Europe Immigration Help, Please

[digster]

I know that this isn't RCL specific, but since we're sailing on NOS I hope I'm not out of bounds. We are flying on Lufthansa to Barcelona by way of Frankfurt. Am I correct in assuming that we will go through European immigration at FRA airport and customs in BCN since our luggage will presumably be checked through to there. Or, must we claim our luggage in FRA and go through customs there? Thanks for your help on this.

[Mickg]

Hi,

We live in the UK and when we travel to the USA we clear immigration AND customs at our first point of entry in the country so I guess coming in the opposite direction the same will apply. No doubt someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Mick.

[Lushpuppy]

If you are staying air side at fra you might not have to clear immigration until barcelona. Are you transferring flight in the same terminal?

[uksimonusa]

If you are staying air side at fra you might not have to clear immigration until barcelona. Are you transferring flight in the same terminal?

 

Correct, you will probably be considered a transit passenger when you land in Germany, that is you are not actually admitted to the country, you remain in a neutral zone, and then catch your flight to Spain, where you will clear both customs and immigration

[wrp96]

You will clear passport control in Frankfurt as that is where you first enter the Schengen Zone. You will not have to collect your bags in Frankfurt though.

[digster]

Thanks to you all for your speedy responses. I hope we don't have to claim our bags in FRA but have a three hour layover just in case.

[Loyal2RCCL]

You won't have to claim your bags in FRA. You'll clear passport control in FRA and remain "in transit". Upon arrival in BCN you will clear Immigration, claim your bags and clear Customs.