If you are making the journey from Germany to India for the first time — whether visiting family, travelling for work, or exploring India as a tourist — there are a few things that will make the experience much smoother.
1. The Flight Is Long — Prepare for It
Direct Frankfurt–Delhi takes around 7.5 hours. With a Gulf hub connection, the total door-to-door time from a German city to an Indian city is typically 11–15 hours including the layover. Wear comfortable clothes, bring a neck pillow, and download films or podcasts before boarding. Most airlines on this route have good in-flight entertainment, but having your own content as backup is wise for longer layovers.
2. Check Your Visa Before Anything Else
Indian nationals with a valid Indian passport do not need a visa to enter India. If you hold a German passport or another European passport and are visiting India as a tourist, you need either a visa on arrival (eVisa) or a regular Indian tourist visa. The Indian eVisa can be applied for online at least 4 days before travel — do not leave this to the last minute. OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders can travel freely.
3. Book Bags in Advance, Not at the Airport
If you are taking more than the standard baggage allowance, always pre-purchase extra baggage on the airline's website. Airport excess baggage fees are 50–80% more expensive than online prices. Check your allowance carefully when booking — promotional economy fares sometimes include less baggage than standard fares.
4. Arrive at the Airport Early
For international flights from Germany, the general rule is 3 hours before departure. Frankfurt and Munich are large, busy airports and security queues can be slow during peak morning hours. If you are flying business class, most airlines have dedicated security lanes that significantly reduce queue time. Do not underestimate the walking distances inside FRA — it is one of the largest airports in Europe.
5. Currency: What to Take
India uses the Indian Rupee (INR). Carrying some cash in INR for the first day (auto-rickshaws, small shops, tips) is practical. Most major Indian cities have abundant ATMs — international Visa/Mastercard cards work reliably at HDFC, ICICI, and SBI ATMs. Avoid exchanging money at airport kiosks in Germany — the rates are poor. Exchange at your Indian destination bank or use an ATM on arrival.
6. SIM Cards and Connectivity
Indian SIM cards are cheap and connectivity is excellent. You can purchase an Airtel, Jio, or BSNL SIM at the airport on arrival or at any phone shop. You will need your passport and a local Indian address (a family member's address works) for registration. International roaming on German plans is expensive — buying a local SIM for stays of more than a few days is almost always better value.
7. Customs Limits When Arriving in India
Indian customs allows travellers to bring goods worth up to ₹50,000 (approximately €550) duty-free. Above this limit, customs duty applies. Carrying multiple identical electronic items (laptops, phones, cameras) may attract customs attention as potential commercial imports. Declare all goods above the limit proactively — penalties for undeclared dutiable goods can be steep.
8. Health and Vaccinations
No vaccinations are mandatory for Indian nationals travelling to India from Germany. For European passport holders, recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and standard travel vaccinations. Check with your German GP (Hausarzt) or a travel medicine clinic (Reisemedizin) at least 4–6 weeks before your trip. In Germany, most Krankenkassen cover standard travel vaccinations with a referral.
9. Jet Lag: East vs West
Germany is 4.5 hours behind India (IST is UTC+5:30, CET is UTC+1). When flying east to India, you lose time — you will arrive feeling like it is the middle of the night. Plan your first day in India as a rest day rather than packing it with activities. Flying back to Germany, the eastward adjustment is usually harder — give yourself a day after returning before important work or meetings.
10. Keep Copies of Your Documents
Before travelling, photograph your passport, visa, boarding passes, and travel insurance and store them in your email or cloud storage. If your passport is lost or stolen in India, the German Embassy can issue an emergency travel document — having a copy of your passport significantly speeds up this process. Also note the emergency number for your German health insurer in case you need medical assistance abroad.