France to Reintroduce Schengen Border Checks: Tourists Expected to Face Delays

From November 1, all tourists to France should anticipate significant delays as the country reintroduces border checks at its Schengen zone frontiers with Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy.

The French government announced that these checks would initially last for six months, aiming to tackle growing national security and public safety concerns. Although these inspections will be sporadic rather than systematic for every traveler, they represent a considerable change in France's border policy since the Schengen Agreement began in 1995.

Impact on Tourists Traveling to France

For visitors, this move could mean prolonged wait times, particularly for those traveling by road or train from neighboring Schengen countries. Air travelers might also encounter longer delays at airport security and passport control as France integrates these new procedures with its existing customs and immigration systems.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau justified the decision by citing rising risks from terrorist activities that threaten public order and domestic safety. This aligns with a broader trend of heightened border security across Schengen countries due to increased illegal migration concerns, even though such measures have been relatively rare since the zone's creation.

The effects are especially pronounced for tourists heading to France, a favored European destination. Those crossing into France by car, coach, or train from countries such as Belgium, Luxembourg, or Italy might face long queues and sporadic checks, extending their travel times. Travelers using services like Eurostar, which connects London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, may experience increased waiting times for passport control.

Broader Implications for the Travel Industry

The reimplementation of border checks has significant ramifications for the European travel industry. France's decision could lead other countries to bolster their border security measures, potentially causing broader disruptions across the European travel network that could affect Schengen zone country borders impacted by France’s enhanced controls.

• Travel times and unpredictable delays could affect tourists and transport services.
• Airlines, coach companies, and rail services might need to adjust schedules to account for lengthier border crossings.

Transport operators, including Eurostar, coach firms, and airlines, will need to respond to these developments. Lengthy border wait times might cause disruptions, leading to missed connections or changes in schedules, affecting individual travelers and increasing pressure on travel agencies and tour operators. The hospitality sector, including hotels and resorts, may also face hurdles in managing delayed arrivals and adjusting bookings.

While inspections may not target every traveler, their random nature introduces unpredictability. The Schengen Agreement has long facilitated seamless passport-free travel across 27 European countries. Thus, France’s temporary rollback of this convenience could herald further changes as national security policies continue to adapt to terrorism and migration concerns.

Preparation Tips for Travelers

Travelers heading to France, including those from the UK and beyond, should prepare for potentially extended wait times at border crossings. These checks are set to continue until at least April 2024, emphasizing the need for flexible travel planning, especially for multi-country visits within the Schengen area. Here are some tips to ensure a smoother journey:

• Allow Extra Travel Time: Plan additional travel time to accommodate sporadic border checks, particularly for road or rail trips between Schengen countries. Arrive earlier than usual at borders to mitigate potential delays.
• Stay Updated: Follow travel advisories from French authorities and neighboring countries to stay informed about current border conditions and inspection schedules.
• Consider Alternative Routes: Explore alternative transport methods to reduce disruptions. While air travel may offer more predictability, prepare for longer airport waits due to passport checks.

Global Effects of France’s Border Checks

France's reintroduction of border checks may encourage other countries to strengthen their border security measures, potentially shifting away from the ease of travel traditionally afforded by the Schengen Agreement. Such changes could complicate travel plans and diminish the spontaneity of European travel, especially for international tourists, including those from the UK.

Tourists planning to visit France should stay alert for travel updates and prepare for potential disruptions, particularly during peak seasons or major events. The travel industry, from airlines to tour operators, will likely have to adapt to the new reality of extended border wait times and potential service rescheduling.

Adapting to Changes in European Travel

As France reinstates border checks with its Schengen neighbors, travelers must adapt and plan accordingly, anticipating delays, monitoring advisories, and adjusting itineraries as needed. These measures aim to enhance national security, but their impact on travel experience will be significant, especially for those used to seamless European travel. Both tourists and the travel industry must adjust to this new landscape, bearing in mind the potential for extended checks and additional travel challenges.