Free Visa: The biggest news for Indians – this country has announced visa-free transit.

News Topical, Digital Desk: Free Visa: Germany has announced visa-free transit for Indian passport holders. This decision was taken to facilitate long international travel for Indian travelers. The decision was announced in a joint statement issued following the official visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India.

What is the new visa rule?
Under the new system, Indian travelers traveling through German airports to a third country will no longer need to obtain a separate transit visa. However, this facility will be limited to airport transit only, and entry into any German city will not be permitted without a valid visa.

This visa-free transit facility is part of broader efforts to strengthen education, mobility, and people-to-people contacts between India and Germany. This initiative has been implemented in line with growing strategic and economic cooperation between the two countries. Germany has special rules for international travelers that determine whether a traveler needs a visa during transit. Most foreign nationals generally enjoy so-called transit privileges. Under this, if a traveler's final destination is outside the Schengen Area, they can transit through the international transit area of ​​German airports without a visa. This exemption applies only if the traveler remains within the transit area and does not formally enter the Schengen Area. There are only five airports in Germany that offer international transit zones and this arrangement applies: Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Berlin-Brandenburg. The transit process will be simplified. Shikhar Agarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International, said that the visa-free transit facility for Indian passport holders is a welcome and timely step. This will simplify the transit process and make the experience of Indian passengers traveling through Germany more efficient. He stated that this initiative reflects a shared commitment to improving mobility and enhancing people-to-people contact between India and Germany. However, visas may remain required in certain circumstances. If a traveler needs to enter the Schengen Area during a layover, such as leaving the transit zone to change terminals, re-check-in with luggage, or if the onward journey destination is within the Schengen Area, a normal Schengen visa or Category C visa may be required. 

Transit visa exemptions are also available in these circumstances . There are also some important exemptions. Indian travelers holding valid long-stay visas or residence permits from EU or Schengen countries, the United States, Canada, Japan, and certain other countries may be exempt from airport transit visas. Diplomatic passport holders also generally do not require transit visas

Read More: Budget 2026: After income tax and GST, another tax is expected to be reduced; the government may now offer this major relief.