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Do we need a visa?
Having never traveled internationally before and having little to no knowledge of what we need to do, I need some help from the pro's (you gals seem to be pro's). So DH and I booked our tickets today on Air Berlin from LAX to Rome via Berlin and Dusseldorf which have long enough layovers in both cities (one each way of the trip) to be able to get out and experience the cities. So ...
1. Since the stops in each of the cities are layovers, we will have no access to our luggage, correct? I am assuming so as we will need to take a carry on bag with a change of clothing for a night with us.
2. DH and I both have valid passports but do we need to obtain travel Visas to Germany and Italy? What about the stops on our cruise out of Rome that has stops in Turkey and Greece?
My mind is in full planning mode and a million things keep running through it. DH and I are so excited as when we married 4.5 years ago, we merged two families to have an immediate family of 3 teenagers! The last one graduates from high school this June and we will be empty nesters so this trip is a treat to us to reconnect and relax.
Is it time to leave for LAX yet?
TIA,
Kim
Re: Do we need a visa?
1. I'm not sure. How long are your layovers? If they're overnight, you may be able to get your luggage and re-check it, but I'm not sure. I'd probably check with the airline to be sure. Worst case, just pack a change in your carry-on and you should be good.
2. Italy, Greece and Germany are part of the Schengen Agreement, so you won't need visas. You will need one for Turkey, but can probably buy them at the port of entry. I would check the State Dept. website or check with your cruiseline as they should know. FYI, you can find all that info through the State Dept. here: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html#G
I'm not sure how cruises work, but when I flew into Turkey I had to get a visa. In 2008 I think it was $30 (they let you pay in USD) and they put a little sticker in your passport.
While I'd double check with the cruise line, it looks like you will not need a visa for Turkey since it is a short stay, entering and departing on the same ship.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293974-i368-k1841170-Will_Cruise_Ship_Passengers_need_a_Visa_in_Turkey-Istanbul.html
2. If you have US passports, you do not need a visa for Turkey unless it's the start or end of your cruise. From the State Dept website:
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1046.html#entry_requirements
You can find a lot of cruise-specific visa information on the CruiseCritic forums, since cruise passengers are often subjected to slightly different visa requirements. For example:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1489497
Your cruise sounds like one we did last year (Rome to Greece and turkey). Awesome trip
! You'll love it!
We did not need visas when we entered Turkey (we did have an overnight docking in Istanbul).
As for Italy--- you can come on a US passport for up to 90 days as a tourist. More than 90, you need a visa. Greece has similar requirements; however you can have your 90days locally extended up to 180, as a tourist.
Sorry, I don't know the specific time you can stay in GE, but it's certainly a couple months (I've stayed 2wks wo a visa).