Can I Travel to India on Expired US Work Visa?

If your work visa for the U.S. has expired, and you're planning to transit through a European country on your way back to India, here are the key points to consider:

1. Are You Just Transiting or Entering Europe?

• If you’re transiting through the international zone of an airport in Europe (without passing through immigration), you may not need a transit visa, depending on your nationality and the airport's rules.

• If you need to change terminals or airlines, or if there’s a layover that requires you to enter the Schengen Area, you might need a Schengen transit visa.

2. Check Your Passport and Visa Status

• Your expired U.S. work visa doesn’t affect your ability to leave the U.S., but it can affect your ability to re-enter or transit certain countries.

• You must have a valid Indian passport and a confirmed ticket for onward travel to India.

3. European Airport Transit Rules (Schengen Area)

Some Schengen countries require a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV) for nationals of certain countries like India. However, you may be exempt if:

• You hold a valid visa or residence permit from the U.S. (expired ones do not qualify).

• You are not leaving the international transit area.

• You're transiting through specific airports that allow visa-free connections.

4. Best Option: Choose a Direct or Visa-Free Transit Route

• To avoid issues, consider flying with airlines that offer:

o Direct flights to India.

o Transit through countries that don’t require ATVs, such as Qatar, UAE, or Turkey (for short transits and if allowed by your nationality).

Recommendation:

Contact the airline or check the embassy/consulate website of the European country you're transiting through to verify if you need a transit visa.