Overview
- Indian passport holders will be allowed visa‑free airside transfers through German airports when connecting to non‑Schengen destinations.
- Eligibility requires staying within the international transit area, holding a confirmed onward ticket, and completing the connection within 24 hours.
- The change applies to Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin‑Brandenburg, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf, with airport operating limits such as 4:30 am–11:30 pm at Hamburg and 6 am–9 pm at Düsseldorf subject to airline arrangements.
- The policy does not permit entry into Germany or travel to Schengen destinations, which still requires a full Schengen visa if exiting the transit zone or connecting within Schengen.
- Officials and reports say the move reduces costs and paperwork for Indian travelers and may boost traffic for carriers like Lufthansa and Air India, though effective dates and guidance remain pending.