One of the rules at border crossings when entering the EU, with which many travelers are not familiar, but which is applied more and more often, refers to the verification of financial resources.
The border police has the right to request proof that the traveler has enough money for the planned stay in the country. This requirement applies to both cash and bank card balances. If the traveler cannot prove that they have sufficient funds, even if all other documents are in order, entry into the EU may be refused.
The residence address must be specific
The statement “I’m going to a friend’s house” or “I have a reservation, but I didn’t bring it” is increasingly not enough. Officials can ask for the exact address of the residence, the name of the host, and even a contact phone number. In practice, it happens that the host is contacted by phone. If you do not report or deny your arrival, you will be denied entry, it says GP Maljevac.
Passengers without luggage under special supervision
Traveling without a suitcase or with minimal luggage may be a reason for additional control. Such cases are often associated with attempted illegal work. The border police can ask detailed questions about the duration of stay, return and employment in the home country.
The car is not a private zone
Many travelers do not know that the border police have the right to carry out a thorough inspection of the vehicle, including the trunk, bags and even personal belongings. It does not require a court order. Vehicles with multiple passengers who “don’t know each other well enough” are especially controlled.
Different surnames of parents and children
Parents traveling with children who do not have the same last name often face additional questions. In such cases, a birth certificate or other proof of kinship may be requested. This rule is particularly strictly applied at the external Schengen borders.
Work equipment in the vehicle can be a problem
If tools, work clothes or protective equipment are found in the car, officers may suspect illegal work. Even if the traveler claims to be on a tourist trip, the presence of such items may be grounds for refusal of entry.
Old violations and prohibitions that travelers forget
A lesser-known fact is that old entry bans, even those from other EU countries, can appear in the system. A traveler who previously had a problem in one member state may be stopped at a completely different border crossing.
Discretionary right of border police
According to the rules of the Schengen Borders Code, the final decision on entry is made by the border police. Even when the traveler formally fulfills all the requirements, the official can assess that there is a risk of misuse of the stay.
Many border rules are not written in capital letters, but are applied every day.
It is precisely because of these “invisible” details that travelers from Bosnia and Herzegovina increasingly experience detentions, additional examinations or even a ban on entry. Being informed and prepared is becoming as important as a valid passport.
