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Crossing borders in your RV will be demanding and contain days of preparation whilst you collect your passport, insurance coverage, vaccine data for pets, and visas.
We’ve by no means had a easy border crossing in our residence on wheels. Throughout our final border crossing in our RV, the customs agent locked himself within the RV and broke two door handles making an attempt to interrupt out…
Associated: Crossing the Canadian Border In Your RV
So after we deliberate to cross from France into Switzerland, we mentally deliberate on needing to get out of the RV, have it searched, present our passports, reply questions—the entire gamut. Switzerland will not be a part of the EU, so whereas we deliberate to cross into Spain and Andorra within the RV simply, we assumed this could be barely totally different.
We crossed from the small city of Les Rousses, a ski village within the Jura Mountains. Watch our border crossing ⤵️
Schengen versus the EU
Whereas Switzerland isn’t part of the EU, it is part of Schengen. This was one thing that we hadn’t realized in our fast Google search.
“Schengen Space signifies a zone the place 26 European international locations, abolished their inner borders, for the free and unrestricted motion of individuals” (supply). We knew we didn’t want a visa, however we didn’t understand that Schengen additionally meant that there wouldn’t be any hassle on the border. (Plus we crossed in a really small city, making the crossing much more easy!)
Swiss Driving Allow (Required!)
You can’t drive in Switzerland in case your automobile doesn’t have a vignette. Wherever Campers, the place we rented our RV, contains the Swiss driving allow affixed to the windshield. (Additionally they embrace permits for Czech and Austria the place related permits are required by regulation.)
If the automobile you’re in doesn’t have a driving allow, you’ll have to buy one for round $40. They’re obtainable at fuel stations close to the Swiss border or could also be obtainable out of your rental firm.
Paperwork
Switzerland requires foreigners to hold identification always, so that you’ll want your passports shut by. We additionally stored our rental settlement helpful in case we have been questioned about our RV. For the reason that border station the place we crossed was deserted, we didn’t find yourself needing both.
Crossing different French Borders
Throughout our month of RVing throughout France, we crossed into Italy, Monaco, and Andorra as nicely. We by no means as soon as wanted to supply our paperwork to French border management.
Nevertheless, whereas taking a cab from Italy into France (to then hop a practice to Monaco), we did undergo a border checkpoint. Our Italian driver was requested the place we have been going and waved by way of with out fuss. We didn’t want to point out our paperwork at any border crossing, however we didn’t hold them on us.
COVID-19
We toured Europe in September and October 2022. There weren’t any COVID restrictions in place, so no assessments or proof of vaccination have been required.
My Greatest Border Crossing Tip
We’ve solely crossed a couple of borders in our RV, however the best are at all times in small cities. We discovered a waterfall off our Google Maps route that allowed us to get away from the principle street and cross into Switzerland from a tiny border crossing versus the bigger crossings close to Geneva.
For those who’re planning to cross borders in your RV, pull up Google Maps (or an old-school atlas) and have a look at attainable border crossings round your vacation spot. The smaller the city, the better your crossing will possible be.
Associated: What’s It Like RVing in France?
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