Germany has announced a visa-free transit option for Indian passport holders traveling through its airports. This change expected to make international travel easier for Indian nationals and strengthen connections between the two countries.
Germany announce visa-free transit for Indian passport holders
The decision shared in the India-Germany joint statement released after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited India on January 12 and 13. This was Merz’s first visit to India and his first trip to Asia as Federal Chancellor.
In straightforward terms, the visa-free transit option means that Indian travelers passing through German airports on their way to another country will no longer need to apply for a separate transit visa. This makes their journeys smoother, faster, and requires less paperwork.
PM Modi thanks Merz for announcement
PM Modi thanked Chancellor Merz for announcing the visa-free transit option. The step “will not only facilitate and ease travel for Indian nationals but will also strengthen people-to-people connections,” the joint statement noted. Both leaders emphasized that “strong people-to-people ties are a vital part of the Strategic Partnership.”
The two sides welcomed the increase in exchanges among students, researchers, skilled professionals, artists, and tourists. They recognized the “valuable contribution of the Indian community to Germany economy, innovation, and cultural life.” They also pointed out the need to expand cooperation in education, research, vocational training, culture, and youth exchanges to enhance mutual understanding.