Germany Eases Transit Rules for Indians Flying to the UK – Check Details Now!

No, Germany’s visa-free airport transit facility for Indian passport holders has been officially announced but is not yet in effect. The decision was made during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to India and included among the outcomes of bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, German authorities have not yet released the implementation date or operational guidelines. Until a formal notification is issued and airline systems are updated, Indian travellers must continue to follow existing transit visa rules when flying via Germany.

Once implemented, the policy will benefit Indian passport holders travelling between India and the UK via German airports. It will be especially useful for Indian tourists, students, professionals, and families who frequently travel on India–UK routes. The change will simplify travel by removing the need for a Schengen airport transit visa, reducing paperwork, costs, and processing time. Airlines operating these routes, particularly Lufthansa and Air India, will also benefit from improved passenger flow and expanded connectivity.

Once the policy comes into effect, Indians travelling between India and the UK via Germany will not require a Schengen transit visa. However, until the official implementation date is announced, current rules remain unchanged, and Indian travellers may still need a transit visa depending on their route and visa status. It is important to note that this exemption applies only to airport transit and does not permit entry into Germany or the Schengen Area without a valid visa.

Although the German government has not yet released a detailed operational list, the visa-free transit facility is expected to apply to major international transit hubs, including Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport. These airports serve as Lufthansa’s primary hubs and handle a large volume of India–UK connecting traffic. Once the policy is implemented, these airports will become key transit points for Indian travellers flying between India and the UK without requiring a Schengen transit visa.

No, the visa-free transit facility does not allow Indian travellers to enter Germany. It applies strictly to airport transit, meaning passengers must remain within the international transit area of the airport. Indian passport holders will not be permitted to exit the airport, clear immigration, or enter German territory without a valid German or Schengen visa. Travellers planning to visit Germany must still apply for the appropriate visa through official German embassy or consulate channels.

The visa-free transit policy is expected to significantly benefit Air India and Lufthansa, both of which operate extensive routes between India, Germany, and the UK. Once implemented, Air India will be able to expand code-share arrangements with Lufthansa, increasing seat availability and offering smoother connections for passengers. Lufthansa will also regain access to Indian passengers transiting through Germany to the UK—traffic that declined after Brexit due to transit visa requirements. Overall, this will improve connectivity and route efficiency.

Transit visa requirements were introduced following Brexit in 2019, when the UK exited the European Union. As part of reciprocal measures, the UK and EU mandated transit visas for certain nationalities, including Indians, travelling between the UK and EU countries via each other. This meant Indians flying from India to the UK via Germany required a Schengen transit visa, and those travelling via the UK to Europe required a UK transit visa. These rules increased travel complexity and costs for Indian passengers.

Germany already allows Indian travellers to transit visa-free to certain destinations under specific conditions. Once the new policy is implemented, UK-bound travel via Germany will be added to this list. Additionally, some destinations—such as parts of the Caribbean—may already be accessible via Germany without a transit visa, depending on the traveller’s documentation and airline route. However, transit visa requirements vary by destination, and travellers should always verify rules before booking.

No, Indian travellers should not change or book tickets assuming visa-free transit through Germany until the policy is officially implemented. Since the start date and procedural details are still pending, booking routes without confirming transit visa requirements could result in denied boarding or travel disruptions. Travellers are advised to wait for official confirmation from German authorities or airline advisories before making booking decisions based on the new rule.