France reinstates border checks from November 1

France will reintroduce temporary border controls with its Schengen neighbors on November 1, 2024, a decision set to remain in place until at least April 30, 2025. Why the reversal? French authorities are citing serious threats—including terrorism and irregular migration—as the justification for this move.

Checks will not be systematic but rather selective and random. While not everyone will be stopped, delays are all but guaranteed. Travelers arriving by road or rail from countries such as Belgium, Luxembourg or Italy should expect longer wait times. Passengers on Eurostar trains may also face extended passport control queues.

For non-Schengen visitors, such as UK travelers, the impact could mean lengthy lines and a less enjoyable travel experience—potentially discouraging some from visiting France during this period.

Reactions were swift. Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden did not mince his words in discussions with Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz, calling the controls a "bad idea."

Despite criticism, the European Commission cannot block France’s move but insists such measures must remain proportional and temporary.

This French initiative comes as the European Union has postponed the launch of its Entry/Exit System (EES), originally slated for November 10, 2024. The automated system was intended to streamline border checks for non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area, but technical issues and lack of preparedness have caused delays.

The impact on travel professionals

The travel industry will need to adapt. Airlines and land transport operators—including coach and rail companies—are likely to adjust schedules to accommodate extended border-crossing times. That could further strain France’s tourism sector, already weakened by the pandemic.

Migration experts question the actual effectiveness of these checks in reducing irregular migration flows. Previous studies indicate deterrence policies have limited impact on overall arrivals in Europe. Additional documentation will not be required—for now.