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Airport Transit in Germany

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Citizens of certain countries require an airport transit visa when flying via Germany to their final destination.

Visa Needed?

Entry clearance requirements depend on the citizenship of the applicant. Nationals of the following countries are required to be in possession of an airport transit visa when passing through the international transit area of airports in Germany:

Airport Transit Country List PDF / 71 KB

During Federal Chancellor Merz’s visit to India in January 2026, it was announced that Germany intends to lift the airport transit visa requirement for Indian nationals in the near future. Airport transit visas will therefore no longer be required as soon as the Federal Ministry of the Interior has formally implemented the decision. The exact date from which airport transit visas will no longer be required will be announced in due course. As the regulation has not yet come into force, we kindly ask for your understanding that a visa is currently still necessary for airport transit, unless one of the existing exemptions applies.

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.

All German Missions require that you schedule an appointment in order to apply for a visa. Appointments have to be booked via our free online appointment system. 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.

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What do I need to fill out?