  • Changing planes "airside" means staying in the international area of the airport, on a through ticket, without going through immigration. Some countries, like the USA, don't have airside transit at all.
  • Leaving the airport during a layover means entering the country, so the normal entry rules apply, unless the country has a special transit scheme.
  • Add the stop to the checker and tick "Only changing planes here" to check your whole journey.

What each passport needs to change planes

Changing planes inUSUKIrishCanadianAustralianNew Zealand
Schengen areaNothingNothingNothingNothingNothingNothing
IrelandNothingNothingCitizenNothingNothingNothing
UKNothingCitizenNothingNothingUK ETAUK ETA
USACitizenESTAESTANothingESTAESTA
CanadaNothingeTAeTACitizeneTAeTA
AustraliaNothingNothingNothingNothingCitizenNothing
New ZealandNZeTANZeTANZeTANZeTANothingCitizen
JapanNothingNothingNothingNothingNothingNothing
South KoreaNothingNothingNothingNothingNothingNothing
ThailandNothingNothingNothingNothingNothingNothing
ChinaNothingNothingNothingNothingNothingNothing
MexicoNothingNothingNothingNothingNothingNothing
TurkeyNothingNothingNothingNothingNothingNothing
UAENothingNothingNothingNothingNothingNothing
EgyptNothingNothingNothingNothingNothingNothing
IndiaNothingNothingNothingNothingNothingNothing
IndonesiaNothingNothingNothingNothingNothingNothing
VietnamNothingNothingNothingNothingNothingNothing
SingaporeNothingNothingNothingNothingNothingNothing
BrazilNothingNothingNothingNothingNothingNothing
MoroccoNothingNothingNothingNothingNothingNothing
Dominican RepublicNothingNothingNothingNothingNothingNothing
KenyaNothingNothingNothingNothingNothingNothing

Changing planes in the Schengen area

  • US, UK, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa to change planes at a Schengen airport if you stay in the international transit area. This only works if your next flight leaves the Schengen area. ETIAS isn't running yet, and when it starts you won't need it airside either.
  • Irish passports: As an EU citizen you can travel freely in the Schengen area, so you don't need anything to change planes. Carry your passport.

If you leave the airport: If you leave the airport, or your next flight goes to another Schengen country, you go through Schengen border control at your first Schengen airport. You don't need a visa, but the day counts towards your 90 days in any 180, you're registered in the EU's Entry/Exit System (fingerprints and a photo), and your passport must have been issued in the last 10 years and be valid for 3 months after you leave. Irish citizens just show their passport.

  • Flying on to another Schengen country isn't airside transit. If you fly New York to Rome via Paris, for example, you go through passport control in Paris.
  • ETIAS has no start date yet. The EU says it will give several months' notice. Once it starts, you'll need one to leave the transit area, but not to stay in it.

Staying in the Schengen area? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in Ireland

  • US passports: US citizens don't need a visa or any permit to change planes in Ireland. Expect to show your passport to an immigration officer, even in transit.
  • UK passports: British citizens don't need a visa or permission to travel to or through Ireland, under the Common Travel Area. Carry your passport or other proof of nationality in case an officer asks.
  • Canadian passports: Canadian citizens don't need a visa or any permit to change planes in Ireland. Expect to show your passport to an immigration officer, even in transit.
  • Australian passports: Australian citizens don't need a visa or any permit to change planes in Ireland. Expect to show your passport to an immigration officer, even in transit.
  • New Zealand passports: New Zealand citizens don't need a visa or any permit to change planes in Ireland. Expect to show your passport to an immigration officer, even in transit.

If you leave the airport: If you leave the airport, you go through Irish immigration. You don't need a visa: the officer decides how long you can stay, up to 3 months. British citizens can come and go freely under the Common Travel Area.

  • At Dublin, a connection only stays airside if both flights use Terminal 2 between 04:00 and 20:00 on the same day. Otherwise, including overnight (Irish airports close at night), you go through border control. Transit advice (Irish Immigration Service)
  • Flying on to the UK? You need a UK ETA (£20) for that flight unless you're British or Irish, or you live in Ireland.

Staying in Ireland? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in the UK

  • US and Canadian passports: You don't need a UK ETA if you change planes without going through UK border control (airside). Airside transit is available at Heathrow and Manchester. If you go through border control, you need an ETA (£20).
  • Irish passports: Irish citizens don't need an ETA or a visa to travel to or through the UK, under the Common Travel Area. Carry your Irish passport to show you're exempt.
  • Australian passports: The UK says you don't need an ETA if you change planes without going through border control (airside, at Heathrow and Manchester only). But the Australian government says you need one to transit the UK, so to be safe, get an ETA (£20) before you fly.
  • New Zealand passports: The UK says you don't need an ETA if you change planes without going through border control (airside, at Heathrow and Manchester only). But the New Zealand government says you need one to transit the UK, so to be safe, get an ETA (£20) before you fly.

If you leave the airport: If you go through UK border control, for example to leave the airport, collect and re-check your bags or change airports, you need a UK ETA (£20). Get it before you fly. Irish citizens don't need one.

  • Flying on to Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man? That doesn't count as transit. You go through UK border control and need a UK ETA, unless you're Irish.
  • The airside exemption is temporary. The Home Office says it will be kept under review, so check again before you fly.
  • Not sure whether you'll go through border control? Your airline can tell you. When you don't need an ETA (GOV.UK)

Staying in the UK? See the entry rules for a US passport or every passport.

Changing planes in the USA

  • UK, Irish, Australian and New Zealand passports: There's no airside transit in the USA. You go through US border control at your first US airport, even to change planes, so you need an ESTA ($40.62) or a US visa. On the ESTA form, answer yes to the question about transit.
  • Canadian passports: Canadian citizens don't need an ESTA or a visa, even to change planes. You still go through US border control at your first US airport, so fly with your passport or a NEXUS card.

If you leave the airport: Nothing changes, because you've already been through US border control. An ESTA covers visits of up to 90 days, and Canadian citizens don't need one. If you're travelling on a transit (C) visa instead, it doesn't cover sightseeing: you'd need a visitor (B) visa.

  • Been to Cuba since 12 January 2021, or to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since 1 March 2011? With few exceptions you can't use an ESTA, even to change planes. Apply for a US visa instead. Who can't use an ESTA (CBP)
  • Allow at least 2 hours between flights. You have to clear US border control at your first US airport before your connection.

Staying in the USA? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in Canada

  • US passports: US citizens don't need an eTA or a visa to change planes in Canada. Fly with your US passport.
  • UK, Irish, Australian and New Zealand passports: You need an eTA (CA$7) to change planes in Canada, even if you don't leave the airport. Apply online before you fly.

If you leave the airport: If you leave the airport, you go through Canadian border control like any other visitor. The same eTA covers visits, and US citizens just need their passport.

  • Vancouver, Toronto Pearson and Montréal airports have international-to-international transit: you go straight to your next flight without going through Canadian customs, as long as you stay in the transit area. You still need an eTA.

Staying in Canada? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in Australia

  • US and Canadian passports: You don't need a visa if you stay in the transit lounge and your flight to another country leaves within 8 hours. If you have to go through immigration, for example to collect your bags, you need an ETA.
  • UK and Irish passports: You don't need a visa if you stay in the transit lounge and your flight to another country leaves within 8 hours. If you have to go through immigration, for example to collect your bags, you need a free eVisitor visa.
  • New Zealand passports: New Zealand citizens don't need to apply for anything. You can transit without a visa, and if you go through immigration you can get a free Special Category visa at the airport.

If you leave the airport: If you leave the airport, stay longer than 8 hours or have to go through immigration, you need a visa before you fly: an ETA (A$20 service charge in the app) if you're American or Canadian, or a free eVisitor if you're British or Irish. New Zealand citizens get a free Special Category visa at the airport.

  • Not every airport allows transit without a visa. Canberra and Sunshine Coast don't. Sydney and Brisbane allow it only for same-day connections, and Perth only if both flights use the same terminal. At Darwin and the Gold Coast you may have to collect your bags, which means going through immigration. Transit facilities at Australian airports (Home Affairs)

Staying in Australia? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in New Zealand

  • US, UK, Irish and Canadian passports: You need an NZeTA to change planes in New Zealand, even if you stay airside. Airside transit is only possible at Auckland Airport, for up to 24 hours. You don't pay the NZ$100 visitor levy when you're only transiting.
  • Australian passports: Australian citizens don't need an NZeTA or a visa, even to change planes.

If you leave the airport: If you leave the transit area, stay longer than 24 hours or change planes anywhere other than Auckland, you're entering New Zealand. Request your NZeTA as a visitor, not for transit, and pay the NZ$100 visitor levy with it. Australian citizens get a resident visa when they arrive.

  • An NZeTA costs NZ$17 in the official app or NZ$23 on the website, and lasts up to 2 years. Allow up to 72 hours for it to come through. Request an NZeTA (Immigration New Zealand)
  • In transit at Auckland you can't collect your bags. Your airline can usually send them on to your next flight.

Staying in New Zealand? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in Japan

  • US passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in Japan if you stay airside and don't go through immigration. Airlines may not let you board if your passport has less than 6 months left or you lack documents for your next country.
  • UK, Irish, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in Japan if you stay airside and don't go through immigration.

If you leave the airport: US, UK, Irish, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports don't need a visa to visit Japan for up to 90 days, so you can leave the airport during a layover. You fill in the disembarkation card and customs form, on paper or through Visit Japan Web. Your passport must be valid for your whole stay.

  • Japan charges a ¥3,000 departure tax, which your airline collects. If you leave Japan within 24 hours of arriving, you don't pay it. Japan's departure tax

Staying in Japan? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in South Korea

  • US, UK, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa or K-ETA to change planes in South Korea if you stay in the transfer area. If you have to go through immigration, for example to collect your bags, the entry rules apply.
  • Irish passports: You don't need a visa or K-ETA to change planes in South Korea if you stay in the transfer area. Korea says you need a K-ETA if you have to enter the country, for example to collect your bags or because your plans change.

If you leave the airport: US, UK, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports don't need a visa or K-ETA to enter South Korea until 31 December 2026, so you can leave the airport during a layover. From 1 January 2027 you'll need a K-ETA unless the exemption is extended. Irish passports need a K-ETA (₩10,000) before you fly, according to Korea; the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs says Irish citizens are exempt until 31 December 2026, so getting one is the safe choice. You don't need a K-ETA if you're 17 or under, or 65 or over. Without a K-ETA, you fill in an arrival card, online up to 3 days before you land or on paper.

Staying in South Korea? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in Thailand

  • US, UK, Irish, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in Thailand if your layover is under 12 hours, your bags are checked through and you stay in the transit area. You don't need the TDAC arrival card unless you go through immigration.

If you leave the airport: US, UK, Irish, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports can enter Thailand without a visa for tourism for up to 30 days, so you can leave the airport during a layover. The same applies if your layover is longer than 12 hours or you have to collect and re-check your bags. Before you land, fill in the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) on the official site, within 3 days of arriving. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive.

  • Leaving the airport means entering Thailand, and Thai embassies say you can enter without a visa only twice in a calendar year.
  • The TDAC is free on the official site. Other sites charge a fee. Official TDAC site

Staying in Thailand? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in China

  • US passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in China if you fly on to another country within 24 hours, have a confirmed onward ticket and stay in the airport's transit area. If you want to leave the transit area, you need the 240-hour visa-free transit or a temporary entry permit from the border officers at the airport.
  • UK, Irish, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in China if you fly on to another country within 24 hours, have a confirmed onward ticket and stay in the airport's transit area. Until 31 December 2026 you can also enter China without a visa if you want to leave the airport.

If you leave the airport: UK, Irish, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days, including for transit, until 31 December 2026. US passports can't, but all six passports can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit. For that you need an ordinary passport and a confirmed onward ticket, with a date, to a third country or region. You enter at one of 65 listed ports, including the main airports in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing and Xi'an, and can stay up to 240 hours (10 days) in the permitted areas of 24 provinces. You can't work, study or report as a journalist. You fill in an arrival card when you enter.

  • If you change planes within 24 hours and don't leave the airport's transit area, you don't need to fill in China's arrival card. If you go through immigration, you do.
  • The 240-hour scheme only works from listed ports, and you can only travel within the permitted areas for each province. See the 65 ports and permitted areas
  • US passports: the US State Department says that to transit without a visa you need at least 6 months left on your passport and an onward ticket from the same city, and if you fly in, you must leave from the same airport. Tell your airline at check-in.

Staying in China? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in Mexico

  • US passports: US citizens don't need a visa to change planes in Mexico. Mexico applies its visa rules to connecting passengers too, but your passport doesn't need one.
  • UK passports: UK citizens don't need a visa to change planes in Mexico. Mexico applies its visa rules to connecting passengers too, but your passport doesn't need one.
  • Irish passports: Irish citizens don't need a visa to change planes in Mexico. Mexico applies its visa rules to connecting passengers too, but your passport doesn't need one.
  • Canadian passports: Canadian citizens don't need a visa to change planes in Mexico. Mexico applies its visa rules to connecting passengers too, but your passport doesn't need one.
  • Australian passports: Australian citizens don't need a visa to change planes in Mexico. Mexico applies its visa rules to connecting passengers too, but your passport doesn't need one.
  • New Zealand passports: New Zealand citizens don't need a visa to change planes in Mexico. Mexico applies its visa rules to connecting passengers too, but your passport doesn't need one.

If you leave the airport: If you leave the airport, you go through Mexican immigration like any visitor. You don't need a visa. The officer decides how many days you can stay, up to 180, so ask for the days you need.

Staying in Mexico? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in Turkey

  • US, UK, Irish, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in Turkey if you stay in the airport's transit lounge.

If you leave the airport: US, UK, Irish, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports don't need a visa or e-Visa to visit Turkey for up to 90 days in any 180 days, so you can leave the airport during a layover. For UK passports the exemption is for tourist visits. Turkish law asks for a passport valid for at least 150 days from the day you arrive; the US State Department advises 6 months.

Staying in Turkey? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in the UAE

  • US passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the UAE if you stay in the airport. The UAE doesn't accept passports with an X gender marker, even for transit.
  • UK passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the UAE if you stay in the airport. If you don't go through immigration, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the day you transit.
  • Irish passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the UAE if you stay in the airport. An Irish temporary passport is accepted for this, but not for entering the UAE.
  • Canadian passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the UAE if you stay in the airport. A Canadian temporary passport is accepted for this, but not for entering the UAE.
  • Australian passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the UAE if you stay in the airport.
  • New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the UAE if you stay in the airport. You can't transit the UAE on a passport with an X gender marker or with XX in the date of birth.

If you leave the airport: You don't need a transit visa. US, UK, Irish, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports get a free visa on arrival at immigration, so you can leave the airport during a layover. The UAE's 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas are only for people who can't get a visa on arrival. To enter, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive.

  • If you stay in the airport, you don't need the UAE's approval to carry controlled medicines. If you leave the airport, the UAE's medicine rules apply. UAE medicine permits
  • Passports with an X gender marker aren't accepted for travel to or through the UAE, so you can be refused boarding even if you're only changing planes.
  • If you have unpaid debts or a legal case in the UAE, you can be stopped or arrested at the airport, even when you're only changing planes.

Staying in the UAE? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in Egypt

  • US, UK, Irish, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in Egypt if you stay in the airport's international transit area.

If you leave the airport: To leave the airport, even for a short stopover, you need a tourist visa. Get an e-Visa ($30 for a single entry) on Egypt's official portal at least 7 days before you fly, or a visa on arrival at the airport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive.

Staying in Egypt? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in India

  • US, UK, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in India if you stay in the airport's transit area and fly on within 24 hours. After 24 hours, or if you have to go through immigration to collect your bags, you need a visa.
  • Irish passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in India if you stay in the airport's transit area and fly on within 24 hours. After 24 hours, or if you have to collect your bags because you're on separate bookings or changing airline, you may need a visa.

If you leave the airport: You need an Indian visa to leave the airport, even for a few hours. There's no visa on arrival for these passports. India's official e-Visa site offers an e-Transit Visa, which needs a confirmed onward ticket and any visa you need for your next country, as well as e-Tourist Visas. Pay the fee at least 4 days before you travel. You also fill in the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before you land.

  • You can only enter India on an e-Visa at designated airports and seaports. Check your layover airport is on the list before you plan to leave it. India's official e-Visa site
  • Satellite phones and GPS devices are illegal in India without a licence, even if you're only changing planes.

Staying in India? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in Indonesia

  • US, UK, Irish, Canadian and New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in Indonesia if you stay in the airport's international transit area. If you have to go through immigration, for example to collect bags or check in again, you need a visa on arrival.
  • Australian passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in Indonesia if you stay in the airport's international transit area. If you have to go through immigration, for example to collect bags or check in again, you need a visa on arrival. Smartraveller says your passport should have 6 months' validity even when you're only transiting.

If you leave the airport: Leaving the airport means entering Indonesia. All six passports can get the visa on arrival, which covers transit: IDR 500,000 for up to 30 days, bought online as an e-VoA or when you land. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive, a ticket out of Indonesia, and the free All Indonesia arrival card. If you do tourist activities in Bali, you also pay Bali's IDR 150,000 tourist levy.

  • Indonesian airports scan transit passengers' bags for drugs, including cannabis and CBD. Never carry anything for someone else.
  • An e-VoA only works at listed airports, seaports and land crossings, including Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta) and Bali (Ngurah Rai). Anywhere else, buy the visa when you land. See the points of entry for e-VoA holders

Staying in Indonesia? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in Vietnam

  • US, Irish, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa to change between international flights in Vietnam if you stay airside. If your next flight is domestic, you have to go through immigration, so you need an e-Visa.
  • UK passports: You don't need a visa to change between international flights in Vietnam if you stay airside. If your next flight is domestic, you have to go through immigration, which UK citizens can do without a visa for up to 45 days.

If you leave the airport: Leaving the airport, or changing to a domestic flight in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, means entering Vietnam, even if your final destination is abroad. UK citizens can enter without a visa for up to 45 days. Everyone else needs an e-Visa from evisa.gov.vn before they fly: $25 for a single entry or $50 for multiple entries. Check with your airline whether you'll have to go through immigration.

Staying in Vietnam? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in Singapore

  • US, UK, Australian and New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa or an SG Arrival Card to change planes in Singapore if you stay in the transit area and don't go through immigration. Singapore doesn't ask for 6 months on your passport airside, but your airline may. Check your bags are checked through to your final destination.
  • Irish passports: You don't need a visa or an SG Arrival Card to change planes in Singapore if you stay in the transit area and don't go through immigration. Singapore doesn't ask for 6 months on your passport airside, but your airline may, and the Irish government says 6 months beyond the date you leave, even when passing through. Check your bags are checked through.
  • Canadian passports: You don't need a visa or an SG Arrival Card to change planes in Singapore if you stay in the transit area and don't go through immigration. Singapore doesn't ask for 6 months on your passport airside, but your airline may, and the Canadian government says the 6-month rule also applies in transit. Check your bags are checked through.

If you leave the airport: If you leave the airport, even for a few hours, you go through immigration as a visitor. None of the six passports needs a visa, but you must submit the free SG Arrival Card within 3 days before you arrive, and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. The same applies if you have to collect your bags and check in again, as some low-cost airlines require.

  • Vapes and e-cigarettes are illegal in Singapore, even in the airport transit area. Don't carry one through Changi.
  • You can be tested for drugs at Changi, even if you're only in transit, and drug penalties in Singapore are severe.
  • Medicines that need HSA approval to enter Singapore don't need it if you stay in the transit area. Banned medicines, such as cannabis products, aren't allowed even in transit. HSA: travelling with medicines

Staying in Singapore? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in Brazil

  • US, Canadian and Australian passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in Brazil if you stay in the international transit area and both flights are on one booking. With separate tickets, or if you have to go through passport control, you need the e-visa.
  • UK, Irish and New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in Brazil. If you have to go through passport control, you can enter without a visa for up to 90 days.

If you leave the airport: Leaving the airport, or going through passport control to make your connection, means entering Brazil, so the normal entry rules apply. US, Canadian and Australian citizens need the e-visa (US$80.90), which covers transit and must be approved before you fly. UK, Irish and New Zealand citizens can enter without a visa for up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for your whole stay.

  • Brazilian airports scan transit passengers' bags too. Carrying drugs, even just through the airport, means a long jail sentence.
  • If a child is travelling through Brazil without both parents, carry the other parent's written consent and the child's birth certificate. Children who are also Brazilian need a formal travel authorisation to leave Brazil. Brazil's travel authorisation for children

Staying in Brazil? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in Morocco

  • US passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in Morocco. US citizens can enter Morocco without a visa, so you're covered whether you stay airside or go through passport control.
  • UK passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in Morocco. UK citizens can enter Morocco without a visa, so you're covered whether you stay airside or go through passport control.
  • Irish passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in Morocco. Irish citizens can enter Morocco without a visa, so you're covered whether you stay airside or go through passport control. Travel on your passport book: Irish passport cards aren't accepted.
  • Canadian passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in Morocco. Canadian citizens can enter Morocco without a visa, so you're covered whether you stay airside or go through passport control.
  • Australian passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in Morocco. Australian citizens can enter Morocco without a visa, so you're covered whether you stay airside or go through passport control.
  • New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in Morocco. New Zealand citizens can enter Morocco without a visa, so you're covered whether you stay airside or go through passport control.

If you leave the airport: If you leave the airport, you're entering Morocco. With any of these six passports you can stay up to 90 days as a tourist without a visa. Make sure your passport is stamped when you go through passport control, and the passport rules for visiting Morocco apply.

  • Morocco has zero tolerance for drugs, including cannabis, and this applies to transit passengers too. Airports scan transit passengers' bags. Expect a long prison sentence if you're caught, and never carry anything for someone else.

Staying in Morocco? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in the Dominican Republic

  • US passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the Dominican Republic. US citizens can enter without a visa, so you're covered whether you stay airside or go through passport control.
  • UK passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the Dominican Republic. UK citizens can enter without a visa, so you're covered whether you stay airside or go through passport control.
  • Irish passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the Dominican Republic. Irish citizens can enter without a visa, so you're covered whether you stay airside or go through passport control. Travel on your passport book: passport cards aren't accepted.
  • Canadian passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the Dominican Republic. Canadian citizens can enter without a visa, so you're covered whether you stay airside or go through passport control.
  • Australian passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the Dominican Republic. Australian citizens can enter without a visa, so you're covered whether you stay airside or go through passport control.
  • New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the Dominican Republic. New Zealand citizens can enter without a visa, so you're covered whether you stay airside or go through passport control.

If you leave the airport: If you leave the airport, you're entering the Dominican Republic. With any of these six passports you can stay up to 30 days as a tourist without a visa. You need the free e-Ticket to enter and another to leave, and the US$10 tourist card. The card isn't included in tickets where the Dominican Republic isn't your final destination, so you may have to pay for it when you arrive. The passport rules for visiting the Dominican Republic apply.

  • Everyone entering or leaving the Dominican Republic must fill in the e-Ticket. If your connection takes you through passport control, or you're not sure, fill one in before you fly. It's free on the official site. Fill in the e-Ticket on the official site

Staying in the Dominican Republic? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Changing planes in Kenya

  • US, UK, Irish, Australian and New Zealand passports: You don't need an eTA if you change planes in Kenya without leaving the airport, and you don't need Kenya's health insurance either. Coming from a yellow fever risk country? Carry your certificate.
  • Canadian passports: You don't need an eTA if you change planes in Kenya without passing border control, and you don't need Kenya's health insurance either. Coming from a yellow fever risk country? Carry your certificate.

If you leave the airport: If you go through immigration, for example to stay overnight, you need an approved eTA before you fly. Kenya's eTA site has a Transit eTA for $20 for people on a transit flight, as well as the standard $30 eTA. Only transit passengers who don't enter Kenya are exempt from the compulsory health insurance (up to $44), so expect to buy that too.

  • Kenya Airports Authority says travellers from yellow fever risk countries, including those in transit for 12 hours or more, must carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Staying in Kenya? See the entry rules for a UK passport or every passport.

Quick answers

Do I need a visa to change planes in the Schengen area?

US, UK, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa to change planes at a Schengen airport if you stay in the international transit area. This only works if your next flight leaves the Schengen area. ETIAS isn't running yet, and when it starts you won't need it airside either. Irish passports: As an EU citizen you can travel freely in the Schengen area, so you don't need anything to change planes. Carry your passport.

Do I need a visa to change planes in the UK?

US and Canadian passports: You don't need a UK ETA if you change planes without going through UK border control (airside). Airside transit is available at Heathrow and Manchester. If you go through border control, you need an ETA (£20). Irish passports: Irish citizens don't need an ETA or a visa to travel to or through the UK, under the Common Travel Area. Carry your Irish passport to show you're exempt. Australian passports: The UK says you don't need an ETA if you change planes without going through border control (airside, at Heathrow and Manchester only). But the Australian government says you need one to transit the UK, so to be safe, get an ETA (£20) before you fly. New Zealand passports: The UK says you don't need an ETA if you change planes without going through border control (airside, at Heathrow and Manchester only). But the New Zealand government says you need one to transit the UK, so to be safe, get an ETA (£20) before you fly.

Do I need a visa to change planes in the USA?

UK, Irish, Australian and New Zealand passports: There's no airside transit in the USA. You go through US border control at your first US airport, even to change planes, so you need an ESTA ($40.62) or a US visa. On the ESTA form, answer yes to the question about transit. Canadian passports: Canadian citizens don't need an ESTA or a visa, even to change planes. You still go through US border control at your first US airport, so fly with your passport or a NEXUS card.

Do I need a visa to change planes in Canada?

US passports: US citizens don't need an eTA or a visa to change planes in Canada. Fly with your US passport. UK, Irish, Australian and New Zealand passports: You need an eTA (CA$7) to change planes in Canada, even if you don't leave the airport. Apply online before you fly.

Do I need a visa to change planes in the UAE?

US passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the UAE if you stay in the airport. The UAE doesn't accept passports with an X gender marker, even for transit. UK passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the UAE if you stay in the airport. If you don't go through immigration, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the day you transit. Irish passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the UAE if you stay in the airport. An Irish temporary passport is accepted for this, but not for entering the UAE. Canadian passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the UAE if you stay in the airport. A Canadian temporary passport is accepted for this, but not for entering the UAE. Australian passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the UAE if you stay in the airport. New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa to change planes in the UAE if you stay in the airport. You can't transit the UAE on a passport with an X gender marker or with XX in the date of birth.

Do I need a visa to change planes in Singapore?

US, UK, Australian and New Zealand passports: You don't need a visa or an SG Arrival Card to change planes in Singapore if you stay in the transit area and don't go through immigration. Singapore doesn't ask for 6 months on your passport airside, but your airline may. Check your bags are checked through to your final destination. Irish passports: You don't need a visa or an SG Arrival Card to change planes in Singapore if you stay in the transit area and don't go through immigration. Singapore doesn't ask for 6 months on your passport airside, but your airline may, and the Irish government says 6 months beyond the date you leave, even when passing through. Check your bags are checked through. Canadian passports: You don't need a visa or an SG Arrival Card to change planes in Singapore if you stay in the transit area and don't go through immigration. Singapore doesn't ask for 6 months on your passport airside, but your airline may, and the Canadian government says the 6-month rule also applies in transit. Check your bags are checked through.

Checked 28 October 2026 against European Commission, Official Journal of the European Union, European Union, GOV.UK, Your Europe, SafeTravel, Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Irish Statute Book, US Department of State, Government of Canada, Home Office, Department of Foreign Affairs, Smartraveller, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, US Customs and Border Protection, US Department of Homeland Security, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, US Embassy and Consulates in Canada, Canada Gazette, Part II, Department of Home Affairs, Immigration New Zealand, Embassy of Japan in Australia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Immigration Services Agency of Japan, National Tax Agency of Japan, Korea Electronic Travel Authorization, Korea Tourism Organization, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Ireland, Ministry of Justice, Korea Immigration Service, Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland, Royal Thai Embassy, Washington DC, Royal Thai Embassy, London, Royal Thai Embassy, Buenos Aires, Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Royal Thai Embassy, Colombo, National Immigration Administration of China, Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States, Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the UK, Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, Consulate General of Mexico in Boston, Government of Mexico, Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE Government portal, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emirates Drug Establishment, Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt in London, Egypt e-Visa portal, Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Washington DC, Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Directorate General of Immigration, Ministry of Immigration and Corrections of Indonesia, Directorate General of Immigration of Indonesia, Bali Provincial Government, Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam, Embassy of Vietnam in Algeria, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore, High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Wellington, Smartraveller, Australian Government, SafeTravel, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of Singapore, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore, Presidency of the Republic of Brazil, Consulate-General of Brazil in Sydney, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Consulate-General of Brazil in New York, Consulate-General of Brazil in London, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in France, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, Dirección General de Impuestos Internos (DGII), Dominican Republic, Dirección General de Migración (DGM), Dominican Republic, Directorate of Immigration Services, Kenya, eCitizen, Government of Kenya, Kenya Airports Authority and US Embassy in Kenya.

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