Exemptions: when you don't need the transit visa
- A valid visa or residence permit for an EU/EEA or Schengen country
- A valid visa or residence permit for the USA, Canada or Japan (conditions apply)
- Check the German Federal Foreign Office for the full and current list
Can you leave the airport?
To leave the airport 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
- If your onward flight goes to another Schengen country, you'll enter Schengen at Frankfurt and need a Schengen visa.
- Avoid itineraries with separate tickets that require re-checking bags, since that means entering Germany.
Layover guides for Germany
Frequently asked questions
Do Indian citizens need a transit visa for Germany?
Usually yes, unless you qualify for an exemption. Germany has historically required Indian citizens to hold an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) to change planes at German airports, with exemptions for holders of certain valid visas or residence permits. This rule has been subject to change, so always check the latest position.
Can Indian citizens leave the airport during a layover in Germany?
To leave the airport 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 or Schengen country; A valid visa or residence permit for the USA, Canada or Japan (conditions apply); Check the German Federal Foreign Office for the full and current list.
Other transit rules for Indian passport holders
Official sources
Last checked against these sources on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source or your airline before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.