Germany Introduces Visa-Free Transit for Indian Passport Holders
In a significant development for Indian travelers, Germany has introduced a visa-free transit option for Indian passport holders. This announcement, made during a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, aims to simplify travel through German airports. The leaders also discussed enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including education and skills development, while emphasizing the importance of strong people-to-people connections. This initiative is expected to facilitate smoother travel experiences and strengthen bilateral relations between India and Germany. Read on to discover more about the implications of this new policy and the discussions surrounding it.
Jan 13, 2026, 09:34 IST
Significant Announcement for Indian Travelers
Indian citizens traveling internationally have received encouraging news as the German government has announced a visa-free transit option for holders of Indian passports. On Monday, India and Germany unveiled measures to enhance cooperation in defense, trade, critical minerals, and semiconductors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Friedrich Merz committed to strengthening bilateral relations to address challenges arising from geopolitical upheavals. The leaders declared the introduction of visa-free transit for Indian passport holders passing through Germany.
Details of the Visa-Free Transit
This decision was revealed in a joint statement following Chancellor Merz's visit to India on January 12-13, marking his first trip to the country and his inaugural visit to Asia as Federal Chancellor. Essentially, the visa-free transit means that Indian travelers transiting through German airports will no longer need to apply for a separate transit visa, simplifying and expediting their travel experience.
Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to Chancellor Merz for this significant announcement regarding the visa-free transit.
Strengthening People-to-People Connections
The joint statement emphasized that this initiative will not only facilitate travel for Indian citizens but also strengthen interpersonal connections. Both leaders reiterated that robust people-to-people ties are a crucial pillar of their strategic partnership.
They welcomed the increasing exchange of students, researchers, skilled professionals, artists, and tourists, acknowledging the valuable contributions of the Indian community to Germany's economy, innovation, and cultural life. The need to enhance cooperation in education, research, vocational training, culture, and youth exchanges to deepen mutual understanding was also highlighted.
Focus on Education and Skills
Discussions prominently featured education and skills development. The leaders noted the rising number of Indian students in Germany, the expansion of joint and dual degree programs, and closer collaboration between higher education institutions.
They welcomed initiatives aimed at integrating Indian students and graduates into the German job market, as well as institutional ties between Indian Institutes of Technology and German technical universities. Both parties agreed to create a comprehensive roadmap for higher education between India and Germany, with PM Modi inviting leading German universities to establish campuses in India under the new education policy.