Indian nationals no longer need transit visa for German airports

Indian nationals no longer require a transit visa for travelling through German airports to countries outside of the Schengen Area, according to an announcement by the German Embassy in Delhi.

No more 90-euro transit visa for Indian nationals

As of June 3, Indian nationals no longer require a transit visa for a layover at a German airport. Indian nationals were previously required to purchase a 90-euro transit visa when travelling through Germany, valid for 24 hours in an international airport terminal.

The change benefits all Indian nationals travelling between two countries outside the Schengen Area, via Germany. For example, if you were travelling from Delhi to London or New York via Frankfurt.  

Entry and travel requirements for Indian nationals with a German residence permit otherwise remain the same. 

Who still needs a transit visa for Germany?

However, some limitations remain. Indian nationals still need a transit visa if they are flying from outside the Schengen Area to a Schengen Area country, including Germany. For example, you still need the 90-euro visa to fly from Delhi to Berlin or Paris, via Frankfurt.

The visa-free layover is also limited to 24 hours. Since Germany has only five airports with international transit areas, Berlin-Brandenburg, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt/Main, Hamburg and Munich, the visa-free layover is only possible in one of these airports.

Finally, the opening times of some international transit areas bring further limitations. Düsseldorf international transit area is open between 6am and 9pm, while Hamburg Airport’s transit area is open from 4.30am to 11.30pm. 

It's advisable to check your layover airport’s transit area opening times and what this means for your visa-free layover before you begin your journey.