Cross-border travel and border control

For entry into the Louvre Museum in France, a 17-year-old may only need a photo of their passport as proof of age, rather than the original document. This is generally acceptable in many French institutions, including for interactions with police. However, it's advisable to be aware that some situations might still require the original document.

Upon arrival at French border control, typical questions from immigration officers may include requests for hotel bookings and proof of a return ticket. Security checks (досмотр) generally do not involve verbal questioning. Travelers should have these documents readily accessible.

When entering a Schengen country (e.g., France) with a visa issued by that country, be prepared for questions from border control, especially if your itinerary involves multiple Schengen states. If the duration of stay in other Schengen countries exceeds the duration in the country of entry, this may raise concerns. It is advisable to have proof of accommodation for your entire planned stay, ideally with free cancellation or pay-at-hotel options. If asked, present your bookings to demonstrate compliance with visa regulations. For example, if your itinerary is 7 days in France, 6 days in Spain, and 3 days in Italy, and you entered on a French visa, it's prudent to have bookings for France that cover your entire French stay, even if you spend more days in Spain. Having a 'Plan B' and demonstrating adherence to the visa's primary purpose is crucial for a smooth border crossing.

Travel between Nice (France) and Monaco is unrestricted for Schengen visa holders. There is no formal border control or passport check between France and the Principality of Monaco, allowing free movement with a standard single-entry French Schengen visa.

Upon arrival at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), immigration procedures were very quick, taking only 5 minutes. Fingerprints were taken, and no other questions were asked. This is in contrast to the experience at Orly Airport in the previous year, where extensive questioning occurred.

While intra-Schengen travel typically doesn't involve passport control, travelers may occasionally encounter checks by border guards. A specific instance involved passengers on a flight from Barcelona (Spain) to Nice (France) being subjected to passport and visa checks upon arrival. This is not a common occurrence but can happen, and travelers should ensure their Schengen visa is valid.

For train travel within France (e.g., from Trouville to Paris), while a physical passport may not always be mandatory for tourists, it is highly recommended to carry a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license. Authorities may request identification for ticket verification, potential fines, or in rare security-related situations. Carrying a driver's license is a practical alternative to carrying a passport for short trips.

As of October 1, 2026, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Sweden no longer accept 5-year non-biometric Russian passports for entry. Restrictions often apply to the first point of entry in the Schengen area. Travelers with valid residence permits (e.g., German Aufenthaltstitel) in 5-year passports should check the specific visa/residence permit issue date, as some countries offer transition periods for documents issued before specific cut-off dates. Always verify the policies of the transit country, not just the final destination.

To locate a French court decision or fine following a traffic accident (DTP), especially if the physical document or unique fine number is unavailable, follow these steps: 1. Contact the court chancery (greffe) in the city where the accident occurred. 2. Retrieve any police documents issued at the time of the accident. 3. If a resident in France, use FranceConnect to access justice.fr and search via 'suivre son affaire en ligne'. 4. Contact the insurance company; their agents might have access to judicial requests. 5. Fines can generally be paid via 'amendes.gouv.fr', but a unique fine number is usually required. Searching by name may be possible but is not a primary method. 6. Unpaid court fines can lead to issues upon re-entry to France. If a fine has gone to 'huissiers de justice' (bailiffs), you may need an enforcement document number.

From October 1st, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Sweden will cease recognizing five-year Russian international passports. This adds to the existing list of 11 countries (Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Romania) that already do not accept them. Sweden provides a transitional period until December 31, 2026, for non-biometric passports if a Schengen visa or EU/Schengen residence permit was issued before October 1, 2026. Belgium, Luxembourg, and Netherlands offer no such transitional period. These restrictions apply to both entry into these countries and intra-Schengen flights.

When arriving at Nice Airport (or any other French airport), immigration officials may ask to see proof of accommodation and return tickets. While printed hotel bookings are not always mandatory, having a digital confirmation on your phone is highly recommended. If you do not have confirmed accommodation for the entire duration of your stay, consider making a refundable booking for the days in question as a backup. Providing a return ticket is also advisable, as it is frequently requested. In cases where you are staying with friends or family, have their address and contact information readily available.