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Airport transit visa
On this page we explain whether you need a transit visa if you are changing planes in Germany.
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1. What is an airport transit visa?
2. Do I need a transit visa?
3. Nationals without transit privilege
4. Airports with transit areas
5. FAQ Transit Visa
6. Conclusion Transit visa
1. What is an airport transit visa?
An airport transit visa (Type C with the suffix "TRANSIT") is a special Schengen visa intended exclusively for transit through the international transit zones of airports within the Schengen states. It allows travelers with a stopover in a Schengen state to stay in the airport's transit area—but without leaving the airport or entering the country . It is valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period, but only for transit.
Entry into Germany is not permitted with a mere airport transit visa. According to Section 6, Paragraph 1, Number 2 of the Residence Act, this is not a residence permit that authorizes entry. Therefore, anyone wishing to enter Germany beyond the transit area requires a regular Schengen visa or a national visa, depending on the purpose of their trip.
2. Do I need a transit visa?
The so-called " transit privilege " applies to the vast majority of foreign travelers: If the international transit area is not left during a stopover at a German airport and the final destination is outside the Schengen area, no visa is required for the transit stay. However, if entry into the Schengen area becomes necessary during the transit stay (e.g., when changing terminals, if the travel route passes through two airports in the Schengen area, or if the final destination is within the Schengen area), any visa requirements must be observed and included in travel planning.
However, certain nationals are required to obtain an airport transit visa (visa category "A") when transiting through a German airport. A current list of countries whose nationals require an airport transit visa, as well as further information on airport transit visas, can be found on the Federal Foreign Office website .
3. Nationals without transit privileges
The following nationals require a transit visa as they are not eligible for the transit privilege:
Afghanistan
Ethiopia
Bangladesh
Eritrea
Ghana
India
Iran
Iraq
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Cuba
Lebanon
Mali
Nigeria
Pakistan
Somalia
Sri Lanka
Sudan
South Sudan
Syria
Special conditions apply to airport transit in Turkey and Jordan.
4. Airports with transit areas
Only the following five German airports have an international transit area that allows transfers without formal entry into the Schengen area:
Frankfurt/Main
Munich
Hamburg (limited time from 4:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.)
Düsseldorf (limited from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and prior registration of the transport company with the authorities responsible for police control of cross-border traffic (Federal Police)
Berlin-Brandenburg
Exceptions to the requirement for an airport transit visa apply to the following groups of persons:
Holders of valid visas and national residence permits from EU and Schengen states
Holders of certain national residence permits from the following countries: Andorra, Japan, Canada, San Marino, United States of America
Holders of valid visas issued by EEA countries (EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) as well as visas issued by Japan, Canada and the United States of America
Family members of Union citizens entitled to freedom of movement (spouse/partner, children, grandchildren under 21 years of age, parents and grandparents, provided they are supported by the Union citizen).
5. FAQ
Who needs an airport transit visa?
Only citizens of certain countries require an airport transit visa to transfer in Germany. The Federal Foreign Office provides a corresponding list of nationalities (see above).
Is an airport transit visa extendable?
No, airport transit visas are not extendable.
What visa category does the airport transit visa fall into?
The airport transit visa is of visa category A (visa for transit through the international transit zones of one or more airports of the Member States).
6. Conclusion
Anyone simply planning to change planes in Germany must check whether an airport transit visa is required. Most travelers are granted the so-called transit privilege – they are permitted to remain in the international transit area without a visa as long as they do not leave it. However, citizens of certain countries are required to apply for a transit visa (Category A), even if they do not leave the airport. The decisive factors are nationality, the destination, and the airports through which the transit takes place. Only select German airports have international transit areas. Clarifying visa requirements early on – ideally with the help of a lawyer or official agencies – can avoid problems during your trip.
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List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] Visa Handbook, Exceptional Visa at the Border, 63rd Supplement, as of June 2016
[2] Administrative instructions for residence in Berlin (VAB), as of 18.02.2025, § 6