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Thursday, April 25, 2024
Germany is a central transit hub in Europe, welcoming a high volume of travelers passing through its airports. While most travelers do not require a visa for transit, nationals of certain countries must obtain an Airport Transit Visa for Germany.

Countries Requiring Germany Airport Transit Visa

Nationals of the following countries are required to obtain an Airport Transit Visa for Germany:

  • Afghanistan
  • Bangladesh
  • Eritrea
  • Ethiopia
  • Ghana
  • India
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Jordan
  • Lebanon
  • Mali
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Somalia
  • South Sudan
  • Sri-Lanka
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Turkey

General Exceptions

However, nationals of the mentioned countries do not require an airport transit visa if they:

  • Hold a valid visa for the UK, Ireland, Japan, Canada, USA, Romania, Bulgaria, or Cyprus.
  • Are partners (married, common-law, or same-sex) or children of an EU/EEA/EFTA national with a British “Residence Card of a Family Member of an EEA National.”
  • Hold Diplomatic Passports.
  • Have a valid visa for an EU Member State, Canada, Japan, or the USA, or have returned from these countries after using the visa.

Restrictions and Privileges

With an airport transit visa, travelers are permitted only a short stay in the international transit area and are not allowed to stay overnight or leave the airport. However, travelers can stay in the International Transit Area without a visa at the following German airports:

  • Cologne/Bonn
  • Düsseldorf
  • Frankfurt/Main
  • Hamburg
  • Munich

Exceptions and Documentation

The airport transit privilege does not apply if travelers:

  • Need to pick up baggage or check-in again.
  • Transit through two or more airports in Schengen countries.
  • Hold an open ticket.
  • Intend to stay in the international transit area for more than 12 hours.

Required Documents

To apply for an Airport Transit Visa for Germany, travelers need to submit the following documents:

  • Completed application form (in English or German) and signed declarations.
  • Two passport photographs meeting strict requirements.
  • Valid passport (see passport requirements).
  • Copy of passport’s data page (A4 size).
  • Confirmed airline ticket to the final destination and a copy.
  • Copy of valid visa/residence permit for the final destination (if applicable).
  • Driver’s license or utility bill as proof of residence in the consular jurisdiction.

Additionally, applicants must submit photocopies of all documents and pay the visa fee.

Click to Fill the German Visa Application Form

Conclusion

Obtaining a Germany Airport Transit Visa involves adhering to specific requirements and providing necessary documentation. By following these guidelines meticulously, travelers can navigate the application process successfully.