Schengen

Since there are no longer any systematic passport checks at borders for people travelling to a country within the Schengen Area, can I take a plane without proof of identity?
No, because travellers must prove at check-in that they really own their plane ticket. They therefore need an identity card or passport; a driving licence is not considered to be proof of identity.

I am not a national of a Schengen Area country, but I am travelling to a Schengen country. What rule applies?
It’s the destination that counts, not nationality.

Are the rules concerning goods that I am taking with me also changing?
No, Switzerland is not a member of the customs union established by the European Union (which includes the free movement of goods); so customs controls remain in place.

Can someone who is not taking a plane have access to the shops in the transit zone, since systematic identity checks will be done away with?
No, only passengers will be allowed into the transit zone.

I would like to have a coffee in the transit area with a friend who is leaving for a Schengen destination, while I am going to the United States. Is this possible?
Yes, because the transit area will be a common area. The Schengen and non-Schengen passenger flows will be separated later, nearer the boarding gates.

Which are the Schengen and non-Schengen areas at Geneva Airport?
The front boarding lounges and satellite 20 are intended for Schengen flights.
Satellites 30 and 40, and the wide-body area, are intended for non-Schengen flights only.
The new Satellite 10 is reconfigurable: it was designed to allow passenger departures in both areas as needed.

Now that Switzerland has joined the Schengen Area, what will happen to the French sector of the Airport?
The French sector is still in operation, even though Switzerland has joined the Schengen Area. That is because customs controls are still in place.

Which countries belong to the Schengen Area?
22 European Union countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden,. And three non-EU countries: Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.
NB: the United Kingdom, in particular, is not part of the Schengen Area.