amberlee1975

I am travelling from the US to Lisbon, with a connection in Madrid both ways. I change terminals in Madrid. Do I go through passport control in Madrid, and if so, when? I am assuming I don't go through security in the terminal I change to (T4). I have a tight connection on the way home (1 hour 20 minutes), so I am just trying to weigh it all out.

Alec

You will face passport check - no big deal, quick look at your passport and possible stamp, as your entry point to Schengen. Your luggage is probably checked through, but as you go landside to transfer terminals, there will be a security check in the new terminal (again pretty quick and efficient). 80 min is a rather tight connection, as there will be extra security for all flights to US - two security checks, with a patdown at the gate.

ruthruthruth

I read this just out of interest, as I'm never sure what to expect at the handfull of European airports we've visited, with CDG the worst and Frankfurt the best - although there were 2 or 3 security or passport checkpoints to go through, some just quick ones with few people in line. Anyway, I had a quick question: When you refer to Schengan, is that the countries in the European Union, or at least those that have that agreement that you can cross one border in Europe without passport control?

Fashionista

If you click this link and scroll down a bit there is a very pretty diagram that explains all...I think.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Agreement

hetismij

Schengen includes non EU countries - Switzerland and Norway for instance, but doesn't include some EU countries - the UK and Ireland spring to mind.

You always go through passport control at the first Schengen country you arrive in. Thereafter you do not need to show your passport until you leave the Schengen area, though spot checks are always possible.
You go through security again at most airports when changing planes.

Cowboy1968

That part of the Schengen agreement that deals with the free movement of people and means that mandatory and permanent border controls have been abolished means:
The member states of the EU,
minus UK, Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria
plus Norway, Iceland, Switzerland.

It is not the EU customs union, though, which is a different club.

You have to go thru passport control when you fly from Amsterdam to London, but can take whatever goods with you (within certain limitations that seperate private from commercial imports)

You have no passport control when you fly from Zurich to Lisbon, but the amount of goods you can import to Portugal is tighter regulated (like it would be if you entered Portugal from the US).

You have no passport control and can take whatever you want with you if you travel between two countries being both covered by the Schengen agreement and the customs union, e.g. if you flew from Madrid to Berlin.

This is a simple chart explaining who is in and who is not:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europea..._Customs_Union

amberlee1975

wow, i've been educated. thanks!