AHMEDABAD/GANDHINAGAR – In a major boost to Indian mobility, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced that Indian passport holders will no longer require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV) for layovers at German airports. The announcement was made on Monday, January 12, 2026, following high-level bilateral talks between Chancellor Merz and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar.
This move marks a significant shift in Germany’s immigration policy, aimed at positioning German airports as more accessible global hubs for Indian citizens.
1. What Changes for Indian Travellers?
Previously, Indian nationals were part of a specific list of countries required to obtain a Category A (Schengen Transit) visa even if they remained within the international transit area of airports like Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), or Berlin (BER).
- Visa-Free Transit: Indians can now connect to non-Schengen destinations (e.g., USA, Canada, UK) via Germany without any prior transit visa paperwork.
- Important Constraint: This facility is strictly for transit. Travellers are not permitted to leave the international transit zone or enter Germany without a standard Schengen tourist or business visa.
- Cost Saving: Travellers will save approximately €80 (approx. ₹7,200) in visa fees per person, plus service charges.
2. Beyond Travel: 19 Pacts and €1.24 Billion Fund
The visa announcement was part of a broader “limitless” economic and strategic partnership roadmap discussed during the Chancellor’s visit.
| Key Agreement | Description |
| Defence Roadmap | A Joint Declaration of Intent for a Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap focusing on co-production. |
| Green Finance | Germany committed an additional €1.24 billion for green hydrogen and renewable projects. |
| Pax Silica Connection | Discussions on integrating India into the semiconductor and critical minerals value chain. |
| Higher Education | A new roadmap allowing German universities to explore setting up campuses in India. |
3. Diplomacy Meets Culture in Gujarat
The visit was characterized by high-profile cultural diplomacy. Before the serious talks at Mahatma Mandir, the two leaders engaged in several public events:
- International Kite Festival: Modi and Merz jointly flew a kite featuring Lord Hanuman at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad.
- Sabarmati Ashram: Merz paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and signed the visitors’ book, acknowledging the shared values of democracy.
- Heritage Tour: The Chancellor also visited the Adalaj Stepwell, an iconic 15th-century architectural marvel.
4. Security and Regional Stability
In a strongly worded joint statement, both leaders condemned the recent terrorist incidents in Pahalgam (April 2025) and Delhi (November 2025). They reiterated their commitment to fighting cross-border terrorism and discussed peaceful resolutions for the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.