I'm traveling to Berlin later this month with a layover in Frankfurt. I'll be visiting my daughter who lives in Berlin. As I study what to expect from the EES system, I see that it asks if I have proof of accommodation. Do i need to have my daughter write a formal invitation to stay with her?
One never knows about German bureaucracy...
Thanks,
Suzanne
I don’t think this is new. We’ve been asked the purpose of our trip and where we’re staying numerous times when entering Schengen as well as where we had been when leaving.
I've always been asked where I'll be staying, but I've never had to supply "proof." The only people I knoow who have traveled from the US to Germany lately hold German passports, so it hasn't been an issue for them.
It's done by computerised touchscreen and you'll be offered a 'yes' or 'no' option. Just press 'yes' and you'll be through. Your daughter is proof of accomodations.
I've traveled to Germany since EES when they were in the early days so pre- touch screen (flew into Frankfurt) and they just asked how long we were staying and that was it. I had the name of our hotel ready plus things we were going to see if needed. I have entered Europe (albeit pre-EES) with AirBNB reservations and maybe once got questioned on the address - I said it was AirBNB and they were like, OK (I think it was England).
All that is to say, if they have real issues, they would ask for your daughter's contact info to verify your plans. Highly highly doubtful.
So far, never been asked for proof of stay when entering a Schengen country. Flew into Germany in '22 (before EES) and wasn't asked. More recently, I've travelled by train into Germany and encountered a passport check only once. They didn't ask for proof of stay.
I guess people ought to do a bit of research on what the Schengen border guards can and occasionally do ask. I think we are learning with EES that someone else's experience does not guarantee that it will be your experience.
“You may also have to produce other supporting documents to border officials upon arrival such as an invitation letter, proof of lodging, return or round-trip ticket.”
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-nationals/index_en.htm
