Europe Travel Alert: 11 Schengen Countries Have Now Tightened Border Controls Affecting All Travelers
4 min readHere at Travel Off Path, we believe the freedom to travel and move seamlessly between countries is a cornerstone of an ideal travel experience. However, the landscape of European travel within the Schengen zone is evolving, with increased security measures becoming more prominent as we progress through 2025. Currently, eleven Schengen area countries have reintroduced …
The post Europe Travel Alert: 11 Schengen Countries Have Now Tightened Border Controls Affecting All Travelers appeared first on Travel Off Path.
Here at Travel Off Path, we believe the freedom to travel and move seamlessly between countries is a cornerstone of an ideal travel experience. However, the landscape of European travel within the Schengen zone is evolving, with increased security measures becoming more prominent as we progress through 2025.
Currently, eleven Schengen area countries have reintroduced temporary internal border checks. This development may impact travel itineraries and lead to more frequent requests for documentation.
Understanding Changes to Schengen Travel
Typically, the Schengen Agreement allows for travel between member states without internal border inspections, facilitating easy movement. Nevertheless, countries can temporarily reinstate controls at their borders if faced with serious threats to public policy or internal security. This is the situation increasingly observed in 2025.
Countries with Border Checks in Place for 2025
The following eleven Schengen nations have reinstated border controls, citing various reasons and timelines:
- Germany: Has implemented checks at its land borders with Poland, Czechia, Austria, France, Switzerland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. These measures, initiated in September 2024 to address irregular migration and smuggling activities, are expected to continue until at least September 15, 2025.
- France: Continues its border checks due to ongoing security threats, including terrorism, and to ensure safety during major public events. These controls affect borders with Belgium, Germany, Spain, and Italy, as well as major airports and train stations. Initially active from November 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025, these measures are anticipated to be renewed.
- Netherlands: Reintroduced checks at airports, ferry terminals, and international train hubs from December 9, 2024, to June 8, 2025, to manage a high volume of migrant arrivals. There are indications these measures could be extended.
- Austria: Maintains strict border surveillance, particularly with Hungary, Slovenia, and Slovakia, due to migration routes through the Western Balkans. These checks, extended in May 2025, are set to last until at least November 2025.
- Italy: Has intensified controls at its borders with France, Austria, and Slovenia, citing concerns over migrant arrivals and national security risks. These measures began in late 2024 and are expected to continue into 2025.
- Slovenia: Implemented checks in December 2024 in response to regional instability and migration concerns. These affect borders with Croatia and Hungary and are currently extended until at least December 21, 2025.
- Denmark: Has prolonged its Schengen checks until at least November 2025, citing national security and migration issues. Key locations include the Øresund Bridge connecting to Sweden and ferry arrivals from Germany and Sweden.
- Sweden: Will maintain internal border checks throughout 2025, likely until at least November, to address migration and combat transnational crime. These are in place at southern ports, airports, and land borders with Denmark and Norway.
- Norway: This non-EU Schengen member is also continuing border checks, with current measures extending until at least November 2025. Reasons cited include irregular migration and the need for coordination with Nordic neighbors. Checks are primarily at ferry terminals, southern land routes, and airports.
- Bulgaria: After joining the Schengen area for air and sea travel on March 31, 2024, and with land border checks with fellow Schengen states lifted as of January 1, 2025, Bulgaria is applying selective internal controls. These are part of its phased integration into the Schengen zone and for national security purposes, including at its border with Romania until at least June 30, 2025.
- Slovakia: Has instituted controls at its borders with Austria and Hungary, commencing in April 2025 and anticipated to last into July 2025. The stated reason for these measures is to prevent the spread of ‘foot and mouth’ disease.
Reasons Behind the Reinstated Border Checks
The primary motivations for these countries to reintroduce border controls include addressing threats to national security, managing increased irregular migration, and enhancing security during large-scale public events.
Advice for Travelers in the Schengen Area During 2025
If your travel plans include the Schengen Area this year, consider the following:
- Always Carry Identification: Keep your passport or EU national ID card with you at all times. Non-EU citizens should ensure their visa documentation is readily accessible.
- Anticipate Potential Delays: It is advisable to add an extra 30 to 60 minutes to your travel schedule for road trips, train journeys, and potentially some flights between Schengen countries, as you may encounter checks.
- Stay Informed: Before traveling, consult the latest information on border controls. The European Commission’s website and the official immigration websites of the countries you plan to visit are valuable resources.
- Keep Travel Details Accessible: Having copies of your hotel reservations and return tickets readily available can be beneficial.
Implications for Your European Travels
These returning border checks are changing the travel experience in the Schengen Zone. While the freedom to move easily between countries is a core European ideal, current security needs and ongoing events in 2025 mean this principle is being applied differently right now. However, you can still fully explore this diverse region—being prepared for these checks will simply help ensure your journey is smoother.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
