Border Control
Learn about the procedures for going through border control at Bordeaux Airport.
Learn about the procedures for going through border control at Bordeaux Airport.
What border controls can I expect during my trip?
Travel to and from Schengen Area countries
Are you traveling to or from another Schengen Area* country via Bordeaux Airport?
In that case, you will not normally need to go through border control. However, for internal security reasons, French authorities may conduct border checks on certain flights arriving from Schengen Area countries.
Don’t forget to bring a valid ID and check the Travel Advice website to see if you need any additional documents.
Travel outside the Schengen Area
Are you traveling to or from a destination outside the EU or a non-Schengen country, such as Canada, Morocco, or Egypt? You will still go through border control upon departure and arrival at Bordeaux Airport.
We encourage you to check in advance that your passport and visas are still valid. For some countries, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your departure.
*The Schengen Area member countries are as follows: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland (non-EU), Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein (non-EU), Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway (non-EU), the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland (non-EU).
Border controls for non-European citizens
Are you a non-European citizen traveling to or from Europe? The border control process has changed since October 2025.
The European Entry/Exit System (EES) is being phased in.
This European system is an automated border control system designed for non-European citizens. Each eligible passenger must be registered in the EES system, which records personal data as well as data regarding travelers’ entries, exits, and refusals of entry.
EES kiosks, known as pre-registration devices, are available to help you complete this check more quickly. These devices are free and optional.
French and European Union citizens are not subject to the EES.
To streamline border crossings
Please use the PARAFE lanes located in Hall A at Bordeaux Airport.
The PAssage RApide aux Frontières Extérieures (PARAFE) system enables automated passenger screening in France when entering or exiting the Schengen Area. It is reserved for European citizens and nationals of certain third countries holding a biometric passport. The PARAFE system is optional and free of charge.
