r/Europetravel • u/Excellent_Law5723 • 20d ago

Customs, VAT etc. VAT refund process for itinerary MXP->ZRH->FRA->SEA

Where would I receive my VAT refund for goods purchased in the EU? I’ve got quite a complicated 2 layover flight back to the US:
All flights are on the same flight booking/itinerary. I am flying out of Milan, but have an overnight layover in Zürich. In the morning, I have a one hour transfer in Frankfurt and then flying onwards to Seattle.

I figure my last port leaving the EU would be Milan, right? Since the morning flight is a short layover, I wouldn’t consider it as re-entering the EU? I definitely won’t have time for VAT refund processing at Frankfurt with such a short layover time…

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

5

u/deadliftbear 19d ago

You submit your refund at the last point where you have access to the goods. If you do not collect your checked bags at ZRH, you do the claim at MXP. Anything in hand luggage is done at FRA.

1

u/hjicons 19d ago

Every country has different process. For example you can collect refund in Spain even if its not a last country in the EU. All its needed is a valid voucher and non EU passport

1

u/Excellent_Law5723 19d ago

Didn’t realize each country had different rules regarding that. I always thought it was your last port of exit. I’ll look into that.

I’m hoping that the nuance of me transiting through Germany after leaving the EU doesn’t make the officer reject my VAT claim in Milan.