We will be travelling by car from austria to switzerland, then to the France, Italy and back to Austria. Except Switzerland all the others are Schengen countries. Is there border and customs controls between these countries and how long do they atke to pass; I mean will there be any waiting lines in the car between these countries or you just pass without stopping.

When will you be there?

July

My understanding [and experience] is that you only go through customs/ immigration at the first point you enter the Schengen area. I've heard tales of border posts not even being "personed". In any case it would be very quick as the Schengen visa [if you need one] admits you to all the countries that participate in that system.

Not sure why Sharon asks about when you will be there - - for Switzerland. maybe? My experience has been 2 minutes time at Swiss border, more if you need to stop and buy a vignette (4 monutes more?) <BR> <BR>Between other Schengen countries, it's no differnt than cross a stateline in the US. Nothing to stop for, with the exception of some trucks carrying some kinds of freight, I think. <BR> <BR>There were some brief delays at borders such as Strasbourg-Kehl earlier this spring because they were doing things like "disinfecting" tires (including buses and trucks), and this was taking a little time. I don't know if this is a continuing issue or not. <BR> <BR>Hope this is information you can use. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR> <BR> <BR>

Most crossings are manned to/from Switzerland. It depends to some degree on the crossing, but ordinarily there's little if any wait. Quite often, at many crossings, you'll be waved through. <BR> <BR>Of course it depends on the appearance of the vehicle, contents and passengers. <BR> <BR>twenj

Well, Rex, Because July is one thing, and perhaps, October is another. <BR>Tourist traffic is much heavier in most places in high season rather than low. <BR> <BR>You should know better.

Interesting how Rex challenges Sharon on daring to ask a quite sensible question. The same Rex who wastes our time posting response after response trying to make us believe his wrong answer is really right. <BR>

Well, I've crossed the border into Switzerland in July 1991 (at Geneva airport, entering from Grenoble), August 1992 (at Konstanz), August 1996 (from Vaduz) and September 2000 (from Mulhouse to Basel), and I never saw any difference, and no extended waiting times. <BR> <BR>Moreover, it sounded to me like her real question was between the Schengen countries, so how could the month of the year matter for that? <BR>

Rex, has it ever occurred to you to just answer people's questions to the best of your ability? Without giving answers you know nothing about. Without picking an argument with other participants Without chastising others. <BR> <BR>You are a boor.