What happens when you cross over from one country to the next?

Question

i'm planning a trip to germany in the next couple years. if i were to stay close to the border of poland and wanted to go over there as well, i'm wondering what kind of customs/security they have at the border. if any. what can i expect? will i get stopped/checked/harassed :)

Answer 1

Poland and Germany are both members of the Schengen area, there are no longer any border controls. There may be random checks of ids on trains, if you're on a night train that crosses a border, the conductor will take your passport if you're in a sleeping compartment. You may or may not be asked for id in a seating compartment. I haven't ever had to go through passport control or customs within the Schengen area - there are now 24 member countries.

Answer 2

You will certainly be stopped, but with a valid passport and proper paper work you should have no trouble crossing (especially if it is an American passport). DO NOT under any circumstances misplace your passport or you will have to find your countries embassy and spend a long time (possibly days) getting a new one.

If you are crossing the border on a train be sure you have your passport ready. I crossed the German-Polish border (into Poland) at 4am. I was shaken awake in the middle of the night to a submachine gun in my face and a soldier demanding my passport. Took me awhile to find it in my sleepy state and the border guard was not very happy.Just keep it close by and you should be fine.

Anywhere in the European union will require only a passport, other places (like bosnia, etc..) may require visas.