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Arriving in France from Switzerland?

We'll be travelling by TGV Lyria train from Vallorbe Switzerland to Paris. Will we have to clear customs at either end?

Posted by
8554 posts

Switzerland and France are both in the Schengen zone and so there are not immigration formalities to pass between them. With heightened security concerns there might be passport checks on the train, but there is no customs involved.

Posted by
8889 posts

Cindy, you have been given the same wrong answer as was given to your other post about the Italy/Swiss border.
Switzerland is not in the EU, so there is customs between Switzerland and France. But all it will consist of is two Swiss or French customs officers walking the length of the train between stations and only stopping to ask questions if they see somebody really suspicious. There is no procedure to "clear".

There is no passport control, because both Switzerland and France are in the Schengen Area.

I cross in and out of Switzerland by train regularly. Yes, the customs officers are there, but if you were looking the other way they are easy to miss. Look for somebody walking through the train, not in uniform but with an armband that says "Douane", that is French customs.

Posted by
106 posts

Thanks for the clarification on both threads Chris F. Good to be informed so we won't be confused if we do see them.