Schengen Visa Rules in Germany: what actually matters to know
Short answer
You should ensure that the visa-issuing country remains your primary destination by spending the majority of your stay there. While you may enter or exit through different Schengen countries, it is advisable to keep proof of your travel plans and accommodation, such as an invitation letter, to present at border control if questioned.
From real experience
A Schengen visa issued by one country (e.g., Bulgaria) is primarily intended for entry into that country first, even though it grants access to the entire Schengen area.
Attempting to enter another Schengen country (e.g., Germany) directly from a third country (e.g., Russia) without first entering the issuing country (Bulgaria) can lead to problems. Airlines at the point of departure or during a layover may deny boarding due to potential violation of the 'first entry rule,' or immigration authorities at the destination may deny entry. It is strongly advised to enter the Schengen area through the country that issued the visa.
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If a Schengen visa is issued strictly for flight dates without a buffer, a flight delay itself does not constitute a visa violation as long as the traveler passes passport control within the visa's validity period.
The key is the entry stamp date, not the departure time from the origin. For late flights on the last day of validity, it's advisable to ensure timely arrival at the border crossing point. Turkish Airlines are generally considered punctual.
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There is no formal 'first entry rule' in the Schengen Area.
The primary requirement is to spend the majority of the stay in the country that issued the visa. Traveling out of a different Schengen country is permissible provided the overall visa duration and conditions are observed. Travelers should keep proof of travel plans if questioned by border control.
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Travelers within the Schengen area do not need hotel bookings if staying with relatives.
A letter of invitation (formal or informal) is recommended to prove accommodation. The primary requirement is to ensure the duration of stay in the visa-issuing country remains longer than in Germany to comply with the primary destination rule.