Activities & latest news in Belgium

France Brings Back Border Checks: UK Tourists, Buckle Up for Queue Season!

Starting November 1, France is bringing back its border checks with six neighboring Schengen countries—think of it as a six-month reunion tour for the borders with Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy. The good news? Not every traveller will get the full border experience. The slightly-less-good news? UK tourists heading to France are still in for a potential lineup. All this is part of a French plan to tackle security concerns, and yes, it’s sparking some “Schengen Surprise” moments across Europe.

UK Travelers: Get Ready for the Checkpoint Challenge

Whether you’re driving in from Belgium or hopping the Eurostar from London, the new checks could turn your breezy hop into France into more of a “brace for the wait” situation. The French government assures us these checks are “sporadic,” meaning you might skate through—or find yourself exchanging glances with the other travelers in an impromptu queue. And if you’re flying in? Well, don’t celebrate just yet. Airport security lines might get an upgrade from “long” to “eternally memorable.”

The Official Reason for France Brings Back Border Checks

According to French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, it’s a matter of public safety and national security, with a particular focus on minimizing illegal migration and managing potential threats. Following in the footsteps of other European nations tightening borders, France is stepping up to bring a bit of “national security chic” back to Schengen, 1995 style.

What This Means for Travel Plans

Tourists driving in from Belgium, Luxembourg, or Italy (who just wanted a peaceful French vacation) could see some holdups. And if you’re boarding Eurostar? Maybe pack an extra baguette and a crossword for potential passport checks. It’s a return to the “good old days” of border control.

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So, What’s This Mean for the Travel Industry?

The return of these checks is like tossing a handful of pebbles into the smooth waters of European travel. Airlines, coach companies, and rail services might need to do a little scheduling shuffle to accommodate longer wait times at borders, which could mean more updates and delays for passengers. For hospitality folks, this could also mean a few surprises at check-in as travellers trickle in from all that extra border bonding time.

Quick Travel Tips for UK Tourists Tackling France This Winter

While the romance of France is still very much alive, a little prep can help keep it from becoming a long-distance relationship! Here’s how to keep your trip smooth:

• Allow Extra Time for Travel: With some passport control déjà vu back on the menu, add a little buffer time to your plans—no one wants to miss the first cheese plate of the trip.

• Monitor Travel Alerts: Stay plugged into the latest travel advisories for France and its neighboring countries. French police are just as likely to throw in a curveball at the last minute.

• Consider Alternative Routes: Fancy a scenic detour? Explore different ways to get to your destination (hello, sky-high view!) if your road or rail route has you in too deep with the border lines.

A New Era of European Travel: Adjusting to the Border Backtrack

This reintroduction could mean that other Schengen countries might join the border check revival, so keep an eye out for changing policies. And for those who cherished Europe’s passport-free days, this could be a cue to savor the “classic” lines and checks once again. So UK tourists, let’s embrace the slight return of red tape with good humor and a smidge of nostalgia.

The magic of France still awaits—now just with a slightly longer preview. Bon voyage, and may your lines be short and your pastries fresh!

European Sleeper Rolls Out Night Train: A Dream Journey from Brussels to Venice

Ever wished you could sleep your way through Europe’s most scenic landscapes while dreaming of your destination? Well, European Sleeper is making that dream a reality with its new night train service starting February 5, 2025. Get ready to swap your bedtime stories for stunning Alpine views as you travel from Brussels to Venice, with a few delightful pit stops along the way.

This trendy new route will take you through some of Europe’s prettiest cities including Utrecht, Cologne, Munich, Innsbruck and Verona. Running twice a week during February and March this is  ideal for those who want to get on the slopes or be carried away with the festive spirit during the famous carnival in Venice.

In the direction of Venice, the services will depart the Belgian capital at 5pm and arrive the next day at 2pm. In the opposite direction, departure from Venice will be at 3pm with an 11am arrival in Brussels, and both of these services should run twice weekly through the end of March 2025 – if you’re heading to Venice Carnival (which next year will run from February 14 to March 4), this could be your ticket!

So here it is – a luxurious (and sustainable) trip  that connects Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Italy. Imagine falling asleep in Brussels only to wake up right at the heart of Venice; this would be accompanied by dining onboard while you enjoy a good nap. It’s like a European vacation in your dreams—except you get to wake up and enjoy it!

European Sleeper Rolls Out Night Train

The tickets for this enchanting ride will be available from September 1st 2024 onwards. You can buy them directly from European Sleeper. Expect a peaceful night journey with great views along the way. Goodnight!

Check out our marvellous DMCs in Europe who cater to the destinations on these routes.