Is this now dead in the water?? If terrorists or anybody can cross all most of mainland Europe without any sort of border control, until they get to Calais, surely it was asking for trouble. It was an ideal, but has it now been proved unworkable? France has issued warnings that everyone crossing into France, by road, rail or plane- MUST carry their passport or identity card both Swiss and French have them at all times when crossing the border, and that they will be checked- asking people to allow more time for boarding and travelling to work.
For the whole time since Shengen was signed, it was always clear that border guards could not automaticall check identity papers- for no reason- but only needed to claim any suspicion whatsoever to do so- and if someone does not have such, are allowed to escort them home to produce the document- they can do this for up to 30 km inside the border.
I was stopped at our local border a few years back, when visiting my parents- having picked up a rental car at Geneva. The guy became suspicious because I had a non local car plate, a British passport and driving licence, and a very local accent I can put in on or off.
I had to wait patiently whilst he was checking me out on his computer records- and then one of the local guards came out to welcome me home and give me a big hug- and told his colleague off and explained who I was. Here is a message a Swiss friend sent today: Got this on my phone today. I just booked a flight yesterday, so this might be old news to some of you.
The French Authorities have notified us of their intention to impose Border controls on all flights including between Schengen states with effect from Friday 13th November, to Sunday 13th December inclusive. Customers travelling without the required documentation will be prevented from entering France.
