German Government Mandates Transit Visas for 20 Nations

The German government has announced that citizens from 20 specific countries are required to obtain an airport transit visa before traveling through any German airport, regardless of whether they plan to leave the terminal. Unlike most foreign travelers who can transit through German airports without a visa, these nationals must hold a category A airport transit visa.

The countries affected include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Mali, Pakistan, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, and Turkey. Only five airports in Germany—Frankfurt/Main, Munich, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Berlin-Brandenburg—have an International Transit Area that allows travelers to stop without entering the Schengen area.

The German government advises affected passengers to apply for the necessary visa well in advance of their travel date.