Whether you need a transit visa in 2026 depends on your nationality, the country you are transiting through, and whether you leave the "International Transit Area." Generally, if you stay "airside" (behind security) for a layover of less than 24 hours and your bags are checked through to your final destination, many countries (like the UK or Singapore) do not require a visa for most nationalities. However, there are major exceptions: the United States and Canada require almost all passengers to have a transit visa (or an ESTA/eTA) because they do not have a sterile "international-to-international" transit zone—you must clear immigration and "enter" the country even just to change planes. Other countries, like Germany, have a specific "Airport Transit Visa" requirement for certain nationalities even if they don't leave the airport. Furthermore, if you book two separate tickets (not a single connecting itinerary), you will likely have to clear immigration to collect and re-check your bags, which always requires a full entry visa or transit visa. Always check the specific "Embassy" website for your transit country, as rules can change based on current geopolitical agreements and updated 2026 travel protocols.