What is required on this Letter for Customs / Immigration upon arrival in Frankfurt, Germany? I am staying with a friend in Cologne, Germany.

Moved to the Europe Forum and changed tag to Germny

I don't know which country you are coming from or if you need a Schengen visa, but I have never had to produce a letter certifying my accommodation plans (and as an Australian I am visa-exempt for less than 90 days). Usually it's enough to tell the immigration officer at the airport what your plans are.

I guess if you want to dot is and cross ts, then such a letter would contain your full name and the full name of the person you are staying with, the address and a contact number, and how long you are staying for. Immigration agents also check to see if you have access to funds and how you will support yourself while in the country. Usually it's enough to have a bank card and money in your account, which you might show them on your phone app. Mostly immigration also wants to see you are staying for less than 90 days and won't be working while in the country. If you are just there for tourism then all of this is overthinking it, because immigration rarely focusses on these things unless they smell trouble.

I admit I am a details person; last time my husband took our daughter overseas I prepared a letter from me providing consent that he could take her with him. He didn't need it, but the time before, I had taken her to Germany with me and I had her birth certificate (her surname is different to mine), and the border official still asked me what dad thought about taking her out of the country. Of course I just said he thought it was fine (he did) and there was no further discussion entered into. So maybe having these documents for just in case is not a bad thing, you don't need to show them unless someone asks.

Lavandula

I don't pretend to have an answer, but if you are staying with a friend, having something clearly written by that friend inviting you to stay with him/her/them, or confirming such an invitation, along with that person's name (printed), address, and contact information would seem prudent.

I can only presume you need a Schengen Visa because you are from a country that requires it. I also am prsuming you are only going for a short stay as a tourist. If otherwise, you need different visas/documentation.

What you need for this letter is clearly outlined on the govt website here.

https://www.germany-visa.org/schengen-visa/

more specifics https://www.germany-visa.org/schenge...nds-in-germany

and https://www.germany-visa.org/blog/invitation-letter/

YOu need more than the person's name and address. You also need proof of funds, presuming your friend isn't going to support you, as part of the visa process. Otherwise, the friend also needs to fill out other forms if they are backing you up financially.

Christina has provided the applicable links/info.

lavandula: - " but I have never had to produce a letter certifying my accommodation plans (and as an Australian I am visa-exempt for less than 90 days). Usually it's enough to tell the immigration officer at the airport what your plans are."

Unfortunately that's not relevant to the OP. Aussies, Kiwis and most North Americans have it a lot easier than visitors from many countries who have to complete lengthy visa applications including where they are staying and why, amount of cash they are bringing, banking information, proof of return flight, and more. And staying with a friend does complicate things because border agents might suspect one is planning to over stay..

Yes, I can see that - that's why I supplied the information about where I came from, and that's why I also mentioned having to supply information about having enough funds to support yourself. But I didn't take that extra step of saying that she would need to apply for a Schengen visa because I didn't know that, and I still don't know that. The OP needs to return and confirm some of these things. I am not going to advise her to apply for a visa when I don't know anything about her.

Lavandula

I agree with Lavandula as I don’t know the OP’s home country.

I just visited a friend in Frankfurt this past May and did not have to provide any accommodation details to anyone when I arrived. I visit her often as she moves around Europe. I was only asked once when coming back to the US why I was away and I admitted to visiting a friend. That probably wasn’t smart but the truth as I would cat sit. My friend also has never given me her address. I have to pin drop it when I get there.

The only time I’ve been asked to provide additional paperwork was when connecting in Stockholm. The agent asked everyone for proof which made the line very long.

If the OP is asking about a Letter of Proof for Accommodation it seems fairly obvious to me that she is trying to complete her application for a visa. If she is from a 'visa free' country then a Letter of Proof for Accommodation wouldn't even be in the discussion. Everyone saying they never asked me for that sort of thing - its because you didn't need one. . .

The point is the OP needs to provide further information.

As I said, I had been asked to provide further information (proof) when connecting in Stockholm and I wasn’t even staying there. Why should someone assume and to offer up experiences even if not spot on is not wrong. I would have a very hard time with getting proof if I need a visa to visit my friend so yes, I am interested in responses to this post.

This is from AI:

• Types of Proof:
  • Hotel Reservations: A confirmed reservation from a hotel, hostel, or other lodging provider.
  • Rental Agreements: A lease or rental agreement for an apartment or other property.
  • Letters of Invitation: A letter from a friend or family member stating they will be hosting you, often accompanied by proof of their residency.
  • Tour Itineraries: If part of a tour group, your itinerary may suffice if it includes accommodation details.
• Country-Specific Requirements:
  The specific requirements for proof of accommodation vary by country and visa type, so it's crucial to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.
• Consequences of Insufficient Proof:
  Lack of adequate proof of accommodation can lead to delays or even denial of your visa application.

I wouldn't jump to the conclusion the OP is asking about a visa. They may be but the UK media tends to push scare stories about what UK citizens need to enter the EU. Proof of funds is repeated pretty often. Proof of lodging? Wouldn't surprise me

https://www.esteri.it/en/servizi-con...zi_finanziari/

That's the Italian ministry but the rules are the same. Or should be

​​​​​​​Doesn't matter if you need a visa or not you need accommodation