Germany has introduced a new visa-free transit facility for Indian passport holders that is set to simplify international travel for many flyers. Announced during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s official visit to India in January 2026, this move aims to reduce paperwork and costs for Indians connecting through major German airports en route to non-European destinations.

What Is the New Germany Visa-Free Transit Rule?

Under the updated rule, Indian citizens no longer need an Airport Transit Visa (Type A) to change flights at selected German international airports, such as Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf and Hamburg, provided certain conditions are met.

This transit privilege applies only if travellers remain within the international transit area and are en route to destinations outside the Schengen Zone — for example, flights from India to the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom with a stopover in Germany.

It is important to note that this policy does not grant entry into Germany or the wider Schengen Area. If passengers plan to enter Germany (even briefly) or travel within the Schengen region, they must still obtain the appropriate visa before arrival.

Why This Change Matters for Indian Travellers

For many Indian passengers, Germany was previously a less convenient transit option due to its Airport Transit Visa requirement, which could involve paperwork, costs and added delays even if the traveller never left the airport.

Here’s why the new rule is significant:

1. Easier Airline Connections
   Passengers can now book flights with layovers at major German hubs without worrying about additional visa requirements — making options like Frankfurt and Munich more attractive for long-haul itineraries. 
2. Lower Costs and Less Paperwork
   Earlier, Indian nationals needed to apply for and pay for a transit visa (around €90 or roughly ₹9,000–₹10,000) even for short airport layovers. With this requirement lifted for eligible transits, travellers can save both time and money. 
3. Improved Travel Flexibility
   This change could encourage travellers to choose more direct or efficient routes, especially when flying to global destinations beyond Europe. 

Who Benefits Most

• Long-haul travellers flying from India to the Americas, Africa or the UK with German stopovers
• Students and professionals connecting through German airports on their way to academic or work destinations abroad
• Families and leisure travellers seeking flexible multi-leg itineraries without extra visa hurdles

However, travellers should ensure they remain airside in the transit area and are not entering Germany or the Schengen Zone, as that still requires a separate visa.

How to Use the Visa-Free Transit Facility

Here are the key conditions to benefit from the rule:

• You must remain within the international transit zone of the German airport.
• Your final destination must be outside the Schengen Area.
• Your layover must not exceed the allowed airport transit period (usually under 24 hours).
• You must have confirmed onward tickets and boarding passes for your connecting flight.

If any of these conditions are not met — for example, if you wish to exit the airport or travel to a Schengen destination — you still need a Schengen visa.

When Did This Rule Come Into Effect?

The policy was announced during Chancellor Merz’s visit to India in early January 2026 and has started to be implemented since then, aligning with broader efforts to strengthen India-Germany ties and enhance travel facilitation for Indian passport holders.

What This Means for Future Travel

While this facility does not change the general visa requirements for entry into Germany or the Schengen Zone, it reflects a broader trend of travel facilitation and cooperation between India and Germany. The move is likely to make Germany a more competitive transit hub in global air travel, especially for Indian travellers heading to destinations beyond Europe.

In Summary

• Germany has introduced visa-free airport transit for Indian passport holders at major airports.
• The rule applies only when passengers stay within the international transit area and travel onwards to non-Schengen destinations.
• Travellers still need a Schengen or national visa if they intend to enter Germany or other Schengen countries.
• The change reduces costs and documentation for Indian travellers connecting through German hubs.
• It enhances travel flexibility and could attract more Indians to fly via German airports.