Introduction

Traveling from India to Canada via Europe can be a complex process, especially when it comes to transit visa requirements. This article aims to provide a detailed guide for Indian citizens holding a Canadian student visa, focusing on transit through Munich Airport.

Navigating the Transit Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

For Indian citizens with a valid Canadian visa, the transit visa requirement in Germany (for layovers) is typically not necessary if you meet certain conditions. These conditions include:

Your layover in Germany is less than 22 hours. You are not changing airports.

A notable example is your cousin, who successfully traveled without a transit visa through an 8-hour layover at Munich Airport. The German Embassy provides a comprehensive checklist and exemptions, which are essential for understanding your personal situation.

According to the German Embassy's exemption list:

Exemptions:

Indian nationals holding a valid visa or residence permit from a member state of the Schengen area, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Ireland, Canada, Japan, or the USA (excluding holders of a U.S. ‘Advanced Parole Document’) Indian nationals holding a valid residence permit for Andorra, Monaco, or San Marino Diplomatic passport holders do not require an airport transit visa

When Do You Need a Transit Visa?

A transit visa is only required if:

You have a layover in Germany. You are changing airport terminals for onward flight connections.

Current RT-PCR Testing Requirements for Canada

As of today, travelers starting their journey from India must obtain a RT-PCR test for COVID-19 from an intermediary country before traveling to Canada. This regulation can complicate your travel plans, especially when transiting through Frankfurt or other Schengen airports.

Handling the RT-PCR Test Requirement

The Frankfurt airport does have a testing facility, but it is outside the transit area. To access this test, passengers need to pass through passport controls. Therefore, you would need a tourist visa for a Schengen country to access the test facility. Without a Schengen visa, you will be unable to board your flight from India to Canada.

Alternative Routes

To bypass these requirements, you can plan your journey such that you can enter a third country and get an RT-PCR test there. Here are some countries that are commonly used:

1. Serbia

Serbia is visa-free for Indian citizens. People can spend a couple of days getting tested and collecting their reports.

2. Mexico

Mexico does not require additional visas for Indian citizens. Travelers can easily find testing facilities.

3. Egypt

Egypt also does not require additional visas. There are multiple cities with easy access to testing facilities.

Travel agencies are now offering packages that include a stay, testing, and local transportation to facilitate this process.

Conclusion

For Indian citizens traveling to Canada with a valid Canadian visa, careful planning is necessary to navigate the transit visa requirements and the current RT-PCR test regulations. By understanding the exemptions and alternative routes, you can successfully plan your journey.