Travelling EU to EU?

Question

I heard a rumour that what with the EU I can get a train from London to Paris without having to show my passport (though I obviously need a driving license or such instead).

Could someone confirm this please?

Answer 1

Passing the borders between two member states of the European Union always requires having your passport with you! But due to the contract of Schengen some countries have "open borders", that is to say, you just pass the border without any control. BUT sometimes the national custom do random checks and then it will be a problem if you don't have a passport with you.

@anta: Driving licence is not enough. Germany, which is member of the Schengen area does not accept a driving licence instead of an identity card! It's just a driving licence.

@panos: Switzerland is an European country but not member of the European Union.

Answer 2

Within the so called "Schengen" countries in the EU you can cross borders without showing your passport - no controls. Nevertheless laws require foreign people to carry appropriate ID. A driving license is not enough in a foreign country as it normally does not show your nationality.
If people have to carry an ID in their home country (EU) depends on the country.
E.g. as an Austrian here in Austria I am not required to carry an ID all the time but police can hold me until my identy has been proven. Within Austria a driver's license will do perfectly for an Austrian - for everyone else not.
Your passport shows that you have entered the EU legally - either because it carries the visa for the EU or it shows your nationality and due to that that you do not need any visa for the EU.

Answer 3

As already said, an EU citizen can travel between EU countries only with an Identity Card - a passport is not necessary.
And for example, on a train between Belgium - Netherlands, or Germany - France passengers are not even controlled.

Answer 4

Years ago,when I was a young man,we were travelling with interail and some times,like when crossing the border from Italy to Switzerland,as it was a commuter route,a man would come in the train and everyone was just holding their passports but no one had it checked.Of course there were different times then and the world was a much more peace-full place.I think these days you will need your passport

Answer 5

as quickly as you're in continental Europe you are able to flow around freely. There are actually not any border exams from now on. word Switzerland isn't eu and could verify passports. vacationing by making use of air you will could desire to tutor a passport or different appropriate image identity to board. get admission to/go out into/out of united kingdom will want passport. word; maximum countries (yet no longer united kingdom) require you to hold your identity with you, and you purely could be requested to tutor it, so once you're "unlawful" you're able to get caught.

Answer 6

I wouldn't risk it. You still need to go through Security at the station - I can't actually remember if I was asked to show my passport last time I went, I don't think I was. But I really wouldn't want to risk it - I think they can ask for your passport at any time.

Answer 7

I once forgotten my passport to South france, hotel. I managed to come back to Finland with only drivers licnse with me, so I can confirm you dont need a passport, at least not with air france and KLM from axle france-finland

Answer 8

You should always travel with your passport. That being said, most European countries have open borders (i.e. between Italy and Austria) or require minimal paperwork when crossing into their country. Going to state.gov for more information.

Answer 9

it's true, if you are an EU national you don't need your passport to travel inside the Schengen area, the driving license is enough.

Answer 10

u need it