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.

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France

- Period of border control in France

From May 1 to October 31, 2025.

- 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

Since September 16, Germany has introduced border controls on all its land borders. These control measures have been extended until at least September 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.

- 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 June 9 to December 8, 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 May 12 to November 11, 2025 - on the borders with Hungary and Slovenia.

From April 16 to October 15, 2025 - on the borders with Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

- 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 May 12 to November 11, 2025.

- 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 May 12 to November 11, 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, 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

May 12 to November 11, 2025.

- 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 December 22, 2024 to June 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 June 19 to December 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.

Spain

- Border control period in Spain

Control will be temporarily restored from June 27 to July 5, 2025.

- Borders with which countries will checks be carried out

Land crossings with France and Portugal, as well as internal air and sea checkpoints (airports: Alicante, Barcelona, ​​Madrid, Seville and others; ports: Barcelona, ​​Malaga, Palma).

- Reasons for the approval of border control

The IV International UN Conference on Financing for Development, which will be held in Seville. Enhanced security measures.

- How will the check be carried out?

Expect delays when crossing the border, especially at the airports of Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Valencia. Be sure to have a valid passport or ID card with you, as well as documents confirming the purpose of the trip, if necessary.

Bulgaria

- Period of border control in Bulgaria

From January 1 to June 30, 2025.

- At which border countries will checks be carried out

Land borders with Romania.

- Reasons for the approval of border control

Increased security risks associated with illegal migration, smuggling and growing migratory pressure due to the ongoing crises in the Middle East and Africa.

- How will the check be carried out?

The main focus is on road traffic. Delays at border crossings are possible. It is recommended to have a passport and vehicle documents.

Slovakia

- Border control period in Slovakia

From May 8 to July 7, 2025.

- Which countries will be subject to border checks

Land borders with Hungary and Austria.

- Reasons for border control

Outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Hungary and the need for sanitary and epidemiological control.

- How will the check be carried out?

Random checks of vehicles, including trucks and buses, are possible. Travelers are advised to have a passport and, if necessary, medical documents or health certificates.

Checklist for travelling to the Schengen area in 2025

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.

Buy a reliable travel insurance policy from trusted insurance agents 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.

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