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Germany Transit Visa: Essential Information for Indian Travellers

Last Update: 11-10-2024

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Aditya jain

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⚡Quick Summary

Is a transit visa required for Indians transiting through Germany?

Yes, Indian citizens transiting through Germany must obtain an Germany transit visa, permitting a maximum 24-hour stay.

Germany transit visa processing time

15 working days

Germany transit visa fees

Euro 90

Germany transit visa stay duration

Up to 24 hours

How to apply for a Germany transit visa?

Apply through the VFS visa application centres in India

Documents required for Germany transit visa

  1. Visa application form
  2. Valid passport
  3. Photograph
  4. Cover letter
  5. Flight reservations
  6. Valid visa or residence permit for your final destination

The Germany transit visa allows foreign nationals to transit through German airports on their way to another destination. However, most travellers enjoy the benefit of a "transit privilege," meaning they do not need a Germany airport transit visa if they remain in the International Airport Area and their destination is outside the Schengen Area. Here's what you need to know about the Germany transit visa, including exemptions, requirements, and how to apply.

Table of Contents

  1. Do You Need a Germany Transit Visa?
  2. German Airports with International Transit Areas
  3. Indian Nationals and the Germany Transit Visa
  4. Requirements for a Germany Transit Visa
  5. Where to Apply for a Germany Transit Visa?
  6. How to Apply for a Germany Transit Visa?
  7. Germany Transit Visa Processing Time
  8. Germany Transit Visa Fees
  9. How long can I stay in transit with my Germany transit visa?
  10. Continue reading
  11. FAQs

Do You Need a Germany Transit Visa?

If you are passing through Frankfurt or any other German airport and your final destination is outside the Schengen Area, you typically do not need a transit visa as long as you stay within the International Airport Area. However, if you need to enter the Schengen Area during your stopover (e.g., to change terminals), or your destination is within the Schengen Area, you may require a Schengen visa. It is recommended to apply for a visa well before your travel date to avoid any issues.

German Airports with International Transit Areas

Only five airports in Germany have an International Transit Area that allows travellers to transit without entering the Schengen Area. These airports are:

  • Frankfurt
  • Munich
  • Hamburg (only from 4:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.)
  • Düsseldorf (only from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and only if the airline has arranged transit with the Federal Police)
  • Berlin-Brandenburg

Indian Nationals and the Germany Transit Visa

Indian nationals do not benefit from the transit privilege and are required to obtain an airport transit visa (Category A) for transiting through a German airport.

Exemptions for Indian Nationals

Certain Indian nationals are exempt from needing a Germany transit visa, including:

  • Holders of valid visas or residence permits from Schengen member states, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Ireland, the UK, Canada, Japan, and the USA (excluding holders of a US "Advance Parole Document")
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Andorra, Monaco, or San Marino
  • Diplomatic passport holders

Requirements for a Germany Transit Visa

To apply for a Germany transit visa, you will need the following documents:

  1. Schengen visa application form: Fill out the form online using the VIDEX website. Ensure all pages are printed and submitted, including barcodes.
  2. Declaration of True and Complete Information: Signed by the applicant.
  3. Declaration of travel with valid medical insurance: Signed by the applicant.
  4. Valid passport: Must be issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date, and must have at least 2 blank pages.
  5. Copy of passport's biometric and address page (DIN A4 size).
  6. Biometric passport photo: 35x45mm with a white background, covering 70%-80% of the face, taken within the last 6 months.
  7. Personal covering letter: Detailing your reason for travel and transit.
  8. Flight reservation: For the final destination or return ticket if you're a resident of India.
  9. Visa or residence permit for your final destination, if applicable.

Additional Documents for Minors

For minor applicants, the following additional documents are required:

  • Application form and declarations signed by both parents.
  • Passport copies of both parents.
  • If only one parent submits the application, provide a copy of the other parent’s visa or a court ruling of single custody.
  • Single custody proof or death certificate if one parent is deceased.

Where to Apply for a Germany Transit Visa?

Indian citizens can apply for a Germany transit visa at any VFS Global visa application centres or a German mission in India.

How to Apply for a Germany Transit Visa?

Here’s a step-by-step process for applying for a German Transit Visa from India: 


  1. Collect necessary documents: Ensure all required documents are ready, including passport photos that meet biometric standards.
  2. Schedule an appointment: Book your Germany visa appointment for application submission and biometric data collection through VFS Global.
  3. Submit your application: Visit the VFS Global centre with your documents and biometric data. Pay the visa application fee in cash or by card (Visa, Rupay, Mastercard).
  4. Track your visa: Use the VFS online tracking tool with your reference number and date of birth to monitor your visa application status. Read more on German visa tracking.
  5. Receive your documents: Once processing is complete, you can collect your passport and documents from the VFS centre or opt for a courier service for an additional fee.

Germany Transit Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Germany transit visa is 15 working days from the day the visa section receives the application. If applying via a VFS Global Application Center, allow an additional 2 working days for your application to reach the visa section. Please note that public holidays at the German missions do not count as working days.

Germany Transit Visa Fees

The fees for a Germany transit visa are as follows:

  • Adults (12 years and older): €90
  • Children (6 to 12 years): €45
  • Children under 6 years: Free

How long can I stay in transit with my Germany transit visa?

With a Germany transit visa (Category A), you are allowed to stay in the International Transit Area of the German airport for the duration of your layover, typically up to 24 hours. However, you are not allowed to leave the transit area or enter the Schengen Area.


If your layover exceeds 24 hours or if you need to leave the airport or transit between terminals that require crossing the border, you will need a regular Schengen visa (Category C).

Continue reading

FAQs

Do Indian citizens need a transit visa for Germany?

Yes, Indian citizens require a Germany transit visa if they are transiting through Frankfurt or any other German airport, even if they do not leave the airport.

How long can I stay in Germany with a transit visa?

You can stay in the International Transit Area for up to 24 hours with a Germany transit visa. However, you are not allowed to leave the transit area or enter the Schengen Area.

How long does it take to get a Germany transit visa?

The processing time is typically 15 working days from the day your application reaches the visa section. Additional time may be required for processing if applying through VFS Global.

What documents do I need to apply for a Germany transit visa?

You need a completed application form, a valid passport, a biometric photo, a covering letter, flight reservations, and a valid visa or residence permit for your final destination.

Where can I apply for a Germany transit visa?

You can apply at any VFS Global visa application centre in India or a German mission in India.

How much does a Germany transit visa cost?

The fee for adults (12 years and older) is €90, for children aged 6 to 12 it is €45, and it is free for children under 6 years.

Can I leave the airport with a Germany transit visa?

No, a Germany transit visa only allows you to stay in the International Transit Area of the airport. If you need to leave the airport or enter the Schengen Area, you will need a Schengen visa.

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