Do I need a visa if I have a connecting flight in Frankfurt?

Visa Requirements for Connecting Flights in Frankfurt

When traveling through Frankfurt Airport with a connecting flight, most travelers do not require a visa if certain conditions are met.

The transit privilege allows travelers to stay within the airport’s international area without needing a visa. This applies to non-Schengen destinations, meaning flights within the European Union’s Schengen Area require different visa regulations.

To qualify for the transit privilege, the following criteria must be met:

• The traveler must remain within the international transit area of the airport.
• The traveler’s boarding pass for the connecting flight must be valid.
• The layover time between flights is no longer than 24 hours.

Here’s a breakdown of the visa requirements for connecting flights in Frankfurt:

No Visa Required:

• Travelers connecting to a non-Schengen destination and meeting the transit privilege criteria outlined above.
• Travelers with a valid Schengen visa or residence permit.
• Citizens of countries with a visa waiver agreement with Germany.

Visa Required:

• Travelers who intend to leave the airport’s international transit area.
• Travelers who have a layover longer than 24 hours.
• Travelers who are citizens of countries not covered by the transit privilege or visa waiver agreement.

It is important to check the specific visa requirements for your connecting destination and nationality to avoid any potential issues. You can find this information on the website of the German embassy or consulate in your home country.

Note: Always have your travel documents, including your passport, boarding passes, and any required visas, readily available for inspection by airport authorities.