2021 - Trip Wish lists

Excellent. Well done.
I need to do the same in January so look forward to any updates on any of the great input already posted here.

Peter wrote:

Is this not applicable in Germany?

Yes and no. It depends on which type of airport you land and if you have something to declare. In case you land at an airport with 24/7 customs service, like Düsseldorf (EDDL) for example, you can just come and land without any prior notice. In case customs officers are interested, they will meet you upon landing at the apron, or the tower will tell you to wait for customs instructions. If they don’t show up (which is mostly the case), you can be immediately on your way. Just in case you’ve something to declare (for example importing goods exceeding 430 euros per person), you’re still obliged to go to the customs office by yourself.

If you however plan to land on an airfield without 24/7 customs service, the story get’s completely different.

Last but not least: This only counts for arrivals from non-EU countries. If you arrive from non-Schengen countries, a passport check is still mandatory. In Germany, this is however a job for the federal police and not customs (except at some land borders or smaller airfields).