Lufthansa-Transit Visa on AP-Recent Experience

[pani_6]

Any recent experince on Luftansa with AP and expired VISA..do they need a transit VISA..any recent experience

[GCWAIT_2009]

Yes, it is needed. I confirmed with German consulate. they will issue the Visa immediately in the embassy, but you will have to appear in person.

[mjdup]

For a 3 hour of wait in the airport, $88 is what you have to spend ! Just ridiculous, this is pure arrogance from German authorities. I refrain from using Heathrow or any German airports just because of this stupid rule. You'll get the transit visa easily but just think its such a waste of time, going to consulate with all documents, taking time off from work etc.

I always travel via Brussels or Dubai, no transit visa needed ! We should all aim for alternatives, that's when UK and German authorities will realize that they are loosing business by people choosing not to commute through their airports.

[smuggymba]

For a 3 hour of wait in the airport, $88 is what you have to spend ! Just ridiculous, this is pure arrogance from German authorities. I refrain from using Heathrow or any German airports just because of this stupid rule. You'll get the transit visa easily but just think its such a waste of time, going to consulate with all documents, taking time off from work etc.

I always travel via Brussels or Dubai, no transit visa needed ! We should all aim for alternatives, that's when UK and German authorities will realize that they are loosing business by people choosing not to commute through their airports.

Is transit visa needed for KLM via Amsterdam?

[hingo]

Any recent experince on Luftansa with AP and expired VISA..do they need a transit VISA..any recent experience
I traveled with AP Via Frankfurt as well via Paris. I did not take any transit visa. Did not have any problems.

[zettabyte]

Is transit visa needed for KLM via Amsterdam?

I've traveled multiple times via Amsterdam(KLM/Delta) and they never asked for anything. Nothing is required for a transition through Amsterdam.

[Chiwere]

There seem to be some confusion about Swiss since they adopted Schengen regime in 2008. I will be transiting thru Zurich this summer (valid H1), Delhi to US.
Google ji says there should be no issue , will call swiss to confirm.

[kiran_pathuri]

I traveled with AP Via Frankfurt as well via Paris. I did not take any transit visa. Did not have any problems.

You are really lucky then. One of my friend did the same and they sent him back to US from Frankfurt not sure whether on his own expenses or not. But he ended up rebooking the flight to India and the total trip costed him a lot more.

I think France doesn't need a transit visa but Germany and UK definitely does need a transit visa if your visa is expired. They don't consider AP as a valid travel document.

[Project_A]

Yes, it is needed. I confirmed with German consulate. they will issue the Visa immediately in the embassy, but you will have to appear in person.

Has anyone obtained a transit visa from the German counsel in Houston? How long does it take? We do not have APs and the H1 stamp in the passport expired.

[lahayil]

All,
I will be travelling to India via Munich on June 5th. I have a valid h1b till 2014 , but not yet stamped. Do i need to get a Transit visa?.

Thanks

[kiran_pathuri]

All,
I will be travelling to India via Munich on June 5th. I have a valid h1b till 2014 , but not yet stamped. Do i need to get a Transit visa?.

Thanks

Yes, you need to get a Transit visa.

[lahayil]

Thank you Kiran, when I book the ticket , the agent told me not required. any way I am not going to take any chances.

[pani_6]

Frankfurt, Luftansa require transit visa on expired visa and AP..no exceptions..:rolleyes:

[mjdup]

Travel by Jet Airways or Emirates. Pretty much same flying time and same experience. Why waste the transit visa money when they don't want their business. Don't force feed and give them your money :)

[tamil12]

I Booked ticket to Chennai using Lufthansa...and went to German Consulate ( Atlanta ) for Transit Visa.

Visa Officer mentioned there is no need for Transit Visa for AP ( I-512L) holders and we are good to Go.

So No Transit Visa is needed.

[jungalee43]

exactly a year ago the same Atlanta consulate advised me to change my route and avoid transiting through Germany as "transit Visa" was mandatory if you were travelling back to US on I-512L. There is no issue if you are going to India. What about your return to US?

[The7zen]

Tamil12 - you better check again with them, may be get that in writing?

The German consulate web site says
"Please note that the advance parole and the approval notice (I-797) are not valid documents for visa free airport transit!"

German Missions in the United States - Airport Transit (http://www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/05__Legal/02__Directory__Services/01__Visa/__Transit__Visa.html)

I agree with one of the above posts from "mjdup", why give them our business if they don't treat us right? I am a Lufthansa Frequent Flyer, I have decided not to fly with them again.

[tamil12]

Yes I gave my AP Parole Notice... to the Visa officer

He mentioned he got confirmation from last week from Airport officials for I-512 L no need of Transit Visa...

I Went with all filled forms to get Transit Visa and he mentioned no need of Visa...

[hingo]

Yeah as I mentioned I myself and couple of my friends traveled via Frankfurt using AP without any issues.

[rameshraju11]

I Booked ticket to Chennai using Lufthansa...and went to German Consulate ( Atlanta ) for Transit Visa.

Visa Officer mentioned there is no need for Transit Visa for AP ( I-512L) holders and we are good to Go.

So No Transit Visa is needed.

Hi Tamil12,

We also booked airline tickets to Delhi via Munich , Germany through Lufhansa airlines.
My H1B visa stamp is expired in the passport and we have valid AP cards.

1) Which German embassy officer mentioned that No airport transit visa is needed ? I am really confusing since their website says airport transit visa is needed for AP holders.

2) When did you meet German visa officer ? is it very recent ?

3) When are you travelling to India ?

Thanks In Advance,

[tamil12]

Today German Consulate Atlanta

[radsow]

I called them today in DC. the officer told that for some people the EAD /AP combo card will say that they dont require any Visa to re enter . If your EAD card says "Permit to Re-enter" then you dont need

This is what offcier told me .

[rameshraju11]

Yes, it is needed. I confirmed with German consulate. they will issue the Visa immediately in the embassy, but you will have to appear in person.

Hello GCWAIT_2009,

1. Did you take appointment for air transport visa ? Do we need an appointment for an air transport visa ?

2. Which Germany consulate did you use for an airport transit visa ?

Thanks in advance,

[GCWAIT_2009]

Yes, I took an appointment in German consulate Houston.

[rameshraju11]

I called them today in DC. the officer told that for some people the EAD /AP combo card will say that they dont require any Visa to re enter . If your EAD card says "Permit to Re-enter" then you dont need

This is what offcier told me .

Hello Radsow,

I just checked the EAD cards for me and my wife. I did not see "Permit to Re-enter" keyword on the card. i.e Do I need airport transit visa ?

Does USCIS issue two types of EAD cards one with "Permit to Re-enter" and other with nothing ?

Thanks,

[radsow]

I am not sure about the "Valid to re-enter " type of EAD. Sicne we dont have that in our EAD we are takinng transit Visa as per German consulate Visa team advice

[tamil12]

No Need of Transit Visa...

I got Email confirmation from Vice Consul German Consul as follows ...

"with a I-512L holder you are fine transitting Frankfurt airport through India and back to US. Please keep in mind that you are not allowed to leave the transit area."

I am travelling next week..

Hope this help

[rameshraju11]

No Need of Transit Visa...

I got Email confirmation from Vice Consul German Consul as follows ...

"with a I-512L holder you are fine transitting Frankfurt airport through India and back to US. Please keep in mind that you are not allowed to leave the transit area."

I am travelling next week..

Hope this help

Hello,

I also wanted to have a confirmation email from german consulate.
May I know the email id to whom I need to address to get confirmation?
or Let me know if you can forward confirmation email to me so that I can provide my private emailId

Thanks,

[rameshraju11]

Hello,

I also wanted to have a confirmation email from german consulate.
May I know the email id to whom I need to address to get confirmation?
or Let me know if you can forward confirmation email to me so that I can provide my private emailId

Thanks,

Hello Tamil123,

So did you travel back to India with out any issues ? when you will be back to the USA ?
and also please suggest how can one get an email confirmation regarding the airport transit visa is not required for AP holders ?

Thanks in advance,

[rameshraju11]

I am not sure about the "Valid to re-enter " type of EAD. Sicne we dont have that in our EAD we are takinng transit Visa as per German consulate Visa team advice

Radsow,

Did you get a german visa or travel with AP ?

Thanks,

[rameshraju11]

Yes, I took an appointment in German consulate Houston.

Hi,

if you traveled to India , did they ask for transit visa ?

Thanks,

[shan24]

Today German Consulate Atlanta

Did you travel to india. Share your experience

[GCWAIT_2009]

I travelled to India last month, but no one asked for a trasit Visa.

[sunshi]

Like one of the members replied earlier....Just Avoid them totally ...Emirates is getting price competitive...and they don't need transit visa. If the lay over is more than 9 hours they give a Dubai transit visa while boarding ( they gave me one in Houston itself - FREE ) and they have good food...plus in-seat TV with many Indian movie/TV episode options. You never get bored unlike in Lufthansa.

[nshalady]

I traveled to India with my family by Lufthansa (Wash DC to Bangalore) in the 3rd week of March with AP without transit visa and returned in the 3rd week of April. Nobody asked for transit visa in DC or Frankfurt or Bangalore. Lufthansa staff seem to accept AP in lieu of transit visa. It is not just us - I know a friend who has done it too last year. By the way, I had checked with German consulate before leaving, and they had told me that a transit visa IS needed if you are traveling on AP.

I am just sharing my experience. If you don't want to take any risk, get transit visa.

[viks14]

No Need of Transit Visa...

I got Email confirmation from Vice Consul German Consul as follows ...

"with a I-512L holder you are fine transitting Frankfurt airport through India and back to US. Please keep in mind that you are not allowed to leave the transit area."

I am travelling next week..

Hope this help

I am in a similar situation - traveling via Munich on AP - would it be possible to share the email from the consulate as you mentioned in your post?

[coopheal]

I am in a similar situation - traveling via Munich on AP - would it be possible to share the email from the consulate as you mentioned in your post?


Germany and its seems most of the Europe is no longer allowing to travel if you have just AP. They are now requiring either to have a valid current US Visa or Transit visa.

I had called German consulate and they confirmed it.

German Missions in the United States - Airport Transit (http://www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/05__Legal/02__Directory__Services/01__Visa/__Transit__Visa.html)
Please note that the advance parole and the approval notice (I-797) are not valid documents for visa free airport transit!


I have choosen to do away with Europe and use the direct flights.

[viks14]

Thanks! I am aware of the requirement - its just that folks had written that they traveled via Germany on AP without Transit visa. I would hoping "tamil12" could share his/her email.

Here is a list of requirements for each country specifically for Indians- http://www..com/visas/transit-visa-requirements.html

[alterego]

Generally it is easier to choose the middle eastern carriers from the US and bypass these Euro nations.
If enough people do this, then their carriers will feel the pinch, will pressure their gov't and they will make a more sensible policy.
I've generally found travel via the middle east more comfortable, cheap and convenient. Ideally We would have more direct flights to Asia, but that will take time.

[frustratingGC]

This issue was going for long time, I never heard AP holder stuck in Frankfort/Munich because of this.

Rule is in book but not implemented, airport officers are not good with visa rules as consulate. if even one officer is enforcing rule, affected people would have put that information in forum....

If I were you, I will analyze risk reward going thru Munich...:)

[ktmailserv]

Last I looked into this issue, there were differing rules for Frankfurt airport vs other airports in Germany.

I think part of the confusion on this topic is due to the above factor. Some say you don't need a transit, some say you do.

The best thing to do is to ask the airline rep. directly as well the consulate before you book the ticket!

When factoring in total cost for your airfare, do bear in mind that there might be additional direct costs such as transit visa cost as well as indirect cost such as time off work, travel to/from consulate etc.

The issue is very similar to London/UK transit (British Airways et all).

[The WalL]

I've traveled through LHR and FRA on my India trips. On both trips, I didnt have a valid US visa on my passport. During my US-LHR-India leg of a trip, I needed to get DATV (Direct Airside Transit Visa) from British consulate in the US because they argued that since I was transiting through London, I must have some reason for it. I told them I was going to India, my home country and as the passport holder, I shouldnt require it...but their interpretation of their rules were odd. I ended up buying the visa.

On US-FRA-India leg, they didn't ask me anything about needing a visa. The german embassy pointed me to a notice that specifies travelers going onward to their home countries through FRA didn't need to get a visa for transiting. I believe their rules are different for other airports for whatever reason.

[IreneS2]

I had to travel last month and they did ask for the visa!

I was lucky to finish it all in a week because it takes a lot longer if you go the usual way.

http://www.mawista.com/blog/en/schengen-visa-information/ for all those that want to know how the process goes and what documents you need along the way.

The customs authorities are not always informed about changes and they can be a pain in the a*s when you try to explain it to them.