Germany has announced visa-free transit for Indian passport holders at its airports, eliminating the need for a separate Schengen airport transit visa (ATV). This is applicable to airside transits less than 24 hours with ascertained onward ticket immediately after the January 12, 2026 announcement during the visit of Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India.
Announcement Context
The change in policy came in the form of a joint statement by India and Germany following the first visit by Merz to India as the PM Narendra Modi celebrated it as a breakthrough in travel and strengthening of relations. In the past, Indians had to use an ATV (EUR60 fee, 5-7 day processing) even to make secure connections at hubs such as Frankfurt or Munich, which was the case with some peers in the EU.
Key Benefits
- Simplified Travel: No ATV is provided on transits which make international stops in transits; perfect in India-UK/US routes via Lufthansa/Air India.
- Cost/Time Savings: Terminates on offloads of airlines, paperwork delays.
- Limitations: Schengen C visa required to leave transit area; carry forward tickets/ESTA where necessary.
Reactions
The change is greeted in industry following the lobbying of Indian carriers and MEA; travel agents are waiting to implement the change. It is in line with more bilateral people-to-people connections.
