How to get a transit visa for Germany

If you’re travelling through Germany to reach another country, you may assume that you don’t need a visa, especially if you’re just changing planes. But depending on your nationality and route, you may actually need a German transit visa, also known as an airport transit visa (Type A). This visa is essential for travellers passing through the international transit zone of a German airport, en route to a non-Schengen destination.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Germany’s transit visa, including:

• Transit visa rules and who needs one
• Preparing the right documents for your visa application
• Where and how to apply and what to expect at your visa interview
• What the visa covers, how long it’s valid and what limitations apply
• Why even short layovers may require valid travel health insurance

What is a transit visa?

A transit visa allows travellers to pass through a country on their way to a final destination, without staying in that country for an extended period. It's typically issued for short stopovers at airports or seaports and is valid only for the duration of the layover, usually no more than 24 to 96 hours.

The purpose is to facilitate smooth connections between international flights or other onward travel while ensuring that border regulations are respected, even if the traveller doesn’t plan to enter the country fully.

Transit visa requirements and exemptions

Not everyone passing through Germany needs a transit visa: it depends on your nationality, destination, and whether you’ll pass through immigration or remain in the international transit area.

Citizens of certain countries are required to have a transit visa even if they’re only changing planes at a European airport like Frankfurt or Madrid. Others may need one if they have separate tickets requiring them to check in again or collect baggage during their layover.

Always check the German Federal Foreign Office before starting your journey, as transit visa requirements can vary significantly between countries and even between different types of airports.

What documents do you need?

Being prepared with the necessary documents is the key to getting your transit visa application right. You’ll need to gather and submit the following:

Valid passport

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned travel date. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and contain at least two blank pages. Make sure it’s not damaged and also renew it early if it’s close to expiration to avoid any last-minute stress.

Completed visa application form

You’ll need to fill out the Schengen visa application form, even for a transit visa. This should be signed and dated. Some embassies also require a separate declaration form confirming the accuracy of the information you provide.

Passport photos

Submit two identical, biometric passport photos. These should be taken within the last six months, in colour and follow Schengen guidelines: measuring 35mm x 45mm with a white background and neutral expression.

Confirmed flight itinerary

This should show your full travel route, including your flight to Germany and the connecting flight to your final destination. The flights should be confirmed and not just a reservation: this proves that you are only passing through Germany without any plans to stay in the country. A confirmed flight means you’ve booked and paid for the ticket, and the airline has issued a booking reference or ticket number. A flight reservation is often a temporary or unpaid booking: it may show intended travel plans but does not prove commitment or guarantee availability.

Valid visa for final destination (if required)

If your destination country requires a visa for your nationality, you must already have that visa approved. German authorities will want to ensure that you are allowed to enter the country you’re travelling to after your layover.

Travel health insurance

Even for a short layover, Germany requires you to show valid travel health insurance that complies with Schengen rules. This is in case of medical emergencies, missed connections or other unexpected issues. Feather offers an easy way to get compliant insurance that’s accepted by German authorities. You can apply online in minutes, receive instant confirmation and download the certificate to submit with your visa application.

Additional documents

Depending on your situation, you may also need to show proof of residence in your home country, confirmation of employment or study or consent documents for minors travelling alone. Do always check with your local German embassy for an exact list of Germany’s visa requirements.

Where and how to apply

You’ll need to apply for a transit visa in person at a German consulate or visa application centre before your trip. You can’t apply for this visa at the airport or on arrival.

To apply:

• Find your local German embassy or visa service provider
• Book an appointment online
• Bring all your required documents and be prepared for a short visa interview
• Pay the fee: usually €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6-12

Processing usually takes 5 to 14 business days, so apply well in advance of your travel date.

How long is the transit visa valid for?

A German airport transit visa typically covers a short stay of less than 24 hours and only allows you to stay within the international transit zone of the airport. It’s valid only for the specific date of your travel and the route you’ve provided.

With a transport visa, you may not:

• Leave the airport building
• Switch terminals that require you to go through border control
• Stay overnight outside the transit area
• Use the visa for any other travel in Germany or the Schengen Area

If you are returning via Germany and will again transit through a German airport, you will need a second transit visa for that leg of the trip. Each transit visa covers only one continuous transit window of up to 24 hours, so if your itinerary involves two separate transit events (one outbound and one inbound), you’ll either need to:

• Apply for a multiple-entry transit visa, if your itinerary is fixed and both transits fall within a short period
• Submit two separate transit visa applications, one for each direction, if your return travel details are not yet confirmed at the time of the initial application.

If your transit requires exiting the international zone for baggage claim, terminal changes or overnight layovers, you’ll likely need a short-stay Schengen visa instead

Top tips for a smooth journey

• Print your full flight itinerary: Include both entry and exit flights, with exact times and dates. This helps prove you’re not staying in Germany.
• Apply early: Embassy appointment slots can fill up quickly. Start preparing your application at least 3-4 weeks before your flight.
• Check your terminal and airport layout: If your connecting flight requires you to pass through border control or claim your baggage, you may need a different visa, such as the Schengen visa.
• Purchase travel insurance in advance: German officials won’t issue your visa without it, and last-minute purchases can delay your application.

Feather makes one part of this process simple: getting your visa-compliant travel health insurance online, instantly, with zero stress to enjoy a worry-free layover in Germany.