We are self guiding a family WW2 trip in early May and plan to travel from Thionville, FR to Luxembourg and then day trip for a few days into Belgium to visit Bastogne, St Vith, etc.
Should we expect long waits at the borders? Or any issues crossing as foreigners in a rental car?
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8420 posts
There are usually not any border controls at all between these countries. Border controls may be initiated at any time if the governments consider there to be a security threat, but generally they do not exist. You will simply drive on the highway from one country to another without stopping.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
That's just what we needed to know. Thank you!!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23330 posts
Just make sure your rental car has the proper tags, etc., necessary to travel in those countries.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32905 posts
no stickers required for France, Netherlands, Luxembourg or Belgium
Posted by
Paris
9681 posts
Since the declaration of the state of emergency in France after the November attacks (later extended to the end of May) that basically abrogated France's observation of the Schengen protocols, there are checks at Franco-Belgian border points going back INTO France. According to some press reporting I've seen, the controls are a bit sporadic, with only two points being controlled 24 hours a day, all the time, but it is a possibility that you might be asked to stop.
Once the state of emergency is over, this will stop. Of course, the Prime Minister said just today he would like to extend it again beyond its current end-May end date to cover the European football championships that will take place in France through July.
http://www.france24.com/en/20160420-french-govt-propose-extending-state-emergency-cover-euro-2016
Posted by
OP
4 posts
These comments are all very helpful as we continue to plan. Many thanks.