German Transit Visa

[bvreddy75]

I am travelling thru Frankfurt at end of this month and would like to apply for transit visas for both me & my wife. And while preparing the documentation I am stuck as they are asking:
1. original of valid US alien registration card or valid US visa
-->If I have those why would I apply for transit visa first of all. Doesnt make sense.
2. confirmed airline ticket to final destination
-->How can I purchase tickets before getting visas. If visas get rejected again doesnt make sense.

http://www.germany-info.org/relaunc...sa/transit.html

Pl somebody who got transit visas before guide me. Very much thanks in advance.

And pl do NOT post replies saying I dont need or need transit visa, After rumbling for 1 week I have decided to get them just for the heck.

 

[pralay]

1. original of valid US alien registration card or valid US visa
-->If I have those why would I apply for transit visa first of all. Doesnt make sense.

Citizens of some countries DO need transit visa even if they have US visas or green cards. For example, Sudan, Syria.

2. confirmed airline ticket to final destination
-->How can I purchase tickets before getting visas. If visas get rejected again doesnt make sense.

Transit visa rarely gets rejected - in extreme situation.

 

[PhillyKP]

2. confirmed airline ticket to final destination
-->How can I purchase tickets before getting visas. If visas get rejected again doesnt make sense.

http://www.germany-info.org/relaunc...sa/transit.html

An itinerary should be good enough. You can get that from a reservation not yet paid for, and no one can tell the difference. I have done this before for an actual Schengen visa for a 2 week trip to Europe, not merely a transit visa, for the same reason that you mention

Also, there are posts here quoting communications with german consulates advising that transit visas are not required for folks in your situation - why do you still want to get one? Too much discretionary income?

 

[hummingburd]

An itinerary should be good enough. You can get that from a reservation not yet paid for, and no one can tell the difference. I have done this before for an actual Schengen visa for a 2 week trip to Europe, not merely a transit visa, for the same reason that you mention

Also, there are posts here quoting communications with german consulates advising that transit visas are not required for folks in your situation - why do you still want to get one? Too much discretionary income?

-->Because their own consulates have different version. Atlanta says No need, whereas NewYork says Yes. So just for peace..

 

[tammy2]

-->Because their own consulates have different version. Atlanta says No need, whereas NewYork says Yes. So just for peace..

Even Houston says yes you need it.

 

[skghost]

I posted (emailed) a similar question to German consulate, chicago last April. Here is their reply...
<start of reply>
Dear sir,
visa applicants who have renewed their US status need to submit their approval papers (either as original or notarized copy).
Also to clarify, US visa holders do require a transit visa; the exception on the website states that travelers with a valid US visa stamp may obtain the visa on arrival at the airport until further notice.
<end of reply>

I (and my wife) got a transit visa from them september 2005. I had sent notarized copy of approved H1-B petition (I-797), my original E-ticket along with other required documents and fees. I think they were pretty quick and I got my passport with transit visas back in about a week.

BTW, i would suggest applying for it as soon as possible. my wife was flying in november while i was flying later in december and even though i had sent original tickets for both of us, the transit visa for me was dated the same as my wife. After calling them, i had to resend my passport with tickets for them to make the correction. I did not have to pay the fees again, just mailing charges.

Lastly after doing all this, when i actually flew (and even when my wife left) nobody here at detroit or at frankfurt bothered to check that transit visa. It is just a nice scheme to make money. Though I have to add a disclaimer that this was my personal experience. Your experience might be different.

Good Luck. In my opinion as long as you provide the required docs (prove ur US status and tickets), the chances that a transit visa gets rejected are slim.