Airport Transit visa (A): Indian citizen → Germany
No transit visa needed for airside connections
India is not on the EU's common airport-transit list — you can connect through Schengen airports without a visa as long as you stay airside.
The bottom line
- Some member states add their own national transit lists so check Germany's national list before booking.
- If you'll pass border control (collect bags, change airports, exit overnight), you need a short-stay C visa instead.
When to start
Start 2–14 days before your travel date.
Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the area, issued within the last 10 years, with 2 blank pages. Renew first if you're close to either limit — airlines enforce both at check-in.
The 90-day allowance covers ALL Schengen countries combined in any rolling 180-day window. If you've been in the area recently, verify your remaining days with the EU short-stay calculator before booking.
At your first entry the Entry/Exit System records your fingerprints and photo instead of stamping your passport — allow a few extra minutes. Later crossings are faster. Once ETIAS launches (expected Q4 2026), apply online before boarding.
What you'll need
- Passport — Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the area, issued within the last 10 years, with 2 blank pages.
- Evidence for the border — Return/onward ticket, accommodation details and means of subsistence can be requested at entry. · At the border officer's discretion
Good to know
- If you leave the international transit zone (e.g. to collect baggage or change airports), you need a full C visa instead.
- Holders of valid visas/residence permits for the EU single market, Canada, Japan or the USA are exempt.
Continue on the official site →