General information about entry requirements

Enquire in good time about the currently applicable entry requirements* for your destination. This will give you enough time to ensure that your travel documents comply with the entry requirements of your destination or to make an application for the necessary visa or the necessary travel permit. It is your responsibility to find out about and to bring along the stipulated documents. 

All passengers have the option of enquiring about entry requirements at the embassy or consulate of the destination country.

Detailed information about entry requirements, passport requirements, and last-minute country specific adjustments can be found in the IATA Travel Centre.

The Foreign Office of your country also has country-specific travel information and safety hints available for you.

For German citizens there is the option of obtaining information on the website of the Federal Foreign Office . Please note that visa, transit, and entry requirements are specific to each country and can change at short notice.

Be sure to find out about identity document requirements and about the visa regulations of your destination. The embassy of the country in question or your tour operator can provide information.

When you receive a visa, check whether it is valid for the entire length of your stay. Different requirements apply depending on the country with regard to entry and customs clearance for animals, vehicles, or cultural goods.

The IATA Travel Centre provides an overview of the necessary travel documents of your destination country.  

A visa is necessary for entry to many countries. Several countries, e.g. the USA, Canada, and India, offer an electronic travel permit for certain nationalities that simplifies entry.

The electronic travel permit must be applied for and authorised before the start of the journey; authorisation can take several days in particular countries.

Below you will find links for a few selected Lufthansa destinations:

Airlines are obliged to transfer passenger data to the authorities. This takes place via the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), among others.    

Authorities of some countries, such as the USA and Russia, also additionally demand the transfer of passenger data from flights that cross their territory.

You are obliged to transfer complete and correct information to the authorities. You can enter this in advance at lufthansa.com. If this is not possible, the data will be collected during the check-in process.

In some countries special regulations apply to the entry or exit of minors, who are traveling unaccompanied or accompanied only by a parent or another adult. Countries such as Brazil, South Africa, Spain, Portugal, and Italy demand a signed consent form from the parents. 

Enquire in good time at the consulate concerned whether and which documents are necessary for your child’s entry and exit country. Entry or exit can be refused if documents are missing or incorrect.