Germany has removed the airport transit visa requirement for Indian nationals travelling via German airports to non-Schengen countries.
As of 3 June, Indian passport holders can transit through German airports like Frankfurt and Munich without a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (Type A).
The policy change, announced this week by the German Embassy in New Delhi, comes after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited India in January to strengthen economic ties and deepen relations between the two countries.
The visa exemption does not apply if travellers are transiting through two or more airports in the Schengen Area, are required to collect baggage and/or have to check in again, or hold an open ticket.
Entry visas are still required for Indian nationals wishing to enter Germany or travel to the wider Schengen Area.
The Lufthansa Group, which currently operates more than 70 weekly flights between India and Europe, welcomed the policy change.
In a statement, the aviation giant said “the introduction of visa-free airport transit for Indian nationals… will simplify travel, improve connectivity and further reinforce Germany’s role as a leading gateway between India, Europe and the world”.