Germany lifts airport transit visa for Indians

Germany has lifted the airport transit visa requirement for Indian citizens, a move that will simplify travel for passengers connecting through German airports to destinations outside the Schengen area. The change, announced by the German Embassy in New Delhi, was published in the Federal Law Gazette on June 2 and takes effect on June 3.

The decision implements a commitment made during German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s official visit to India in January. In a statement, the embassy said the policy underlines the federal government’s commitment to deepening relations between the two countries, facilitating the movement of people, and further strengthening economic ties. Until now, Indian nationals transiting through German airports in certain cases were required to obtain a special airport transit visa, known as a Type A Schengen Airport Transit visa. The new rule removes that requirement for travelers who remain within the international transit zone of airports like Frankfurt and Munich and are continuing their journey to a destination outside the Schengen zone.

This development follows a similar move by France, which eliminated transit visa requirements for Indian...