In a big step forward for Indian travelers, Germany has said that Indian people no longer need an airport transit visa when they have a layover in German airports. This news came out during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first trip to India on January 12, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Merz for this change, saying it will make ties between the people of India and Germany stronger. Before this, Indians had to get a special Schengen transit visa even if they were just changing planes and staying in the safe airport area. This often made trips longer and more costly, as many chose to fly through places like Amsterdam or Paris instead. The new rule is part of bigger agreements on moving people, safety, and business, as the two countries celebrate 75 years of being friends in diplomacy.
The visit by Merz, who became Chancellor in May 2025, is his first to Asia. He met Modi in Ahmedabad, where they talked about many things like trade, defence, and green energy. They also signed some pacts to help Indian workers go to Germany, especially in health care. This visa change will help millions of Indians who travel through big German airports like Frankfurt and Munich every year. It shows how India and Germany are working closer together in a world where trade and people movement are key.
The Announcement: A Game-Changer for Travel
During a joint press meet in Gandhinagar, Modi shared his happiness about the visa-free transit. “I express my gratitude to Chancellor Merz for announcing visa-free transit for Indian citizens,” he said. This means Indians can now stop over in German airports without needing extra papers, as long as they don’t leave the international transit zone. Merz, speaking at the India-Germany CEOs Forum, talked about building trust and making things easier for business and travel. Though he did not give a direct quote on the visa in the press meet, his team said this is part of Germany’s plan to make ties with India stronger.
Before this, Indian passport holders needed an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) for Germany if they were flying to a non-Schengen country. This rule was there because India was on a list of countries that required it, along with places like Bangladesh and Pakistan. The German Foreign Office website used to say that only people with visas from places like the US, Canada, or Schengen countries could skip it. Now, all Indian nationals are free from this, making short stops simple. Travel experts say this could cut down wait times and costs for flights to the US, Canada, or South America, where German airports are popular hubs.
Dr. Rajiv Kumar, a travel policy expert from Delhi University, told us in an interview, “This is a welcome move. For years, the transit visa was a hassle for Indians. It added paperwork and sometimes made people miss flights. Now, with visa-free access, more Indians will choose Lufthansa or other German airlines, boosting tourism and business.”
Impact on Indian Travelers
Millions of Indians fly abroad each year for work, study, or holidays. Many use German airports because they are big and connect well. Frankfurt alone handles over 60 million passengers a year, and a good number are from India. With this change, travelers won’t have to apply for a transit visa days ahead, pay fees (which were about €90 for adults), or worry about delays. It will make trips shorter and cheaper. For example, a flight from Delhi to New York via Frankfurt might save hours compared to going through Dubai or London.
But there are some rules still. The visa-free transit is only for the international area. If you need to change airports or stay overnight, you might still need a full Schengen visa. Also, your final destination must not be in the Schengen zone unless you have the right papers. The German embassy in India will soon update its website with full details. Airlines like Air India and Lufthansa have already started telling passengers about this.
One traveler from Mumbai, Anita Sharma, shared her story. “Last year, I had to get a transit visa for a 4-hour layover in Munich. It took two weeks and extra money. Now, I can just book and go. This is great for families like mine who travel to the US often.”
The change also fits with India’s push for easier visas. In recent years, India has made e-visas for many countries, and now Germany is returning the favor. It could lead to more tourists from Germany coming to India too.
Broader Pacts: Migration, Security, and Trade
The visa announcement is part of bigger deals signed during the visit. India and Germany agreed on migration pacts to let more Indian professionals work in Germany, especially in health care where there’s a shortage of nurses and doctors. This will make it easier for skilled Indians to get jobs and visas. Modi said, “We have decided to make this seamless economic partnership limitless. This means that along with traditional economic sectors, there will now be deeper cooperation in strategic sectors as well.”
On security, the two countries signed a Joint Declaration of Intent in defence. They talked about fighting terrorism together and reforming the UN Security Council through the G4 group (India, Germany, Japan, Brazil). Modi noted, “Both countries are united in viewing terrorism as a grave threat to humanity and committed to combating it together.”
Trade is a big focus. Bilateral trade is now over $50 billion, with more than 2,000 German companies in India. They signed a deal between Germany’s Uniper and India’s AM Green for green ammonia, starting in 2028. This helps with clean energy goals. Modi welcomed it, saying, “India and Germany share common priorities in the field of renewable energy. To further enhance this cooperation, we have decided to establish the India-Germany Centre of Excellence.”
Merz floated the idea of an EU-India free trade deal soon. “The India-EU Free Trade Agreement is expected to materialize soon, which will facilitate a new chapter for trade, investment, and bilateral partnerships,” Modi added. This could boost exports from India in areas like textiles and tech.
Historical Context: 75 Years of Friendship
This year marks 75 years since India and Germany started diplomatic relations in 1951. The strategic partnership began 25 years ago. Modi recalled Swami Vivekananda’s role in linking the two countries through philosophy and knowledge. “It is a happy coincidence that Swami Vivekananda himself built the bridge of philosophy, knowledge, and faith between India and Germany. Today, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit is providing new energy, new confidence, and new dimensions to that very bridge.”
The leaders visited Sabarmati Ashram and flew kites at the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad. This showed the cultural side of ties. Over 135 kite flyers from 50 countries joined, drawing lakhs of tourists to Gujarat.
In global matters, they talked about Ukraine and Gaza. Merz condemned violence in Iran, saying, “We condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms. This violence is not an expression of strength, but rather a sign of weakness and it must end.”
Prof. Anita Bose, a historian at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said, “India and Germany have come a long way. From post-war rebuilding to today’s tech partnerships, this visa change is a symbol of trust built over decades.”
Education and Technology Ties
Modi invited German universities to set up campuses in India. “The comprehensive roadmap on higher education that we have developed today will give a new direction to our partnership in the field of education. I invite German universities to open their campuses in India.” This could bring more students and research together.
In tech, they plan deeper work in space, semiconductors, and AI. Modi said, “Technology cooperation between India and Germany has strengthened year after year, and its impact is clearly visible on the ground today.”
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the ties are strong, there are challenges. Germany’s economy faces issues from US tariffs and Russia ties. India wants more investment. But both see each other as key partners. Modi said, “Close economic cooperation between India and Germany is important for humanity as a whole.”
Looking ahead, the visit sets the stage for more deals. Merz will go to Bengaluru next to see tech firms. This could lead to more jobs and growth for both sides.
In summary, the visa-free transit is a small but important step. It makes life easier for travelers and shows how India and Germany are building a stronger future together.
FAQs
1. What is the new visa-free transit rule for Indians in Germany?
The new rule means Indian nationals do not need an airport transit visa for layovers in German airports. You can stay in the international transit area without extra papers. This was announced on January 12, 2026, during Chancellor Merz’s visit. It applies to all Indians with valid passports and onward tickets. But if you leave the transit zone or your final stop is in Schengen without a visa, you still need one. Check the German embassy site for updates.
2. What were the previous transit visa requirements for Indians?
Before this, Indians needed a Schengen Airport Transit Visa (ATV) even for short stops in German airports like Frankfurt or Munich. This was if going to non-Schengen places. The fee was €90 for adults and €45 for kids aged 6-12. You had to apply at a German embassy or VFS center with passport, flight tickets, and proof of onward travel. It often took days, leading many to avoid German routes. Holders of US, Canada, or Schengen visas were exempt, but most Indians weren’t.
3. How does this change help Indian travelers?
It simplifies travel for millions. No more visa applications, fees, or delays. Flights via Germany become faster and cheaper. For example, Delhi to Toronto via Frankfurt saves time over other hubs. It boosts airlines like Lufthansa. Families, students, and business people benefit most. Travel agencies say bookings to Europe and Americas will rise. But remember, it’s only for transit; tourism needs a full visa.
4. What other agreements were signed during the Merz-Modi meeting?
They signed migration pacts for Indian professionals in health care and skills. A defence Joint Declaration of Intent for more cooperation. A green energy deal for 500,000 tonnes of green ammonia from 2028. Plans for an India-Germany Centre of Excellence in renewables. Talks on EU-India FTA. A roadmap for higher education, inviting German unis to India. These aim to boost trade over $50 billion and create jobs.
5. Why is this visit important in the context of 75 years of India-Germany relations?
It celebrates 75 years since 1951 ties and 25 years of strategic partnership. The leaders reviewed progress in trade, defence, and culture. Modi highlighted Swami Vivekananda’s role. The visa change and pacts show growing trust. In a changing world with wars and trade issues, India and Germany see each other as stable partners for growth and peace.
6. Will this lead to more visa relaxations between India and Germany?
Possibly. The migration pacts already ease work visas for skilled Indians. Modi invited more cooperation. Experts think if trade grows, tourist visas could get easier. But it depends on EU rules. For now, this transit waiver is a start to better mobility.