I was wondering about the process and forms I will go through and need to fill out when travelin out of the US

Question

I am traveling from my home town in the US to Paris and then from Paris to Germany. Will I go through customs in Paris and in germany? Does the airline give me the forms while on the plane or do I need to get them from somewhere before I leave? Any thing you know would really help me out this is my first time flying alone let alone out of the country. Thanks soooo Much!

Answer 1

I believe that the plane will give you the forms to fill out then you give them to customs.

Answer 2

The travelling rules regarding # of baggage, and weight allowed etc. keeps changing. So, check with the airlines. The US citizen may/or may not need VISA ( permission to enter that country, France and Germany), so check with those embassies about the current protocol. It also depends on your length of stay in that country, clarify this when you talk to them. If you need something to be stamped, you will need to send your passport to them. If you are in a big city where they have a consulate, that would be handy.

     Any time when you are a transit passenger( the plane has stopped for refueling etc.), you need not worry about the luggage ( you would not see it). But when you get out of the airport to enter the country, you need to clear the customs; you will do the same when you reenter the USA. If you check in any bags, please save the stubs, since some countries match the stubs with the baggage taken out by the passengers - so many bags look alike, so no wrong pickup.

The airlines provide you with such forms in the flight. But keep a pen handy and something to write on. There are rules of what you can bring into the country, how much is allowed etc. It would be helpful if you keep an itemized list handy(written or in memory).

     By now you know, you cannot carry any liquid/gel more than a sample size(check with the security), no water bottle etc. allowed thro' the checking line. You could buy at the kiosks inside. You cannot carry sharp objects like needle, nail-clipper, the multipurpose scout knife set and so on and so forth.

     Enjoy the trip.

PS: Protect your passport more than your life.

Answer 3

Okay here's what happens. First, you need a passport and that form/application must be done in the US because you need your passport to travel.  See your local post office for information on how to get your passport.

Now, as long as you plan to be in Paris and Germany for a combined total of LESS than 90 days, as an American you don't need a special visa.  All you need is your passport.

So you will board the plane in the US and the FIRST time you transfer or exit the plane in a foreign country you will go through customs/immigration.  So, I'm assuming that's Paris for you.  About an hour before you land in Paris the flight attendants will pass out little forms.  They ask basic info: your name, passport number, where you're staying in the country, how long you'll be there.  When you exit the plane in Paris you will be directed to a room with (probably) lots of lines.   Stand in the one for the Non-EU citizens.  There the customs/immigration officer will take your form and passport.  He/She may ask you questions like "How long will you be here?"  Then they'll stamp you passport and allow you to pass.  When you travel between Paris and Germany (depending on how you travel) you probably won't go through customs/immigration again.

Coming back, no forms unless you bought a lot of stuff that you need to declare.

Just remember, you need: Your passport and the address of where you'll be staying in those countries. (i.e. your hotel information)