France to Reinstate Schengen Border Checks Amid Security Concerns |

France to Reinstate Schengen Border Checks Amid Security Concerns

Starting from November 1, 2024, France will reintroduce border checks at its Schengen zone borders, impacting six countries: Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy.

This measure will be in place until April 1st, 2025, with the French government citing concerns over terrorism and irregular migration as the driving forces behind the decision.

Travellers from outside the Schengen zone will not notice any difference in entry procedures. Passport checks for non-Schengen arrivals, as well as the 90-day rule for non-EU nationals, will remain the same. Additionally, passengers flying to France from other Schengen countries not included in the six affected, such as flights from Sweden to France, will not experience any new border procedures.

What Will Change at the Borders?

Currently, individuals travelling between Schengen zone countries experience little to no border checks. Since the Schengen zone’s creation in 1995, free movement without the need for passport or ID checks has been a hallmark of the region. However, countries have the ability to reintroduce border checks during specific periods if deemed necessary for security reasons.

France's move follows in the footsteps of Germany, which reintroduced similar border controls in September 2024, citing “terrorism and irregular mass migration” as their primary concerns. France justified the decision by pointing to “serious threats to public order and domestic security” arising from terrorist activities and irregular migration facilitated by criminal networks.

The French government has stressed that radicalised individuals may attempt to exploit migratory flows, heightening the need for stricter checks.

What This Means for Travelers

Land, air, and sea travel between France and its six neighbouring Schengen countries will now face increased scrutiny. However, it is expected that road travellers, especially those crossing by car or bus, will be the most affected. In Germany, similar measures led to traffic jams at border crossings, as vehicles queued for inspections. French border checks are anticipated to produce comparable delays, particularly at land borders shared with Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Belgium.

Cross-border commuters, known as frontaliers, are expected to experience the most significant impact, especially those commuting to work from Luxembourg or Switzerland. Luxembourg’s prime minister has already expressed concerns about the disruption this may cause for cross-border workers.

However, air and sea travellers are expected to face fewer delays compared to those using land routes.

Do I Need Extra Documents?

While the new border checks will increase in frequency and intensity, the rules governing Schengen border crossings remain unchanged. Travellers should ensure they carry either an EU-issued ID card or a passport when crossing into France from another Schengen country.

Non-EU citizens will continue to require a passport to enter, and documents such as a driver's licence will not be accepted.

There are no additional document requirements under the new regulations, but travellers should ensure they comply with existing Schengen travel rules.

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