We returned from yet another great holiday to Malta last Saturday and we noticed as with the last couple of times we had visited, although we had gone through passport control once, because we were returning to a UK destination, we had to to pass through passport control for a second time. We were then in a departure lounge annex separate from the main departure lounge. We were unable to return then to the main departure lounge!
All other EU residents simply boarded their plane from the gates in the main departure lounge area without going through this procedure. During last Sunday I emailed Malta Intl Airport to ask about this because I do feel that it seems to be some sort of discrimination since we are an EU Member State and as such should be afforded the same treatment as other Member states. As yet the Airport has not replied.
Has anyone else noticed this and is there some explanation as to why we are being treated in this manner by what I thought was one of our 'ally' countries in the EU?
Trev
Its presumably because the UK isn't in the Shengen Zone
All other EU residents simply boarded their plane from the gates in the main departure lounge area without going through this procedure. other EU residents on your plane would have been in the same situation as you - its not about residency
All other EU residents simply boarded their plane from the gates in the main departure lounge area without going through this procedure. other EU residents on your plane would have been in the same situation as you - its not about residency
Cheers Dave,
Never heard of the 'Shengen Zone' before and I bet most people in the UK haven't heard of it either. After looking it up you are right because even Maltese nationals had to go through this gate to board any UK bound plane. Sometimes makes me wonder why we are in the EU at all.
I guess I know how I'll be voting in a referendum if we ever get the chance!
Trev
Never heard of the 'Shengen Zone' before and I bet most people in the UK haven't heard of it either. After looking it up you are right because even Maltese nationals had to go through this gate to board any UK bound plane. Sometimes makes me wonder why we are in the EU at all.
I guess I know how I'll be voting in a referendum if we ever get the chance!
Trev
The UK chose not to be in the Shengen Zone, a decision that probably made other EU countries wonder why the UK was in the EU, given that its purpose is to allow the free movement of its citizens, one of the primary aims of the EU.
lolCheers Dave
Trev hope you had a great time mate, I heard about some of your movements via a mutual aquaintance, also will e-mail or pm you in next few day's, sorry for not getting back to you earlier mate but as you now know not been too rosey of late but both ok now thank god..
Hi Sliema2,
I heard you weren't too grand but pleased that you're both ok now. We had a few bad heads on hols last week but I think that was self inflicted. Thanks for pointing out the name mistake (I really shouldn't rush my postings!!!).
Whoops, Mark - sorry I called you Dave - what a mistaka to maka!!! Many apologies,
Trev
I heard you weren't too grand but pleased that you're both ok now. We had a few bad heads on hols last week but I think that was self inflicted. Thanks for pointing out the name mistake (I really shouldn't rush my postings!!!).
Whoops, Mark - sorry I called you Dave - what a mistaka to maka!!! Many apologies,
Trev
I've been called worse....
Easyjet passengers to u/k are now having their passports not only looked at but scanned at M.I.A. primary check in.
Easyjet passengers to u/k are now having their passports not only looked at but scanned at M.I.A. primary check in.
That'll teach em
teach them for going to the UK, or for using easyjet ?
Sleasyjet
Better to use sleazyjet than standing on the back row of a ryanair flight eventually.
I believe O'Leary's next proposal is for outside seats on the wings of his aircraft. 
I believe O'Leary's next proposal is for outside seats on the wings of his aircraft
I used to rate him quite highly when he played centre-back for the Arzenal and Republic of Ireland
, pretty naff manager though.
Hi there. So when you have gone through passport control you are shepherded direct into the annex lounge and can't do duty free etc?
There is no duty free if you are travelling from one EU country to another
Ok MArk The duty 'paid' shops
The duty 'paid' shops
Charliegirl,
There was a 'duty free' (Ha Ha!) shop in the annexed part but the choice was somewhat limited. I can't recall being able to get any food and drink in this annexe so I just wonder what would happen if there was a serious delay. I reckon it's best if you buy what you want before going through the passport control for the second time.
I have to say that I felt that the airport staff I spoke to regarding this segregation seem to be gloating about this arrangement and as a confirmed Maltaphile I felt somewhat annoyed! I find this is all so bizarre since if you've gone through passport control once, why do you need to do it again?? Does this Shengen Zone Agreement mean that we aren't really part of the EU at all even though we pay them far more than we ever get get back and that's despite our massive national debt?
I reckon there ought to be a referendum on this Shengen Agreement ASAP!
Trev
There was a 'duty free' (Ha Ha!) shop in the annexed part but the choice was somewhat limited. I can't recall being able to get any food and drink in this annexe so I just wonder what would happen if there was a serious delay. I reckon it's best if you buy what you want before going through the passport control for the second time.
I have to say that I felt that the airport staff I spoke to regarding this segregation seem to be gloating about this arrangement and as a confirmed Maltaphile I felt somewhat annoyed! I find this is all so bizarre since if you've gone through passport control once, why do you need to do it again?? Does this Shengen Zone Agreement mean that we aren't really part of the EU at all even though we pay them far more than we ever get get back and that's despite our massive national debt?
I reckon there ought to be a referendum on this Shengen Agreement ASAP!
Trev
there is a coffee shop in the annexed part
It is now better to stay as long as possible airport side as they have a good selection of food premises such as BK, KFC, Chineese, Asian curry, Greek kebab also a Fat Harry's bar like the one in Buggiba. They also have a runway viewing restaurant located on the third floor in between departures and arrivals.
Post a Reply
Please sign in or register an account to reply to this post.
Similar Topics
-
Dalaman Airport - Getting Through Passport Control
Posted by iwannagothere in Turkey Discussion Forum
-
P.R at Passport Control. Could it be better?
Posted by hbrac in America/Canada Discussion Forum
-
Passport Control Leaving UK
Posted by shimlad in UK and Ireland Discussion Forum
-
Passport Control & Dover Ferry
Posted by DarkIsle in General Holiday Enquiries, Hints and Tips
-
Passport Control @ Monastir Tunisia
Posted by tpebop in Tunisia Discussion Forum