How to fly with Ryanair as a non-EU citizen?

Question

I received my Schengen visa, thanks to numerous Q&A found on this site. I have flights booked for in and out, and I'm considering to use Ryan Air to travel between a few cities.

I'm a Sri Lankan citizen with a passport that is not due to expire anytime soon. I have an ETAS SCHENGEN visa on my passport.

In the Ryan Air web site, this page says that non EU/EEU passengers should get their documents stamped by a special counter.

• Is it legal for a third party in general to stamp my passport? I understand immigrant officers can stamp it, and may be banks too when exchanging currency. But can a third party airline?

I should probably ask this from Ryan Air, but given their lack of support (as far as I can see), I thought to ask this on the people I love for traveling. That is you!

• Is this a one-time document check only, or do I have to go through the same procedure every time?
• Does this mean I cannot check-in online, and have to pay for their desk check-in every time, even if I wanted to do so online?

Answer 1

Is it legal for a third party in general to stamp my passport?

Your passport won't be stamped. Only the print out of your boarding pass, with a stamp that says "VISA VERIFIED" and a signature. Here's an example:

Is this a one-time document check only?

No, unfortunately you will have to go through the same procedure every time you fly. Just why Ryanair cares about checking visas on intra-Schengen flights while full-fare airlines don't care is a mystery.

Does this mean I cannot check-in online?

You can check-in online. In fact you definitely should unless you're willing to pay €35 for checking in at the airport.

The only difference is that you will have to visit the Ryanair check-in counter at least 45 minutes before your flight to stamp your boarding pass. The check-in counter is the same place where you drop-off your luggage if you have one.