European countries are gradually restoring border control at their internal borders, additional checks have already been introduced in 10 countries. Find out in which countries the new rules apply and what are the deadlines for additional control

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The Schengen area in Europe was created to allow more than 400 million people to travel freely between member countries without the hassle of border controls. However, the Schengen Borders Code (SBC) allows member states to temporarily reintroduce border controls at internal borders in the event of a serious threat to public order or internal security.

France was the first to use this right in 2024, then Germany joined it, gradually the list of countries increased and currently almost 10 European countries carry out checks on their internal borders.

What countries are these? How does the inspection work? As well as the reasons and consequences of the introduction of border control in the EU, we will talk further in this article.

France

- Period of border control in France

For the first time, the country introduced border control on January 11, 2024. However, at the end of October 2024, it announced that from November 1, 2024, checks will be carried out not only on the border with Italy, but this norm will also apply to all neighboring countries. Preliminary monitoring will last until April 20, 2025, when the results will be evaluated and a decision will be made on whether to extend the emergency measure or cancel it.

- On the border with which countries will checks be carried out

Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and Spain.

- Reasons for approving border control

Serious threats to public policy, public order and internal security due to high-level terrorist activity, the growing presence of criminal networks that facilitate illegal migration and smuggling, and migration flows that are at risk of being infiltrated by radicalized individuals.

- How will the inspection at the internal borders of France take place?

Travelers will need to present a form of identification such as a passport or national identity card. Non-EU nationals residing in France may also need to present their Carte de Séjour.

Germany

- Period of border control in Germany

Since September 16, Germany has introduced border controls on all its land borders. The inspections will be in effect temporarily for six months (until March 15, 2025).

- What countries will be checked at the border?

The new rules will apply at the land borders with Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland.

- Reasons for approving border control

Security risks related to illegal migration, including smuggling, at the EU's external borders continue to increase the number of illegal entries, exacerbating the already tense refugee accommodation situation, especially in the context of the reception of Ukrainian citizens.

- How will the inspection at the internal borders of Germany take place?

The German authorities have announced a random inspection of vehicles as part of border control.

According to German Interior Minister Nancy Faser, police will carry out checks based on current security needs. The review procedure will be flexible and adaptable to the situation on the ground. The country's authorities also assured that inspections would be coordinated with Germany's neighboring countries to minimize disruption.

Netherlands

- Period of border control in the Netherlands

The Netherlands decided to introduce land border controls from December 9, 2024 for 6 months until June 9, 2024.

- What countries will be checked at the border?

Land and air borders with Belgium and Germany.

- Reasons for approving border control

High level of illegal migration, smuggling of migrants and significant secondary migration flows. High and cumulative pressure on the migration system, in particular for obtaining asylum.

- How will the inspection at the internal borders of the Netherlands take place?

The Dutch authorities have announced a detailed inspection of vehicles and travelers' documents as part of border controls.

Austria

- Period of border control in Austria

Austria has decided to extend internal border control for another 6 months. The border measure was extended from November 12, 2024, and will be in effect until May 2025.

- What countries will be checked at the border?

On the internal border with Hungary and Slovenia.

- Reasons for approving border control

Continuation of border control is necessary to combat human trafficking and illegal migration into the country.

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Norway

- Period of border control in Norway

On November 8, 2024, Norway extended internal border controls for another 20 days until December 1, 2024. This is not the first extension of checks in Norway, in general Norway's Ministry of Justice and Emergency Preparedness has said that checks will be stopped as soon as the threat level is reduced.

- What countries will be checked at the border?

All internal borders (land, air and sea).

- Reasons for approving border control

Threats to public order and internal security, as well as a possible terrorist threat.

Denmark

- Period of border control in Denmark

Denmark states that it plans to carry out inspections between 11 December 2024 and 05 November 2025.

- What countries will be checked at the border?

All internal borders (land, air and sea), as well as land and sea borders with Germany.

- Reasons for approving border control

Serious threats to public policy and internal security due to ongoing events related to terrorism and organized crime, as well as ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, Russian espionage efforts and acts of physical sabotage by individuals associated with Russia, and the influence of the Middle East armed conflicts and conflicts in Africa increase migratory pressures, illegal entries and the risk of infiltration by radicalized individuals.

Sweden

- Period of border control in Sweden

The period from December 11, 2024 to November 5, 2025.

- What countries will be checked at the border?

All internal borders (land, air and sea).

- Reasons for approving border control

Serious threats to public policy and internal security created by recent events related to terrorism and serious crimes related to the ongoing armed conflict in the organized and gang crime environment.

Slovenia

- Period of border control in Slovenia

Border control in Slovenia takes place from June 22, 2024 to December 21, 2024.

- What countries will be checked at the border?

 Internal borders with the Republic of Croatia and Hungary.

- Reasons for approving border control

Risks related to the global security situation (increasing instability in the Middle East, Russian aggression in Ukraine, organized crime, general terrorist threats), as well as UEFA EURO 2024 and the Olympic Games.

Italy

- Period of border control in Italy

Italy is conducting checks at its border between June 19, 2024 and December 18, 2024.

- What countries will be checked at the border?

Land borders with Slovenia.

- Reasons for approving border control

The risk of terrorist activities associated with unrest in the Middle East and the possible risk of terrorists infiltrating illegal migration flows.

How will the introduction of border control affect EU countries?

The Schengen area was created in 1995 and became the main pillar of the European Union. The main idea of ​​Schengen was the absence of border control between the member states of the zone. Thanks to the signed agreements, people and goods were exempted from border control between states. Such actions contributed to the economic development of the EU. However, despite the fact that the Schengen zone is gradually expanding, for example, in the spring of 2024, Bulgaria and Romania partially joined the European Schengen zone of free movement, in recent months more and more European countries have announced the restoration of border controls on their own territories.

Schengen rules allow for the re-introduction of temporary controls "as a last resort" and "in the event of a serious threat to public order or internal security", but too long a "temporary" measure may call into question the security and integrity of the Schengen area.

In connection with the introduction of border control in many European countries, we advise tourists to take this into account when planning their trips, in particular, to set aside time for passing checks and follow the latest news from the world of migration on the Visit World portal.

We will remind you! The European Union has once again announced the postponement of the launch date of the electronic entry/exit control system for citizens from third countries. We have already told why EES is not ready for launch and what features this system has.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

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