Identity papers

For any travel with TGV Lyria, please keep your up-to-date identity documents on you in case of an inspection.

Travelling to Switzerland

To enter Switzerland, citizens of the European Union must carry a national identity card (valid) or a national passport (valid or expired no longer than 5 years ago). A visa is not required. 

Foreign nationals who are not citizens of the European Union can check the Swiss Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to find out if they need a visa to enter Switzerland.

French minor passengers

Young French travellers under the age of 15 years may enter Switzerland without a passport, a national identity card and an authorisation document to leave the country. This is conditional upon presentation of a laissez-passer supplied free of charge by the French prefectural services, with the authorisation of the parent who holds parental authority. This laissez-passer is valid for one or more journeys within a limit of three months from the date it is provided.

For further information: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr./en/

Customs inspection

Police and customs inspection operations take place at border crossings: 

  • On board TGV Lyria on Paris <> Lausanne, Paris <> Bern and Paris <> Zurich lines. 
  • In Geneva train station on the Paris <> Geneva line. 

You must present a valid identity card or passport (valid or expired no longer than five years ago).
For travellers who are not French, Swiss or Schengen area nationals, other formalities may be required. Contact the authorities before travelling on TGV Lyria.


PLEASE NOTE: With regard to departures from Geneva Cornavin station, customs and police checks may lead to a longer boarding time. We therefore advise you to arrive earlier at the station.