Regarding entry into the Schengen area from a port different to the country that issued my Schengen visa
My Schengen visa has been issued from the Netherlands, however I am planning to enter the Schengen region from Latvia. I am planning to carry my travel itinerary that states that I will be in the Netherlands for the longest period, proof of funds and train itinerary (As I am planning to travel internally via train). However, I have no PURCHASED/ CONFIRMED tickets that show my travel to Netherlands, as I am planning to buy the Eurail pass once I enter the Schengen region. I just want to know whether this information is enough to enter through country that is not the country that issued my visa and if I have to have confirmed tickets to prove that I am travelling to the Netherlands? I'm scared that they will deny entry at the border, and I just want to make sure I have everything in order. Thank you very much!
Best Answer
If you are sure you want to use a rail pass, consider buying it online before your travel.
Also get some seat reservations for trains you want to use.
Or, and this may well be cheaper, buy tickets for your trains, for specific dates and times. You lose the flexibility of a rail pass but get surety for immigration at the border instead.
If you are no rail fan, a flight to Amsterdam will likely be cheaper, faster and more enjoyable.
Just your plans and itinerary should be enough for immigration, seat reservations and/or tickets for the trains make your plans stronger.
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Do I have to enter the country that issued my Schengen visa?
It does not need to be the country that issued you with a Schengen Visa, as you must apply with the nation where you are planning to spend the majority of your stay in the Schengen Area.Can I enter and or exit the Schengen area visa a country other than the one for which I have a visa?
According to the Schengen rules, the Schengen visa is generally valid for all the countries in the Schengen area. Please note, however, that you always have to apply at the consulate of the country which is your primary destination (see FAQ no 5).What is Schengen state of first entry?
26. Member of state of first entry: This is where you are entering the Schengen area for the first time on your visa period. For example, if you receive a Schengen visa and you fly from Egypt to France, and this is the first time you enter the Schengen area on that visa, your state of first entry will be France.Can you change your itinerary after getting Schengen visa?
"can i change my itinerary within the schengen area ?" You should follow the itinerary you gave when you applied for the visa. You cannot change your itinerary so completely that the information you gave in the visa application is no longer true.THE SCHENGEN ZONE TRAVEL EXPLAINED - DIGITAL NOMAD TV
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Answer 2
It is generally best practice to first enter the country issuing the visa, but authorities in Latvia will likely be more relaxed than if the situation were reversed (entering NL on LV visa).
I do strongly suggest that you buy your Eurail pass BEFORE your trip as it will be considerably cheaper and there are also some options you can only purchase while outside of Europe.
Latvia, along with other Baltic countries, is not included in a Eurail pass. Rail travel between Baltics and the rest of Europe is technically possible, but is slow, uncomfortable, and no less expensive than travel by bus or even air.
The closest point of entry to the Eurail system from Latvia is Warsaw, Poland.
If you wish to travel from Riga and explore nearby countries, for example Lithuania, I suggest to travel by bus, same with to Warsaw.
I would recommend to travel with:
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