Germany, without a passport..?

[MitchT]

Roo said:

I use the channel tunnel half a dozen times a year.

Hardly ever get passports checked on the way out, but always get them checked by UK border control on the way back.

I went to Paris on Eurostar back in 2001 and there were no checks on the way out. In fact, at Gare du Nord you could just walk straight out of the station - there was no physical barrier to negotiate between the platform and the street outside after stepping off the train!

[Silver993tt]

That's the advantage of an ID card - no need to carry a passport if you're traveling in the Schengen area (which is most of Europe now). I got an ID card years ago after moving to the continent and it's brilliant, Traveling in Schengen also means no passport control when departing or arriving at airports. It's exactly what's needed in the UK especially when traveling through Heathrow or Gatwick which I now avoid completely.

[uk_vette]

But as you know, UK is not party to Schengen.

vette

[Silver993tt]

uk_vette said:

But as you know, UK is not party to Schengen.

vette

Yes I know, was pointing out the advantages and what a huge advantage it would be at London airports since passport control at Heathrow/Gatwick are chronic. I can't see why the UK isn't part of Schengen, other island states are such as Malta, Cyprus and they have no issues with being a member of the zone. It's not as if by not being a member it has strengthened immigration control in the UK, in fact the opposite, it's one of the easiest countries to enter illegally and the statistics show that fact hence the huge arguments between the political parties on the subject.

[smifffymoto]

if you get out of the UK you should have no trouble.I presume you are a British subject and as such can not be refused entry into the UK,with or with out a passport.

[Vipers]

Fort Jefferso said:

but never asked for it coming in.

Why would they, let's face it we let any fecker in.

[Rostfritt]

Silver993tt said:

It's one of the easiest countries to enter illegally and the statistics show that fact hence the huge arguments between the political parties on the subject.

I am not sure that is even remotely true. I imagine it is a whole lot easier to sneak into Turkey or any other country with long land borders. We are nowhere near the 'soft touch' everyone thinks we are.

[Vipers]

Rostfritt said:

We are nowhere near the 'soft touch' everyone thinks we are.

That's why all the immigrents head to our shores, not Germany or France

[Silver993tt]

Rostfritt said:

I am not sure that is even remotely true. I imagine it is a whole lot easier to sneak into Turkey or any other country with long land borders. We are nowhere near the 'soft touch' everyone thinks we are.

of curse countries such as Turkey, Greece etc have porous borders. However, those who cross these borders have no intention of staying put, they head for the UK attracted by one of the easiest entry points with one of the easiest to enter benefits systems. They are also pretty much to speak English (even partially) rather than Turkish, German, Dutch, Italian etc, so th UK will be there destination. English being such a worldwide second language also makes it a disadvantage for the UK in these circumstances.

[pboyd]

Fort Jefferson said:

Other way round for me, have to show it to check in at ferry, but never asked for it coming in.

Same.

[pete a]

If you get stopped on the way back, pretend to be eastern European and claim asylum, you'll get a new house mortgage free and all the benefits you can handle.

[audidoody]

Two years ago SWMBO lost her passport in France. She had her driving licence. When we got to Eurotunnel the Border agency jobsworth whinged a bit but after five minutes of waiting while they checked her out on their computers, let us through.

[ean21]

I asked the Border Control at the Eurostar this question earlier this year. He said that I would almost certainly get in (to the UK) on my driving licence, but it would make me stand out and he'd start asking questions, which would be time and hassle for me.

[uk_vette]

Vipers said:

Rostfritt said:

We are nowhere near the 'soft touch' everyone thinks we are.

That's why all the immigrents head to our shores, not Germany or France

.
It really is quite difficult to enter UK.
UK isn't the "soft touch" as many people will think.
Despite the beating that the UKBA get, they do a decent job, but in many cases, their hands are tied.

Just that the persons trying to enter UK illegally, have to really raise their efforts many fold, and some do manage it.

vette

[Rostfritt]

uk_vette said:

.
It really is quite difficult to enter UK.
UK isn't the "soft touch" as many people will think.
Despite the beating that the UKBA get, they do a decent job, but in many cases, their hands are tied.

Just that the persons trying to enter UK illegally, have to really raise their efforts many fold, and some do manage it.

vette

Having spoken to non-EU nationals who have entered the UK, we are not as easy as most people think. A Korean friend was almost denied entry even though she had a return ticket because the officer was suspicious as to why she entered via Italy.

The fact that visitors have to get another visa on top of their Schengen Visa puts off quite a few visitors and costs us quite a bit of business. On a news report last week their was a Turkish businessman complaining that he could get a multi entry visa for the continent but would have to get yet another for each UK visit.

[chris7676]

Silver993tt said:

That's the advantage of an ID card - no need to carry a passport if you're traveling in the Schengen area (which is most of Europe now).

The passport is an ID card (wordwide accepted, including the Schangen zone), the only possible disadvantage is its physical size.

[Silver993tt]

chris7676 said:

Silver993tt said:

That's the advantage of an ID card - no need to carry a passport if you're traveling in the Schengen area (which is most of Europe now).

The passport is an ID card (wordwide accepted, including the Schangen zone), the only possible disadvantage is its physical size.

. Sure but if you live in the Schengen area, like me, you don't have to travel/carry a passport to travel within most of Europe. The ID card is the same size as a credit card, fits in the wallet with the other cards. It removes the risk of losing a passport whilst travelling which is needed to travel outside of Europe (and for me very occasionally to the UK). It makes total practical sense.

[uk_vette]

Silver993tt said:

Sure but if you live in the Schengen area, like me, you don't have to travel/carry a passport to travel within most of Europe. The ID card is the same size as a credit card, fits in the wallet with the other cards. It removes the risk of losing a passport whilst travelling which is needed to travel outside of Europe (and for me very occasionally to the UK). It makes total practical sense.

.
Hi Silver,

The thing is, sure, it's easy to travel around mainland Europe with an ID card or a driving licence.

Try entering UK, see how you get on.
Try the ticket desk at say Amsterdam, to board a flight to heathrow,
I don't think your ID card or driving licence is going to get you on that plane some how.

vette

[Hugo a Gogo]

Silver993tt said:

That's the advantage of an ID card - no need to carry a passport if you're traveling in the Schengen area (which is most of Europe now). I got an ID card years ago after moving to the continent and it's brilliant, Traveling in Schengen also means no passport control when departing or arriving at airports. It's exactly what's needed in the UK especially when traveling through Heathrow or Gatwick which I now avoid completely.

did you get a German one? I've been thinking about it - much hassle involved?

[Silver993tt]

uk_vette said:

.
Hi Silver,

The thing is, sure, it's easy to travel around mainland Europe with an ID card or a driving licence.

Try entering UK, see how you get on.
Try the ticket desk at say Amsterdam, to board a flight to heathrow,
I don't think your ID card or driving licence is going to get you on that plane some how.

vette

I rarely go to the UK, so not an issue. When I do, I take my passport. Otherwise for 99% of my travel, just the credit card ID card. Driving license isn't always accepted, even in Schengen.