European countries continue border controls at their internal borders. Find out which countries have new rules in place, how checks are carried out and what are the deadlines for additional controls

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The Schengen area in Europe was created to allow over 400 million people to travel freely between member states without problems with border controls. However, the Schengen Borders Code (SBC) gives member states the possibility 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, followed by Germany, and the list of countries has gradually increased. Currently, 10 European countries carry out checks at their internal borders.

What are these countries? How is the check carried out? And we will talk about the reasons and consequences of the introduction of border controls in the EU later in this article.

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France

- Period of border control in France

From 01/11/2025 to 30/04/2026.

- 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. Expect document checks at borders and in high-security areas such as stadiums or protest sites.

Germany

- Period of border control in Germany

From 09/16/2025 to 03/15/2026.

- 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.

- Travel tip

Have your passport or national ID ready; allow extra time if traveling by train or car.

Netherlands

- Period of border control in the Netherlands

From 09/06/2025 to 08/12/2025.

- What countries will be checked at the border?

Land and air borders with Belgium and Germany. Focal points: airports, ferry terminals and international railway hubs.

- Reasons for approving border control

Random document checks of car and air passengers are possible. It is recommended to have your passport, proof of residence and transport tickets with you.

- 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

From 10/16/2025 to 12/15/2025.

- At which border will checks be carried out

Land borders with Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

- Reasons for the approval of border control

Increased security measures in connection with migration flows and threats of terrorist attacks.

- How will the check be carried out?

Travelers using Balkan routes or traveling by car through Central Europe may face document checks. It is recommended to have a passport, route plan, hotel reservation or other documents confirming the purpose of the trip.

Norway

- Period of border control in Norway

From 12/11/2025 to 11/05/2026.

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

Ferry ports with Schengen countries.

- Reasons for approving border control

Strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure due to threats to the energy sector and potential sabotage by foreign intelligence services, in particular Russian intelligence.

- How will the check be carried out?

Random checks of travelers at ferry terminals are possible. You must have a passport and ferry tickets.

Denmark

- Period of border control in Denmark

From 12/11/2025 to 11/05/2026.

- What countries will be checked at the border?

All internal borders (land, air and sea), as well as land and sea borders with Germany, including the Øresund Bridge (to Sweden), ferries from Germany and Sweden.

- 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.

- How will the check be carried out?

Document check when traveling by train from Germany or Sweden.

Sweden

- Period of border control in Sweden

From 12/11/2025 to 11/05/2026.

- What countries will be checked at the border?

Ports in the south, airports and land borders with Denmark and Norway.

- 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.

- How will the check be carried out?

Carry your ID with you during all cross-border trips, including when using public transport.

Slovenia

- Period of border control in Slovenia

From 06/22/2025 to 12/21/2025.

- At which border countries will checks be carried out

Land borders with Croatia and Hungary.

- Reasons for the approval of border control

Fighting terrorism, preventing arms smuggling and security threats on Balkan migration routes.

- How will the check be carried out?

In-depth checks of tourists are possible, especially on popular hiking and bus routes. Travelers are advised to have a passport and information about their route.

Italy

- Period of border control in Italy

From 06/19/2025 to 12/18/2025.

- What countries will be checked at the border?

Land border with Slovenia.

- Reasons for approving border control

Countering illegal migration, the risk of terrorist threats, as well as preparations for the Ecumenical Jubilee of the Catholic Church, which attracts thousands of pilgrims.

- How will the checks be carried out?

Tourists traveling through Slovenia by car or bus may face random checks. It is imperative to have a passport, hotel reservation, return tickets, as well as documents for participation in religious events, if this applies to your trip.

Poland

- Period of border control in Poland

From 05/10/2025 to 04/04/2026.

- At which border countries will checks be carried out

Land borders with Germany and Lithuania.

- Reasons for the approval of border control

Continuous migratory pressure from illegal migration and smuggling of migrants from Belarus on the Lithuanian-Polish border. Significant increase in the number of illegal migrants on the Polish side of the German-Polish border, which leads to a disproportionate burden on Poland and serious threats to state policy or internal security

- How will the check be carried out?

Tourists traveling by car or bus may face random checks. It is mandatory to have a passport, hotel reservation, return tickets, as well as documents confirming the purpose of the trip.

Checklist for travelling to the Schengen area

While the temporary reintroduction of border controls does not jeopardise the very idea of ​​Schengen, it does require travellers to be more prepared. To avoid delays and inconvenience, follow these tips:

- Always carry a valid passport or national ID card (for EU citizens).

- Print out your proof of residence and return ticket.

- Allow an extra 30-60 minutes for checks at highways, train stations and airports.

- Avoid traveling with a tight schedule, especially with multiple border crossings.

- Check in advance if there are any mass events or protests taking place at your destination.

Where can I check for up-to-date information before traveling to the Schengen area?

To avoid surprises while traveling, check official sources for updates:

- EU Temporary Border Control Map

Official European Commission platform: ec.europa.eu

- National immigration portals

For example, the German Federal Police, the French Ministry of the Interior and other official websites of the destination countries.

- Schengen Visa Information Center

Follow real-time visa requirement updates and alerts.

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.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during your trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

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As a reminder! The new EES entry-exit system will come into effect in Europe on October 12, 2025. We have already told you who needs to register, what biometric data is collected, how the control process works, how to prepare for your trip, and much more useful information.

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