Rudolf Karnis, aged 71, remembers the days when a holiday outside of his native Slovakia was filled with problems at the borders.

During trips to neighbouring countries, such as Hungary and Poland, Karnis and his family would have to stop for long periods at the border for customs control.

“It is nothing like that anymore,” said Karnis, who, like millions of other Central Europeans, is travelling across borders without even having to stop.

His countryman Peter Svancar, a civil engineer who works in Poland, agrees.

“It is much more relaxing now when your train is not stopped at the borders and you do not have to show your passport all the time,” he said.

Slovakia and eight other countries became part of the Schengen zone on December 20. Countries within the zone enjoy free travel to other Schengen countries.