In a significant development for Indian travellers, Germany has announced a visa-free transit facility for holders of Indian passports, aimed at simplifying international travel via its airports. The move was confirmed during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s official visit to India and bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar on January 12, 2026.
Under the new arrangement, Indian nationals no longer need a separate airport transit visa (Category A) when connecting through major German international airports such as Frankfurt, Munich or Berlin for onward international flights. This applies only to travellers who remain in the international transit zone and do not enter Germany or the wider Schengen Area.
Prime Minister Modi warmly welcomed the announcement, saying the visa-free transit facility would boost people-to-people connections and further strengthen ties between India and Germany.
While the facility makes layovers easier and more predictable for Indian passengers flying through Germany, it does not replace standard visa requirements for those who wish to enter German territory or stay beyond a connecting flight. Travellers seeking to visit German cities or stay longer must still obtain the appropriate Schengen visa in advance.
The step is part of broader cooperation between the two countries, coinciding with enhanced strategic and economic engagements during Chancellor Merz’s visit to India.
