Schengen Travel Alert: 10 Countries Reinstate Border Checks in 2025

If you’re dreaming of breezing from Berlin to Rome without showing your passport, 2025 might deliver a reality check. A growing list of Schengen countries has reinstated internal border checks, disrupting the continent’s famed border-free travel zone.

The move, legal under Articles 25 and 29 of the Schengen Borders Code, is being driven by national security threats, migration pressures, and large-scale events. But for tourists, students, and business travellers, it marks a shift that could mean delays, ID checks, and travel planning headaches.

Border Controls are Back: A Country-by-Country Look

A Schengen border check is a temporary reintroduction of identity and travel document inspections between Schengen countries to address security threats, irregular migration, or public event-related risks.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Schengen countries that have reintroduced border controls:

1. Germany 🇩🇪

Germany reinstated border checks across multiple land crossings in September 2024 to combat irregular migration and criminal smuggling networks.

Reason: Irregular migration and smuggling networks
Status: Controls active since September 2024, extended to at least September 15, 2025
Key Borders Affected: Poland, Czechia, Austria, France, Switzerland, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg
Traveller Tips: Keep your passport or national ID ready; allow extra time when travelling by train or car

2. France 🇫🇷

France’s internal checks continue due to terrorism concerns and the legacy of increased security around major events like the Olympics.

Reason: Ongoing terror threats and public event security
Status: November 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025 (expected renewal)
Focus Areas: Borders with Belgium, Germany, Spain, and Italy; major train stations and airports
Traveller Tips: Expect ID checks at borders and high-security areas like stadiums or protests

3. Netherlands 🇳🇱

The Netherlands reintroduced internal checks at key transport hubs to manage an increased flow of irregular migrants.

Reason: High migration influx
Status: Active from December 9, 2024, to June 8, 2025
Focus Points: Airports, ferry terminals, and international rail hubs
Traveller Tips: Even within Schengen, have documents ready for inspections when arriving by train or ferry

4. Austria 🇦🇹

Austria continues strict border surveillance in response to ongoing pressure from migration routes through the Western Balkans.

Reason: Migration control along the Balkan route
Status: Border checks extended into 2025
Main Focus: Borders with Hungary, Slovenia, and Slovakia
Traveller Tips: Be prepared for road checks and possible delays near border highways

5. Italy 🇮🇹

Italy has tightened internal controls, citing migrant arrivals and national security as driving factors behind the move.

Reason: Security risks tied to irregular migration
Status: Introduced late 2024; continues into 2025
Targeted Areas: Border crossings with France, Austria, and Slovenia
Traveller Tips: Bring ID when travelling between Italy and neighbouring Schengen states; rail travellers may face spot checks

Must Read: Schengen Entry-Exit System (EES) to Automate Border Checks for Non-EU Travellers

6. Slovenia 🇸🇮

Slovenia’s response to regional instability includes stepped-up internal border checks, particularly along southern and eastern frontiers.

Reason: Regional instability and migration
Status: Active since December 2024
Affected Borders: Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Austria
Traveller Tips: Driving across borders? Carry a passport or ID and expect occasional document checks

7. Denmark 🇩🇰

Denmark has extended Schengen checks in response to irregular migration, especially at ferry terminals and road crossings.

Reason: National security and migration
Status: Controls active into late 2025
Key Focus: Øresund Bridge (to Sweden), ferries from Germany and Sweden
Traveller Tips: Short train rides from Germany or Sweden may involve ID checks

8. Sweden 🇸🇪

Sweden continues its internal border checks to tackle migration-related concerns and maintain national security.

Reason: Migration pressures and transnational crime
Status: Active throughout 2025
Key Areas: Ports in the south, airports, and land borders with Denmark and Norway
Traveller Tips: Carry your ID on all cross-border trips, including public transport routes

9. Norway 🇳🇴

As a non-EU Schengen member, Norway enforces internal checks for regional security alignment and migration control.

Reason: Irregular migration and coordinated Nordic response
Status: Border checks extended through 2025
Monitoring Areas: Ferry terminals, southern land routes, airports
Traveller Tips: Travellers from Sweden and Denmark should expect ID checks on arrival

10. Bulgaria 🇧🇬

After partial entry into the Schengen Zone in January 2025, Bulgaria began using selective border controls during its transition phase.

Reason: Controlled Schengen integration and national security
Status: Partial Schengen participation with selective internal controls
Primary Areas: Air and sea borders; land checks at discretion
Traveller Tips: Check entry requirements if flying into or from Bulgaria within the Schengen zone

What This Means for Travellers in 2025

The return of internal border checks doesn’t mean the end of the Schengen dream, but it does mean being prepared is essential.

Travel Checklist for Schengen in 2025

Always carry your passport or EU ID
Print your accommodation and return flight details
Plan for 30–60 extra minutes at road, rail, and flight checkpoints
Avoid tight schedules with multiple border crossings
Check if your destination is hosting large events or protests

Who’s Most Affected?

Traveler Type	Impact Highlights
Tourists	Slower movement, longer queues, possible rechecks
Students	Weekend travel may now require documentation rechecks
Cross-border Workers	Risk of daily delays and administrative ID checks
Transport Operators	Delays in cargo delivery across internal EU borders
Migrants/Refugees	Stricter enforcement, with possible detentions or pushbacks

Where to Check Updates Before Travel

European Commission’s Temporary Border Controls Map: ec.europa.eu
National Immigration Portals: Germany’s Bundespolizei, France’s Ministry of Interior, etc.
Schengen Visa Info Hub: Track visa guidelines and real-time alerts

Is the Schengen Zone Still Worth It?

Yes, but it’s changing. The freedom of movement remains a core EU value, but security and geopolitics are reshaping how it works. Expect more hybrid systems in the future: digital tracking, selective border checks, and time-based controls around major events.

In the words of one French official: