Do I need a visa to transit through Germany?

Do I need a visa to transit through Germany? - Ethnic driver in taxi with partition

I'm not a citizen and I'm having a flight from Victoria to Vancouver, Vancouver Frankfurt, Frankfurt Casablanca with Orbitz, but yesterday I received an e-mail from them that said "the destination of the flight was changed and is going to be Victoria Vancouver, Vancouver Berlin (no change airline), Berlin Frankfurt, Frankfurt Casablanca."

So now I don't know if I'm going to need a transit visa because I'm having two stops in Germany, do I?



Best Answer

Given that you are flying into and out of Berlin with the same airline I would strongly recommend you ask them if a visa will be required. Not only is this likely to get you the best/correct answer, it will reduce any issues with them checking your visa when boarding in Canada if one is required.

There are two airports in Berlin (plus a third being built to replace the first two!), but I presume you're referring to Berlin Tegel (TXL).

Tegel has a number of terminals which are configured differently, with terminals A and C being the main terminals for international flights.

Terminal A, instead of having a single passport control/customs area as most airports have, has individual passport control/customs at each gate. As a result, it's impossible to get from one gate to another "airside", and thus you will need to pass though passport control regardless of where you are connecting to - and for that you will need a Visa.

Terminal C is a more typical layout, with a transit area available for most connecting passengers which does not require passing through passport control. Passport holders for many (but not all) countries are able to pass through this transit area without obtaining a visa, and that includes citizens of Morocco.

So in short, if your airline uses Terminal A you will need a visa. If your airline uses Terminal C, you likely will not. But regardless - check with the airline to find out their recommendations and go with what they say.




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Can you transit through German airport?

Citizens of certain countries require an airport transit visa when flying via Germany to their final destination.

How long can you transit in Germany without a visa?

Also, if your transit time does not exceed 12 hours, you will not need a German transit visa. Note that if you need to stop at more than only one airport within the Schengen area, you will then need to apply for a regular Schengen visa.

What do I need to transit through Germany?

Travellers are required to register before entry, provide a negative PCR-test result and quarantine for 14 days. Detailed requirements are specified below. For travellers entering from other countries (no prior stay in an area of variant of concern) no special requirements apply on entry.

Do I need a visa to transit through Germany from UK?

British citizens do not require a visa for any kind of transit through the European Union's Schengen Member States provided that the duration of the combined transits does not exceed 90 days within any 180 day period.



Transit Visas for Europe - FAQ Fridays




More answers regarding do I need a visa to transit through Germany?

Answer 2

The route Berlin->Frankfurt is a domestic route. You will need to go through passport control to board a domestic flight. Therefor you will need a visa to enter Germany if you are not a national of a country with a visa waiver program with Germany.

You can contact the airline to confirm this but all they are likely to do is direct you towards the nearest German consulate or embassy.

If you are unable to secure a visa (perhaps this being short notice) the airline may be able to reroute you (possibly on a different date). As they have already amended your itinerary from the one you purchased it would not be unreasonable to expect this to be done at no cost to you.

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