Exemptions: when you don't need the transit visa
- A valid visa or residence permit for an EU/EEA country or Switzerland
- A valid visa for the USA, Canada or Japan (conditions apply)
- A valid residence permit for the USA, Canada, Japan, Andorra or San Marino
- Family members of EU citizens, and holders of diplomatic passports
Can you leave the airport?
To leave the airport, or if your onward flight goes to another Schengen country, you need a Schengen visa (type C).
Airside vs landside: what it means
You stay in the international transit area and never pass passport control.
You clear immigration to collect bags, change airports, use an outside hotel or visit the city. This always needs entry permission for Germany.
Tips before you book
- Apply for the ATV at the consulate of the country where you change planes, 3–4 weeks before travel.
- Consider routing via a Gulf hub or Istanbul, where airside transit usually needs no visa.
Layover guides for Germany
Frequently asked questions
Do Bangladeshi citizens need a transit visa for Germany?
Usually yes, unless you qualify for an exemption. Bangladeshi citizens are on the EU-wide airport transit visa (ATV) list, so they generally need an ATV to change planes at airports in Germany such as Frankfurt or Munich, even without leaving the airport, unless an exemption applies.
Can Bangladeshi citizens leave the airport during a layover in Germany?
To leave the airport, or if your onward flight goes to another Schengen country, you need a Schengen visa (type C).
Who is exempt from the Germany transit visa requirement?
Common exemptions include: A valid visa or residence permit for an EU/EEA country or Switzerland; A valid visa for the USA, Canada or Japan (conditions apply); A valid residence permit for the USA, Canada, Japan, Andorra or San Marino; Family members of EU citizens, and holders of diplomatic passports.
Other transit rules for Bangladeshi passport holders
Official sources
Not yet checked against official sources. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source or your airline before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.