Who Needs a Germany Transit Visa? (2026)
The Germany transit visa is only mandatory for citizens of certain countries. Who needs it, the fee, and the required documents are here.
The Germany transit visa is a short-term Schengen visa (Type A Visa) that certain country citizens, including those from Turkey, must obtain when transferring at German airports — even if they do not leave the airport. Since Turkish citizens holding a burgundy passport are among these countries, if you are planning a connecting flight through Germany, this visa directly concerns you. Marsel Visa provides consultancy support in document preparation and appointment tracking during the transit visa process.
Who is Required to Have a Germany Transit Visa?
The vast majority of passengers transferring in Germany do not need a visa as long as they do not leave the international transit area of the airport. However, citizens of the following countries must obtain an airport transit visa (Type A Visa) even if they do not leave the transit area: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Mali, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, and Turkey.
Since Turkish citizens (holders of ordinary/burgundy passports) are on this list, if you are traveling to a non-Schengen country with a connecting flight through Germany, you must apply for a transit visa. Holders of service, special (green), and diplomatic passports are exempt from this requirement.
2026 update: As of June 2026, Indian citizens have been exempted from the transit visa requirement; however, there is no change in exemption for Turkish citizens.
Difference Between A Type and C Type Transit Visa
- A Type Visa: It is sufficient if you will transfer without leaving the international transit area and without going through passport control.
- C Type Visa (Schengen Visa): If you need to leave the transit area and go through passport control due to terminal change, baggage claim, or overnight stay, the A Type visa is not sufficient; in this case, you need to obtain a Schengen visa (C Type).
Germany Transit Visa Fee and Required Documents
The Germany transit visa fee is the same as the standard Schengen visa fee. In addition to the consulate fee, a service fee is added when you apply through a visa center.
| Applicant | Visa Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult (12 years and older) | 90 € |
| Child (6–11 years) | 45 € |
| Child (under 6 years) | Free |
Required documents for application:
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
- Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months after travel, issued within the last 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages)
- 1 biometric passport photo
- Confirmed and paid flight ticket/reservation (showing the entire itinerary)
- If a visa/residence permit is required for the destination country, the relevant document
- Travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 €, compliant with Schengen requirements
- Receipt proving that the visa fee has been paid
Note: You are not required to provide accommodation reservation.
German Airports Where Transit is Possible
If you land at an airport that does not have an international transit area or if you transit outside the specified operating hours, you will need to go through passport control and will require a Schengen visa.
| Airport | Transit Area Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Frankfurt (FRA) | 24 hours |
| Munich (MUC) | 24 hours |
| Hamburg (HAM) | 04:30 – 23:30 |
| Düsseldorf (DUS) | 06:00 – 21:00 |
| Berlin Brandenburg (BER) | Must be confirmed with the airline |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I need to spend the night at the airport? If you need to exit the transit area and stay at a hotel, a Type A transit visa will not be sufficient; in this case, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa (Type C).
How long does it take to process a Germany transit visa application? Applications usually take 10–15 business days to process; however, this period may be extended during busy times and in case of missing documents. Therefore, it is recommended to apply at least 4–6 weeks before your travel date.
I will also transit through Germany on my return trip, is one visa sufficient? No, each transit requires a separate visa. If your round-trip itinerary is clear, you can apply for a multiple-entry transit visa; if it is not clear, you may need to make two separate applications.
Do I need to provide a hotel or accommodation reservation for a transit visa? No, since you will not be leaving the transit area, you are not required to provide accommodation documentation; only a confirmed flight ticket and documents for the destination country are sufficient.
Result
The Germany transit visa process proceeds largely smoothly with proper document preparation and timely application. Correctly distinguishing between Type A and Type C visas is critically important for ensuring your transfer goes smoothly. You can find comprehensive information about the appointments, documents, and application steps you will need throughout the process Germany visa on our page.
As Marsel Visa, Germany visa appointment we provide document verification and consultancy support during the process. For your questions, you can reach us at +90 505 216 86 89 or via WhatsApp.
📞 +90 554 017 52 52
Visa Consultancy
Marsel Visa (Marsel Anonim Şirketi) is a private visa consultancy firm based in Istanbul that provides mediation and document preparation support in visa processes.
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