Transit Rules and Airlines: how it works in any — first-hand

Travelers have reported being denied boarding even when eligible for entry without a pre-arranged visa. It is strongly recommended to carry official documentation (e.g., IATA Timatic printouts, embassy websites, official government travel advisories) detailing your visa requirements for your destination and nationality to present to airline personnel as proof.

This practice is often attributed to their overbooking strategy, where they sell more tickets than available seats and use any reason to deny boarding. Passengers flying for extended periods without a pre-booked return journey should be aware of this potential issue and consider purchasing a flexible onward ticket.

Train or bus travel is significantly longer, approximately 7 hours. If flying between Venice and Vienna (within the Schengen Area), there is typically no passport control. However, visa validity checks might occur. For transportation from Vienna International Airport (VIE) to the city center, options include express trains (like Railjet - RJ) which take about 15 minutes. There is no direct metro line from the airport to the city center, but other train services are available.

Upon arrival in Brazil (e.g., São Paulo), customs may ask for the purpose of the visit (e.g., 'Tourism'). At the initial departure point (e.g., Moscow), airlines may verify the presence of a return or onward ticket. If the flight to Rio is a domestic leg after initial entry in São Paulo, further checks at Rio airport are unlikely.

Buses typically use separate, faster queues than cars. Nishikli bus services are generally comfortable. Tickets can be bought at airport cash desks or online via Obilet.com (note: Russian cards may not be accepted; alternative cards like those from Kazakhstan have been used). Bulgarian border control may require fingerprinting.

Generally, passengers transiting through FRA without leaving the international transit area do not require a visa, unless specific bilateral agreements or passenger nationalities dictate otherwise. It is crucial to verify the exact requirements based on your individual circumstances with the relevant immigration authorities or airlines.

It is advisable to have a return ticket or be prepared to purchase one at the check-in counter to ensure a smooth travel experience. Some travelers have used return tickets to different destinations to satisfy this requirement.

Travelers are advised to carefully prepare all supporting documents (return flights, paid hotels) or choose alternative carriers like Emirates.

The process, including automated passport control and security checks, can take as little as 15-20 minutes, allowing ample time for a short layover. This is a significant improvement from previous experiences where longer checks and document verification were common, especially for extended absences.

However, it may be feasible if flights are on time. Passengers with tight connections should proactively inform airport staff by showing their boarding pass, as expedited passage or assistance may be provided. Be aware of inter-terminal transport options, such as the metro.

A known workaround is to try selecting 'Multi' or 'Double' if available. If online check-in fails, proceed to the airline desk at the airport, present your passport, and they will typically issue the boarding pass manually after verifying the visa.

These might be related to stricter entry requirements by the destination country, where airlines may refuse boarding to avoid return costs. Essential documents to carry include a return ticket and hotel reservation. Most passengers do not face issues, but preparedness is key.

Passengers typically only need to present their boarding pass during the boarding process for the onward flight, without extensive re-screening or detailed passport checks for transit purposes. This experience is common for flights to destinations like the Netherlands.

Note that even if a transit visa is not formally required, airlines may deny boarding if a passenger does not meet certain criteria, potentially related to the destination country's entry requirements or specific airline policies. It is advisable to confirm with the airline in advance.

A recent flight from Sochi via Yerevan to Tivat involved very superficial security checks, while travel through China previously required thorough inspections. It's important to note that security checks are often random, and there's always a chance of being selected for a detailed screening.

Booking such flights without a visa entails a significant risk of being denied boarding.

Always verify specific airport transit policies based on the itinerary.