Good news for Indian travellers. Germany has announced ‘visa-free’ transit for Indian passport holders. This means flyers transiting through the country will no longer need a transit visa in Germany’s international transit areas for their connecting flights. Here’s what ‘visa-free’ transit in Germany actually means.
‘Visa-Free’ Transit In Germany For Indians
According to a report by LiveMint, the move was announced during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first visit to India. To mark the visit and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries, this step was taken. Reportedly, the visa-free transit rule is expected to benefit a large number of Indian travellers. Earlier, Indian nationals were required to obtain a Schengen transit visa, also known as a Category A visa, even if they stayed within the international transit area at airports like Frankfurt, Munich or Berlin.
A Category A visa was mandatory even when passengers did not enter Germany or the wider Schengen area. Under the new rule, transiting through German airports will become easier for Indian passport holders. They will now be able to pass through without applying for a separate transit visa, making travel more hassle-free.
Also Read: Why Did Australia Move India To ‘Highest Risk Category’ For Student Visas?
Who Can Use This Facility
It should be noted that this rule does not apply to travellers visiting Germany for holidays, family visits or other purposes. A valid visa will still be required to enter Germany or any other Schengen country. According to a report by LiveMint, Passengers can only avail this benefit while remaining within the airport’s secure international transit area to catch their onward flight.
Reportedly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move and thanked Chancellor Friedrich Merz for the initiative. He highlighted that this decision will simplify travel and further strengthen ties between India and Germany. Travel agents and airlines are now awaiting more details, which are expected to be revealed soon.
Also Read: Did You Know Germany Has An Upside Down Train That’s Been Running For 124 Years?
What do you think of this facility for Indian travellers? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ jotily and doidam10 (Representative Image)
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