The French government will soon introduce temporary border controls with neighboring countries to address security risks. Learn more about what you should know before planning a trip to or through France

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine

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Starting November 1, 2024, France will temporarily resume border controls at its borders with six neighboring countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain. 

This decision will last for six months, until April 2025, and will cover land, air, and sea routes. 

According to Paperjam, France has already notified the European Commission and neighboring states of its decision, citing serious threats to public order and internal security. The French authorities drew attention to the high level of terrorist activity, the growth of criminal networks involved in illegal migration and smuggling.

How will this affect travel?

For Ukrainians planning to travel to or through France, the resumption of border controls means possible delays at the borders and stricter document checks. 

Although Ukrainian citizens can travel to the European Union under a visa-free regime, they should be prepared for additional security measures. French border guards will focus on more thorough screening of entrants to prevent the entry of illegal migrants and radical elements who may take advantage of migration flows.

This is not the only such step among EU countries. Germany has already resumed control of its borders with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Denmark on September 16, 2024. German officials have emphasized that this has made it more difficult to accept refugees, particularly against the backdrop of a massive influx of Ukrainian citizens. 

Controls at the border between Germany and Luxembourg are expected to last until March 15, 2025.

For those traveling by car or bus through France's neighboring countries, such as Germany or Luxembourg, additional time should be taken into account for border control, as the changes will also affect key land routes.

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How to prepare for the new conditions?

Before traveling, Ukrainians are advised to carefully check the updated information on the border crossing regime, as procedures may change depending on the current situation. France emphasizes that this control is temporary and that it is planned to be lifted once the security issues are resolved.

At the same time, the situation in Europe as a whole remains tense. The European Commission insists that all such measures should remain temporary and be applied for the necessary period. Nevertheless, 8 of the 27 EU countries have now introduced border controls, including Germany, Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, Norway, Slovenia, and Sweden.

For those who are planning a trip to France, it is important not only to have all the necessary documents, but also to take care of health insurance and international car insurance. Visit Ukraine offers reliable health insurance packages that will ensure your safety and peace of mind during your stay abroad. And for those traveling by car, the Green Card from Visit Ukraine guarantees protection in case of unforeseen situations on the roads. 

Take care of your trip in advance and be sure of safety at every step!

We remind you! Migration trends among Ukrainians, in particular with the aim of changing the country of temporary protection, are increasing, as the conditions of stay and financial assistance are changing. Read which countries provide repeated temporary protection in 2024 and what is needed to move in our previous article.

Photo: REUTERS

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