Germany has announced that Indian nationals will no longer require a transit visa when traveling to another country with a layover at a German airport. The new rule comes into effect on June 3. According to the German embassy, this decision implements a result of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's trip to India in January 2025. It underlines the Federal Government's commitment to deepening German-Indian relations, facilitating the movement of people, and further strengthening economic ties.
What is a Transit Visa?
When a traveler journeys from country A to country B and has a layover at country C, they may need a visa solely for the layover at country C. This is called a transit visa. The lifting of this requirement means Indian passport holders can now transit through German airports without obtaining such a visa.
France's Earlier Move
Before Germany, France removed the transit visa requirement for Indian nationals, effective April 10, 2026. France became the first Schengen country to fully eliminate the transit visa for Indian passport holders, though Germany was the first to announce the intention in January. France's decision followed President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to India in February 2025, during which a six-month pilot scheme was announced allowing Indian passport holders to transit through French airports without an ATV (Airport Transit Visa). The pilot ran successfully, with airlines updating boarding systems, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport reporting no compliance issues, and transit bookings by Indian passengers through French airports increasing significantly. In April 2026, France permanently lifted the transit visa requirement.
What the Lifting of Transit Visa Does Not Mean
It is important to note that the lifting of the transit visa does not grant visa-free entry into the country. Travelers are only allowed to remain in the transit zone and cannot leave the airport. For entry into Germany or France, a separate visa is still required.
