Germany Waives Transit Visa for Indians: Easier Travel to Non-Schengen Destinations

• Germany has announced a transit visa waiver for Indian passport holders passing through German international airports en route to non-Schengen destinations.
• The decision was a "people-friendly outcome" of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to India, discussed with PM Narendra Modi.
• This new rule simplifies long-haul transit, benefiting students, working professionals, and families by removing delays and costs of a transit permit.
• Previously, Indian travellers needed a transit visa costing around €90 with processing times up to 15 days, often leading to denied boarding.
• Conditions apply: airside transit only, onward flight to non-Schengen, transit within 24 hours, confirmed tickets, and limited to five German airports like Frankfurt and Munich.

Why It Matters: Germany's new transit visa waiver significantly eases travel for Indians to non-Schengen countries via German airports.