10 Schengen countries that have reintroduced internal border controls

As of 2025, ten Schengen countries have revived internal border checks. While allowed under Schengen Borders Code Articles 25 and 29, these measures—triggered by migration, security risks, and public events—are changing travel expectations across Europe.

Reason: Addressing irregular migration and cross-border smuggling networks
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Start Date: September 2024

Latest Status: Extended as of February 12, 2025; effective until at least September 15, 2025

Affected Land Borders:
- East: Poland, Czechia
- South: Austria, Switzerland
- West: France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands
- North: Denmark

Impact: All land borders now have reactivated checks. Travelers face potential inspection even on intra-Schengen routes.

Reason: Persistent high alert levels due to terrorism and unrest from political protests; post-Olympic vigilance

Control Period: November 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025

Forecast: Likely to extend due to national security needs

Scope: Airports, train routes, and road borders—particularly with Belgium, Germany, Italy, and Spain

Impact: Expect inspections around political events and public gatherings

Reason: Sharp increase in migration entries; preventive action to manage asylum flows

Controls Begin: December 9, 2024

Scheduled Duration: Six months; ending June 8, 2025

Methods: Mobile checks along land borders and transport hubs

Impact: Delays possible even for routine travel between Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany

Reason: Continued pressure from the Balkan migration route

Border Control Status: Active through 2025

Main Focus: Borders with Slovenia and Hungary
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Implementation: Fixed checkpoints and on-the-spot ID checks

Impact: Travelers advised to carry full documents even for short road trips

Reason: Migration surges and national security responses

Reintroduced: Late 2024

Current Status: Continuing into 2025

Focus Areas: Borders with Slovenia, France, Austria, and airports with high intra-EU traffic

Impact: Entry and exit checks for both EU and non-EU travelers

Reason: Regional instability and transit pressures on southern migration routes

Controls Active Since: December 2024

Focus: Borders with Croatia and Hungary

Impact: Heightened surveillance and selective checks; rail and road travel could face random inspections

Reason: Rising terrorism threats and migration-related concerns

Control Status: Ongoing through 2025

Borders Affected: Primarily with Germany and key ferry ports

Method: Police border presence and random checks in border zones

Impact: Additional scrutiny for road users and ferry passengers

Reason: National security threats and migration management

Controls: Ongoing throughout 2025

Borders Impacted: Primarily Denmark (Øresund Bridge), with checks on inbound train and road traffic

Impact: Delays for commuters and tourists; Swedish residents returning home are also checked

Reason: Security threat level and migration risks

Control Zones: Ferry ports and road connections with Sweden

Status: Checks will remain in place through late 2025

Impact: Expect random checks for all travelers entering Norway via land or sea

Context: Joined the Schengen Zone (air and sea borders only) in January 2025

Measure: Applied selective internal controls from the outset

Reason: Gradual integration and national preparedness for full Schengen membership

Impact: Select border points, including key airports and sea terminals, now include internal ID screening

Always carry a passport or national ID

Keep travel itinerary, hotel bookings, return tickets ready

Allow 30–60 minutes extra at land or train crossings

ID checks now happen on intra-Schengen flights

Border delays possible during major public events