Transit visa question in schengen is a very common and frequently asked question here. The answer lies here I am referring to the official European union publication, which is precise and clear. http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/visa-policy/docs/frequently_asked_questions_en.pdf > **I have connecting flights, with a stop at a Schengen state airport. Do I have to apply for an airport transit visa or a short stay visa?** > > It is important to distinguish between two situations: > > 1. transit through the international transit area of an airport (onward journey where you do not leave the international transit area > of the airport) > 2. transit via the territory of a Member State albeit limited to an airport (onward journey where you leave the international transit area > of the airport). > > An airport transit visa (ATV) authorises you to pass through the > international transit zone at an airport located on the territory of > the Schengen State and to await a connecting flight to a non-Schengen > country. The ATV does not allow you to enter the Schengen territory > (to stay at a hotel or to take an onwards flight to another Schengen > State, for example). To find out whether you need an airport transit > visa, you can consult the overview on our website, click here. > > Traveling to a Schengen State via another Schengen State airport is > not considered an airport transit neither is travelling to a > non-Schengen country via two Schengen state airports. All flights > between two or more Schengen States are considered to be «domestic» > flights. Depending on your nationality, you might need a short stay > visa as you enter the Schengen area – even if the stay only lasts a > few hours and you remain in the airport (outside the international > transit zone). **List of Countries requiring transit visa**: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/e-library/documents/policies/borders-and-visas/visa-policy/docs/annex_7b_atv-national_lists.en.pdf#zoom=100 (scroll down the pdf to see) > **Can I enter the Schengen area in country X, while the visa was issued by Schengen country Y?** > > As a general rule you may cross any Schengen border with visa issued > by any Schengen country. However, the short-stay visa does not > automatically entitle you to enter the Schengen area. See FAQ no 16 on > checks at the external borders.