Schengen: connecting flight at the destination country

I'm flying to Germany (Dresden) with a layover in Munich or Frankfurt. Both layovers are within the same terminal, same day (<24 hrs), same airline (LH). Where should I cross the Schengen border? Rule of thumb is "cross the border at the first airport you fly in", but what if the layover is within the international zone of the same country? Also "landing" (getting out of international zone) takes time and I wouldn't be able to do it within 1.5 hrs layover. Can I "land" in Dresden, or is it mandatory to land in Munich/Frankfurt? If so, do I have to claim my luggage during layover? I'm getting one-entry visa (business trip).

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Do I need a transit visa for a connecting flight in Europe?

A transit visa is a travel document allowing you to pass through another country until you reach your destination. For example, if you are traveling from India to the US, but you need to stop in the Schengen Zone to continue your flight for the US, you require a transit visa for the Schengen Area.

Should my first trip be to the country issued by Schengen visa?

There is no general requirement that you must enter the Schengen Area through the country that issued your visa. Your main destination may be different than your first destination. To prevent complications, stick to your itinerary as best you can.

Can I transit through 2 Schengen countries?

Traveling to a Schengen State via another Schengen State airport is not considered an airport transit neither is travelling to a non-Schengen country via two Schengen state airports. All flights between two or more Schengen States are considered to be \xabdomestic\xbb flights.

Can I transit in Schengen?

Yes, a Schengen visa is needed even for transit. This type of visa is valid for 24 hours and can only be used in the transit area of a Schengen country airport. If you want to leave the transit area and go anywhere outside, you need to have a regular Schengen visa in that case.

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

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