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The Economic Times
The Economic Times

Indians can now transit through German airports without a visa

Indians will no longer need an airport transit visa when travelling to another country through a German airport, according to an official announcement by the German Embassy in New Delhi.

The embassy said the removal of the airport transit visa requirement for Indian citizens was announced in Germany's Federal Law Gazette (Bundesgesetzblatt) on June 2, 2026, and will come into effect from June 3, 2026.

Under the new rule, Indian travellers transiting through German airports on their way to a third country will be exempt from obtaining the previously required airport transit visa.

The German Embassy said the measure implements a result of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to India in January this year.

"It underlines the Federal Government's commitment to deepening German Indian relations, facilitating the movement of people, and further strengthening economic ties," the embassy said in the statement.

The announcement marks a step aimed at easing travel procedures for Indian nationals transiting through Germany and reflects efforts by both countries to strengthen bilateral ties.

  • Measure aims to facilitate travel and mobility
  • The visa facilitation measure was first announced during Chancellor Merz's visit to India in January. At the time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the decision and thanked the German leader for announcing visa-free transit for Indian citizens.

    During the visit, Modi also invited German universities to establish campuses in India as part of efforts to deepen cooperation in higher education and strengthen bilateral ties.

    The latest update now brings the transit visa exemption into force, easing travel procedures for Indian nationals passing through German airports on their way to other countries.

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