Hi RS folks, my daughter is traveling to Spain via Munich on one ticket. Will she go through customs in Munich or in Spain (Im thinking the latter, but my nerves are interfering with my micromanaging ;p )
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Jessica, she never goes through customs.
Customs is the check on goods, whether the contents of your luggage contains anything banned or for which you have to pay duty (tax). Your luggage is checked by customs after you pick it up at the last airport. But, customs is a random check only, 95%+ are not stopped, so it takes zero time.
What I think you are referring to is immigration (aka passport control); which is the check on people, whether they are allowed into the country and for how long.
Both Germany and Spain are in the Schengen Area, which is a Passport Union. Passports are checked on entering and leaving the Schengen Area, but not inside.
Her passport will be checked in Munich (enter Schengen Area), but not in Madrid as Munich - Madrid is internal to the Schengen Area.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3160 posts
She will go through immigration in Munich. If bags are carryon only, customs in Munich. If bags checked through to Spain, customs in Spain.
Posted by
OP
1226 posts
Thanks. Yes I did mean immigration. No checked bags. Got it.