What is the point of Schengen entry in Germany?

Question

(first town/city in Germany from the Switzerland-Germany border) when taking the bus from Basel Airport to Freiburg

Answer 1

The reality is that traveling through western (EU) countries here is no passport check whatever, whether you are driving, or on a train or whatever.  I've done it frequently in the last few years.  Note that traveling between Germany and Poland in 2001 we were stopped, and our passports were checked in the middle of the night (we were in a Couchette in the train).

But even as long ago as 1989, one could drive easily from France to Germany, and into Austria.  In 2001 we drove into france, switzerland and Lichtenstein, and Austria, and except for a sign on the road, sometimes, there was no indication that you were switching!  There are no longer customs or immigration officials anywhere between EU countries.

In 1989 we wished to visit Fussen in southern Germany.  Becase of a travel guide we decided to try staying aross the border in Reute in Austria.  We wanted that Austria stamp in our passport, but when we got to the border crossing (back then it was manned) we had no impact whatever.  

There are some limitations for people from certain third countries, depending on the Visa status that you have, which you might check out if you are one of them.  I have included a couple sites here.  The first one refers to EU citizens, the second to us outsiders.  Folks from Australia, Canada and the United States have, I believe a Visa waiver in place, otherwise, you are likely to find you are checked only when you enter and leave the full EU area.

Answer 2

The point is that every entry into Germany has to have a Zoll (customs) station.  While EU residents are free to travel to other EU countries without restriction, it is required for all non-EU residents to pass through customs when entering Germany.  It is also required (for German residents) to pay import tax on major purchases from outside of Germany.

Make sure you have your passport ready when you reach the border because you will get checked.

Answer 3

The Basel airport is not acctually in Switzerland.

It lies in France and has to exits: one to Switzerland (Basel) and the other one to France (Mulhouse).

If you wish to go to Germany, then you would take the France exit, this is your entry point to Schengen.