In 2026, 11 European countries will temporarily reinstate border checks at the internal borders of the Schengen Area. These measures are in response to migration pressures, security threats, and major international events. Learn more about which countries have introduced border checks, where they are in effect, and how this will affect travel in Europe

The Schengen Area will continue to operate in 2026, but a number of member states are temporarily reinstating checks at internal borders. The reasons include migration pressure, terrorist threats, organized crime, and major international events.

Which countries have introduced controls, on which border sections they apply, and until when—we’ll cover all this in the article below.

Planning a trip to Europe in 2026?

Enhanced border controls in the Schengen Area make travel insurance even more important—your policy may be checked along with your passport at any border. Get insurance for your trip to Europe on the Visit World portal—online, quickly, and with coverage that meets Schengen requirements. 

Why are Schengen countries reinstating border controls?

According to official European Union data, 11 Schengen Area countries temporarily reinstated internal border checks in 2026. Among the main reasons:

• migration pressure and a rise in asylum applications;
• threats of terrorism and extremism;
• organized cross-border crime and the smuggling of migrants;
• geopolitical instability, particularly the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East;
• the hosting of major events—the G7 summit, the Catholic Jubilee, and the Winter Olympic Games.

Each country independently determines the duration, border sections, and scope of checks.

Read more about the new train traveling through 6 European cities here.

Duration of border controls by country in 2026

The duration of the restrictions varies significantly. Some countries have introduced controls for a few weeks, others for six months or longer.

• Germany — from March 16 to September 15, 2026. Checks cover virtually all border crossings. The main reasons are illegal migration, migrant smuggling, and security risks associated with global conflicts.
• France — from May 1 to October 31, 2026. Controls apply to land, air, and sea borders. Checks have been particularly stepped up near Calais and Dunkirk. Authorities cite terrorist threats, migrant smuggling, and rising violence in the northern coastal regions as reasons for the decision.
• Norway — from May 12 to November 11, 2026. Controls are focused on ferry ports and key transportation infrastructure. The rationale is threats directed against the country’s energy and logistics infrastructure.
• Sweden — from May 12 to November 11, 2026. Checks are in effect at land, sea, and air borders, particularly on routes connecting the country with Denmark. Reasons: organized cross-border crime and threats from extremist groups.
• Denmark — from May 12 to July 11, 2026. Controls mainly concern the border with Germany. Concerns regarding terrorism, organized crime, and possible sabotage linked to tensions in relations with Russia and the Middle East.
• Netherlands — from June 9 to September 30, 2026. Checks at land borders with Belgium and Germany, as well as on select intra-Schengen flights. The reason is pressure on the migration and reception system due to a rise in asylum applications and migrant smuggling.
• Switzerland — from June 10 to 19, 2026. The shortest control period among all countries. Checks are related to the G7 summit in Evian, France, and are concentrated in the Lake Geneva region and at adjacent border crossings with France.
• Poland — from April 5 to October 1, 2026. Checks along the borders with Germany and Lithuania. The rationale is constant migration pressure and security risks in these areas.

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Countries that introduced controls as early as the end of 2025

Some countries began border checks even before 2026 and continue to enforce them.

• Austria — controls are in effect from December 16, 2025, to June 15, 2026, at the borders with Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic. Reason: migration pressure via the Balkan routes and general regional instability.
• Slovenia — controls are in effect from December 22, 2025, to June 21, 2026. Controls are focused on the borders with Croatia and Hungary. Among the reasons are terrorism, organized crime, and the smuggling of migrants.
• Italy — border controls with Slovenia are in effect from December 19, 2025, to June 18, 2026. The decision is based on security risks related to migration routes, criminal networks, as well as the Catholic Jubilee and the Winter Olympic Games.

Countries you can visit with a U.S., UK, or Schengen visa in 2026 — listed at the link.

What does the temporary reintroduction of border controls in the Schengen Area affect?

Checks may apply to any mode of transport—road, rail, ferry, and air. The most significant impact will be felt by those traveling by land between neighboring countries.

Travelers planning trips across Europe in 2026 should consider the following recommendations:

1. Always carry your passport or national ID card—even on routes within the Schengen Area.
2. Allow extra time for travel, especially when crossing borders by car, train, or bus.
3. Keep printed and digital copies of hotel reservations, tickets, and insurance policies.
4. Check the latest travel recommendations before departure—control measures may be extended.
5. Be prepared for random document and luggage checks at any point along the route.

The world’s most popular tourist attractions in 2026 — compiled here.

Travel insurance for trips to Europe in 2026

Tighter border controls — another reason to purchase travel insurance before your trip.

The presence of an insurance policy is often checked along with other documents at the border and confirms your readiness to travel. You can purchase travel insurance for a trip to Europe on the Visit World portal—quickly, online, and with coverage that meets the requirements of the Schengen Area.

Get your policy in advance so you can travel with confidence!

Reminder! In our previous article, we discussed tourist destinations that will disappear due to rising sea levels.

Photo: Magnific

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

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