As background, I'm a US citizen. Planning an upcoming trip from the US to FRA with a number of intra-Europe hops involved after I arrive. Early arrival at FRA on day one, business meetings during the day in the city then, that evening, catch a LH flight to PRG. Return to back to FRA the next morning, spend the day in the city again then, in the evening, catch a flight to MXP. Back again the next day where I will spend two nights until I return to the US. The trips to PRG and MXP are to visit friends those evenings. I can get super cheap fares for the short hops and since I'm planning to have a room at a FRA airport hotel, it doesn't seem like too much effort.

My question is whether I will have any issues with German immigration given I'll have 3 entries/exits at FRA in just 3 days.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

As background, I'm a US citizen. Planning an upcoming trip from the US to FRA with a number of intra-Europe hops involved after I arrive. Early arrival at FRA on day one, business meetings during the day in the city then, that evening, catch a LH flight to PRG. Return to back to FRA the next morning, spend the day in the city again then, in the evening, catch a flight to MXP. Back again the next day where I will spend two nights until I return to the US. The trips to PRG and MXP are to visit friends those evenings. I can get super cheap fares for the short hops and since I'm planning to have a room at a FRA airport hotel, it doesn't seem like too much effort.

My question is whether I will have any issues with German immigration given I'll have 3 entries/exits at FRA in just 3 days.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
You should have no issues at all based on my experiences. Totally fine.

Actually, you will not have 3 entries at Frankfurt.

Your initial arrival into Frankfurt will be one entry.

When you return from Praha, you will have a second entry.

The third flight to Milano is inside the EU and Schengen and does not require immigration or customs. As far as you are concerned, it will appear like a domestic flight.

Actually, you will not have 3 entries at Frankfurt.

Your initial arrival into Frankfurt will be one entry.

When you return from Praha, you will have a second entry.

The third flight to Milano is inside the EU and Schengen and does not require immigration or customs. As far as you are concerned, it will appear like a domestic flight.

I think the OP was referring to 3 entries/exits.
When he leaves for the US from MXP via FRA he will need to clear passport control for exiting the Schenegen area.

As background, I'm a US citizen. Planning an upcoming trip from the US to FRA with a number of intra-Europe hops involved after I arrive. Early arrival at FRA on day one, business meetings during the day in the city then, that evening, catch a LH flight to PRG. Return to back to FRA the next morning, spend the day in the city again then, in the evening, catch a flight to MXP. Back again the next day where I will spend two nights until I return to the US. The trips to PRG and MXP are to visit friends those evenings. I can get super cheap fares for the short hops and since I'm planning to have a room at a FRA airport hotel, it doesn't seem like too much effort.

My question is whether I will have any issues with German immigration given I'll have 3 entries/exits at FRA in just 3 days.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

As noted earlier, FRA immigration shouldn't cause any trouble. (At most a question or three.)

I've done Day 1 morning: enter EU Schengen zone; Day 1 afternoon/evening: exist Schengen zone; Day 2 morning/afternoon, re-enter EU Schengen zone; Day 2 evening: exist EU Schengen zone; Day 3 morning: enter EU Schengen zone; Day 3 afternoon: exist EU Schengen zone; and so on for nearly a month without issue.

If anything, the more they see you enter and exist, the more often you'll have an easier time.

I think the OP was referring to 3 entries/exits.
When he leaves for the US from MXP via FRA he will need to clear passport control for exiting the Schenegen area.

As you know, when flying from MXP-FRA-US, clearing passport control (for leaving the Schengen area) will be done at FRA (i.e., not MXP).

Wow - thanks for the quick, helpful replies everyone! :)

Sounds like the concensus is that there's no problem with this travel plan. If anyone else thinks otherwise, please let me know.

Any reason to expect extended questioning from FRA immigration as I come and go? Last time I was in FRA for a trade fair, I got asked a lot of specifics (well, more than I expected anyway) when I first entered Germany.

Wow - thanks for the quick, helpful replies everyone! :)

Sounds like the concensus is that there's no problem with this travel plan. If anyone else thinks otherwise, please let me know.

Any reason to expect extended questioning from FRA immigration as I come and go? Last time I was in FRA for a trade fair, I got asked a lot of specifics (well, more than I expected anyway) when I first entered Germany.

Tell them that you are there for pleasure. It's none of their business what you are there for.

Tell them that you are there for pleasure. It's none of their business what you are there for.
Uhm - no - that's exactly their business....

Uhm - no - that's exactly their business....

Perfectly correct. Etch5895: Believe it or not: Europe is not Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands. On the other hand: As long as you do not give the impression that you want to take on work you should not have any problems at all. In general Frankfurt border control is much more relaxed than any US border control.

I stand by my opinion. I don't feel that the immigration officer (in any country) has any need to know what you are doing. They scan your passport, see no warrants, and they should let you through. If you have a criminal record, I can see maybe digging a little into your intentions, but not the average lawful traveler. Just my opinion, and I know it will probably not cause the EU to change their way of doing things.

All that said, FRA has been one of the easiest airports in Europe for me to immigrate through. They are efficient, usually friendly, and I don't think I've ever been asked more than how long I would be staying in Germany or is this business or pleasure. They, and almost every other gateway I've traveled through (MUC, CDG, AMS) have been a much more customer friendly process than any immigrations point into the US. And, as a result, Germany is the proud recipient of the lions share of my travel dollars (that, and I love the beer, the food, and the castles).

Yes, it seems to be. Will post more info when completed some mileage runs to FRA.

I know it will probably not cause the EU to change their way of doing things.



From all I've heard EU immigration officers ask far fewer nosey questions of non-EU citizens than US ones do of none-US citizens...

With the exception of the UK EU countries don't make you fill in any paperwork.

. . .

My question is whether I will have any issues with German immigration given I'll have 3 entries/exits at FRA in just 3 days.

. . .

Having just entered Germany 5 times in the past 7 days (3 FRA and 2 MUC) I feel qualified to answer.

No problems at all, in fact the only raised eyebrow I saw was exiting FRA yesterday with a pile of stamps in my passport. Could see the wheels spinning in his head "there had to be a better way" . . .

FRA is as others have said a blissful point of entry. LHR on the other hand . . .

Lihue1k

lihue1K, you most cerainly are qualified to answer based on that experience and I appreciate the feedback. It's exactly what I needed to hear and increases my comfort level 100%. Thanks! :)