Schengen Borders: The Story of France and Germany
As of August 2023, France and Germany, both members of the Schengen Area, do not typically experience routine border checks. The Schengen Agreement enables free travel across passports within the European region. However, temporary border checks can be implemented for security reasons, or during specific events such as major international gatherings or heightened security alerts.
What is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area includes most EU countries and some European Economic Area (EEA) countries, including Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland. It has a common border control system and a common visa policy, making passport-free travel across borders possible within this region. Between these countries, there are checkpoints that are used from time to time.
During the pandemic, increased controls were indeed present, but these are typically relaxed during normal times. According to Schengen rules, 'border' controls may be carried out almost anywhere. For example, Polish border officers may work up to 100 kilometers inside Germany.
Routine Border Checks and Health Safety
Theoretically, routine border checks are not necessary under the Schengen Treaty. However, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated health safety protocols. Ideally, such checks would involve using rectal thermometers to ensure the health of travelers. Due to practicalities, this is rarely done, and security checks are more common.
The exercise of the possibility to perform spot-checks is regulated by EU laws, which states that these checks are rarely done except in exceptional circumstances. This includes pandemics or summits of heads of states in a nearby city. Under normal circumstances, the border is hardly recognizable, except for changes in traffic sign layout and the occasional sign along the road with the EU flag indicating such zones.
Modern Border Management
The implementation of electronic systems and the strategic placement of roadblocks for security reasons are growing more common. Some abandoned frontier posts can be seen, which were part of the former border infrastructure. This development is often a result of the refugee crisis, which led some EU nations to reassess the ease of movement within the Schengen Area. However, the overall border control remains less evident compared to other regions.
Travelers should always check for any updates or specific requirements before traveling to ensure a smooth journey. The flexibility of the Schengen Area allows for adjustments in border management, but the core principle of passport-free travel remains the foundation.