A number of countries within the Schengen travel area have reinstated border checks. What is the situation along Switzerland’s frontiers?
With many countries in Europe clamping-down on illegal migration and protecting themselves from terrorist attacks, controls at Schengen internal borders have intensified in recent months.
Therefore, depending on where you are heading, getting there may take you longer than usual.
This is what you should expect at Switzerland’s borders with its neighbours.
READ ALSO: All you need to know about Switzerland’s borders
Let’s start with France
France has border controls in place at all its international entry points, including with Switzerland.
This is due to “serious threats to public policy, public order, and internal security posed by persistent jihadist threats, and a rise in antisemitic attacks.”
However, these checks are random rather than systematic, so you may or may not be affected.
Germany
Reinstated border controls in Germany have made headlines since the new government brought them back in, not least because of the queues they have caused at various points.
However, according to the Federal Office of Customs and Border Security, the situation has not worsened in recent weeks.
“Regarding traffic jams, we have not observed any changes since Germany announced the change in practice; the situation remains unchanged from the past few months,” the government said.
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Italy and Austria
It’s ‘business as usual’ — no additional checks are currently in place between these two countries and Switzerland.
Liechtenstein
There have not been any controls in place between Switzerland and its tiny neighbour in decades, and that has not changed.
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Be ready nevertheless
Even if checks are not systematic, whichever border you plan to cross — whether with neighbouring states or countries farther afield — plan to for a slowdown of traffic and possibly bottlenecks.
And also, always carry your ID card or passport with you, just in case your are stopped for a check.
READ ALSO: Should you use your passport or ID card when travelling to and from Switzerland?
And don’t forget that your vehicle should have a ‘passport’ of its own as well:
READ ALSO: Do I need a ‘CH sticker’ on my car when I leave Switzerland?
