Travel with AP via Frankfurt

J

jay_s_home

New Member
I will be travelling via Frankfurt on Lufthansa from Atlanta to Chennai in January. I talked with the German Consulate in Atlanta and I was told that with a valid AP, I don't need a transit visa for Germany. But when I called Lufthansa, the reservation agent wasn't aware of this and kept saying what is mentioned in German Consulate's website - that is if I have a valid US visa, I don't need a German transit visa. (http://www.germany-info.org/relaunch/info/consular_services/visa/countrylist.html) But the person didn't understand what an AP is. When I told the person that the consulate accepted AP as a valid document, equivalent to a US visa, she told me that then it was ok.

But my fear is how knowledgeable the Lufthansa person at the airport is going to be? I am travelling on a Sunday so it is impossible for them to contact the consulate on that day. Can I go by their word? I requested the consulate for a written document that says AP is treated similar to a visa, but they said they are out of manpower to issue such a document.

I may be paranoid, but I don't want any last minute surprises when I am going on a vacation. Anyone with recent experience, please respond.
 
No problem

The passport and visa checkers at Frankfurt are aware of the AP. You will need the original though ( no copies will be accepted )
 
i flew via Frankfurt last year and had been advised of a mandatory transit visa requirement by the German Consular Service office because of the country of origin and an expired visa stamp - they verified the AP and issued a transit visa

if a german mission is accessible to you, its a relatively painless procedure - i got it in less than a day and less than $20 - a cheap price for peace of mind...

good luck...
 
No need of transit visa

I have been to India with AP via frankfurt. No Problems, meaning you do not need transit Visa.
 
Be safe...

My 2cents. Take a transit visa. Consulate is right in Atlanta.

German Consulate General
Marquis Two Tower, Suite 901
285 Peachtree Center Avenue, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1221


I went last year without transit visa via frankfurt to chennai. But now, things might have changed.

FYI, From Oct 18, you must have transit visa if you go thru London.
 
have fun

I don't think you have anything to worry about. If you have problems with boarding agents at the airport....instead of arguing with them just ask to speak to their manager/supervisor. Every time the boarding agents have had the problem with AP...the managers seem to know the rules - this has been my experience at Mumbai airport.
 
Thanks for all the responses!

Thanks for all the responses! I went to the Atlanta airport and talked with a Lufthansa representative at the checkin counter. As expected she said that I need a transit visa. After I told her that I checked with the German Consulate, she talked to her supervisor. The supervisor seems to be knowledgeable with the AP. As soon as she saw the AP, she said that transit visa is NOT required. The representative apologized and assured me that no matter which representative is present on the day of my journey, the supervisor will be always there to clarify. So that is a relief!

Thanks again for all the responses.
 
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