France has announced that it plans to temporarily restore border controls from November 1, 2024. The main reason for such a decision is the security threat associated with illegal migration. Experts predict that this decision will be valid for 6 months. Find out how the new rules will affect travelers

Order an insurance policy for safe travel, stay or work abroad

BUY

France has announced the introduction of border controls to increase the level of security in the country. The new rules will come into effect starting today, November 1, 2024. The strengthening of border control in the EU is further discussed in this article.

What is known about the strengthening of border control by France?

Border controls between France and Italy have been in place since 2015 due to the migrant crisis.

However, from November 1, 2024, this measure will not only apply to the border with Italy, but will also apply to all neighboring countries, namely Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and Spain.

Preliminary monitoring will last until April 20, 2025, when the results will be evaluated and a decision will be made on whether to extend the emergency measure or cancel it.

What are the reasons for strengthening border control in France?

The French government singled out the following threats, which became the reasons for strengthening border control in the country:

1. Serious threats to public order and internal security from terrorist activities.

2. The growing presence of criminal networks that facilitate illegal migration and human trafficking.

3. Migration flows through which radical individuals risk to penetrate.

What will change for tourists in connection with the introduction of border control?

Normally, travelers traveling between Schengen countries can move freely without passport checks. However, due to the introduction of border controls, travelers from Belgium, Spain, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany and Italy will need to present an identity document such as a passport or national identity card.

Non-EU nationals residing in France may also need to present their Carte de Séjour.

Border checks are expected to result in long queues, particularly with Germany, which also reintroduced controls at all its land borders in September, meaning travelers can be screened by authorities in both countries when traveling between them.

Travelers crossing France via the land border will be most affected. Those arriving by car or bus are advised to allow extra time.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

How will the introduction of border control affect EU countries?

The Schengen area was created in 1995 and became the main pillar of the European Union. The main idea of ​​Schengen was the absence of border controls between member states of the zone. Thanks to the signed agreements, people and goods were exempted from border control between states. Such actions contributed to the economic development of the EU. However, despite the fact that the Schengen area is gradually expanding, for example, in the spring of 2024 Bulgaria and Romania partially joined the European Schengen area of ​​free movement, in recent months more and more European countries have announced the restoration of border controls on their own territories.

Importantly! Schengen rules allow for the re-introduction of temporary controls "as a last resort" and "in the event of a serious threat to public order or internal security", but too long a "temporary" measure may call into question the security and integrity of the Schengen area.

Which EU countries have also restored border control?

France is not the first EU country to restore the border border, earlier a similar decision was also announced:

- Germany

In mid-September, Germany reintroduced temporary border checks, including at the border with France and the Netherlands, in an effort to "combat illegal migration and cross-border crime." More details on Germany's reintroduction of border controls in this article.

- Austria

Austria has also reintroduced checks at its own borders since mid-October, citing in particular "risks related to illegal migration, migratory pressure in the border area and the strain on the asylum system and basic services". Checks have started working at the borders with Hungary and Slovenia.

- Denmark

Denmark will follow suit on its borders with Germany from November 12 for the same reasons.

- Slovenia

In Slovenia, checks are in place at the borders with Croatia and Hungary.

The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden also plan to introduce checks at all their land borders.

In connection with the introduction of border controls in many European countries, we advise tourists to take this into account when planning their trips, in particular, to set aside time for passing checks and follow the latest news from the world of migration on the Visit World portal.

We will remind you! The European Union has once again announced the postponement of the launch date of the electronic entry/exit control system for citizens from third countries. We have already told why EES is not ready for launch and what features this system has.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe trip abroad, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations while traveling around the world.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.