Airport Transit in Germany
Airport Visa Needed?
Entry clearance requirements are dependent on the citizenship and the resident status of the applicant. Due to its location at the heart of Europe, Germany is an important transit country. The vast majority of travellers do not need a visa when airtransitting through Germany. However, citizens of some countries do need an airport transit visa.
Please note that an airport transit visa only allows a short stay in the international transit area, neither leaving the airport's international transit area nor overnight stays are possible.
Important Note concerning Airport Transit
Only three airports in Germany, have an International Transit Area
- Frankfurt/Main
- Munich (München)
- Hamburg (limited time frame only 04.30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m.)
Please check with your Airline, if you have to pick up your baggage and/or have to check-in again.
If so, you need to enter Germany. You will need a transit visa.
Where and how to apply?
German consular services are available through its Embassy in Washington and Consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Francisco.
Except for rare instances, you have to submit your application in person. Click below to find out where to submit your application and to learn about any specific application procedures. Due to local particularities handling and processing may vary slightly among the German missions involved.
Required Documents
fully completed application form (only German and English versions accepted) and required declaration
- two passport photographs (strict requirements, see details)
- valid national passport and one copy
- original of valid US alien registration card or valid US visa (type A, B, E, F, G, H, I, J, L, O, R) and one copy.
- confirmed airline ticket to final destination and one copy
- visa for your final destination (if required) and one copy
- Visa fee:
Please note: In individual cases, you may be required to provide additional documents.
Please Note: Although the information on this website has been prepared with utmost care, we can not accept any responsibility for inaccuracies contained herein.
