European countries are temporarily reintroducing internal border controls across the Schengen Area throughout 2025. While this doesn’t mean you need a visa to travel between Schengen countries, it does mean longer queues, stricter checks, and less predictability, especially if you’re crossing by land.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the countries enforcing border checks this year, the reasons behind the move, and tips to make your travel smoother.

What is Border Control and Why Does It Matter Now

Normally, the Schengen Zone allows passport-free travel across 27 European countries. But under exceptional circumstances, countries can temporarily bring back border controls for public safety or security reasons.

These checks can happen at:

• Land crossings (e.g. trains, buses, roads)
• Airports for internal Schengen flights
• Ferry terminals between Schengen states

Why It Matters: If you’re used to hassle-free travel between places like France and Germany, or Italy and Slovenia, expect delays. You might be asked for ID, your bags may be checked, and in some areas, your vehicle might be inspected.

Schengen Countries with Internal Border Controls in 2025

These are the countries reintroducing checks at internal Schengen borders, the timelines, and the reasons for doing so:

1. Poland

Poland is bringing back border checks with Germany and Lithuania in July due to increasing migratory pressure and concerns over security along those land routes.

• Duration: 7 July – 5 August 2025
• Borders Affected: Germany and Lithuania
• Reason: Rising migratory pressure at land borders with Germany and Lithuania.

2. Slovenia

Slovenia is reintroducing controls at its borders with Croatia and Hungary, citing terrorism, smuggling, and instability linked to Russia, Belarus, and the Balkans.

• Duration: 22 June – 21 December 2025
• Borders Affected: Croatia and Hungary
• Reason: Concerns over terrorist threats, human smuggling, arms trafficking, and instability from the Balkans, Russia, Belarus, and Syria.

3. Italy

Italy is tightening its border with Slovenia amid fears of terrorist infiltration, the Middle East and Ukraine conflicts, and the upcoming Universal Jubilee crowd influx.

• Duration: 19 June – 18 December 2025
• Borders Affected: Slovenia
• Reason: Risk of terrorist infiltration via the Balkans, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, irregular migration, and security risks linked to the Catholic Church’s Universal Jubilee.

4. Austria

Austria will carry out two rounds of border checks in 2025 due to irregular migration, smuggling risks, and the ongoing Ukraine and Middle East crises.

• Duration 1: 12 May – 11 November 2025 (Borders with Hungary and Slovenia)
• Duration 2: 16 April – 15 October 2025 (Borders with Slovakia and Czechia)
• Reason: Irregular migration, smuggling, pressure on asylum systems, and geopolitical instability due to the Ukraine and Middle East conflicts.

5. The Netherlands

Facing rising asylum claims and public service strain, the Netherlands will check travellers crossing land and air borders with Germany and Belgium from June.

• Duration: 9 June – 8 December 2025
• Borders Affected: Land and air borders with Belgium and Germany
• Reason: Overburdened asylum system, high irregular migration, and pressure on healthcare, housing, and education.

6. Denmark

Denmark is reinstating border checks with Germany and possibly other internal borders amid threats tied to Russia, terrorism, and conflicts in the Middle East.

• Duration: 12 May – 11 November 2025
• Borders Affected: Germany (land and sea); potentially all internal borders
• Reason: Threats of sabotage from Russia, terrorist activity tied to the Israel-Hamas conflict, and radicalisation concerns.

7. Norway

Norway will control ferry port entries to Schengen countries over concerns about sabotage, energy infrastructure security, and espionage threats from Russian intelligence services.

• Duration: 12 May – 11 November 2025
• Borders Affected: Ports with ferry links to other Schengen countries
• Reason: Security concerns over critical infrastructure and threats from Russian intelligence.

8. Sweden

Sweden’s full border controls target organised crime, terrorism, and foreign interference through gangs and explosives, with special attention to its land link with Denmark.

• Duration: 12 May – 11 November 2025
• Borders Affected: All internal borders, including land with Denmark
• Reason: Organised crime, terrorism, and foreign-state-backed violence involving criminal gangs.

9. France

France will monitor all internal borders, citing jihadist threats, antisemitic attacks, and chaotic migration issues near the Channel and northern coastal areas like Calais.

• Duration: 1 May – 31 October 2025
• Borders Affected: All internal borders (land, air, sea), especially with Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and Luxembourg
• Reason: Persistent jihadist threats, antisemitic attacks, criminal smuggling networks, and chaos around the Franco-British border (e.g. Calais, Dunkirk).

10. Germany

Germany will enforce border checks across nine neighbouring countries to tackle migration pressure, asylum strain, and regional instability from Ukraine and the Middle East.

• Duration: 16 March – 15 September 2025
• Borders Affected: France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, and Poland
• Reason: Irregular migration, asylum pressures, and geopolitical instability from Ukraine and the Middle East.

What’s New in European Border Management?

Entry/Exit System (EES)

The EU is rolling out digital border checks, including fingerprint and photo registration at kiosks, to automate and speed up border procedures. This is aimed at improving security and reducing overstays. Expect a few extra minutes at entry points as the system is phased in.

ETIAS Authorisation

Soon, non-EU visitors will need to apply for ETIAS travel authorisation before entering the Schengen Area. This is not yet in effect but is expected to launch in late 2025 or 2026.

How Border Controls Impact Travel

• Longer queues at crossings, especially during summer.
• Flight delays for internal Schengen routes where controls apply.
• Tightened ID checks—you’ll need to carry valid travel documents, even when it’s usually not required.
• More scrutiny for buses, trains, and rental cars, especially near high-risk borders.

Travel Tips for Navigating Border Checks in 2025

If you’re heading to Europe this year, here’s how to stay ahead of the chaos:

1. Carry a valid passport or national ID, even for intra-Schengen travel.
2. Arrive earlier at airports, especially if flying from or to affected countries like France, Germany, or the Netherlands.
3. Check for train or road border delays, especially on routes through Austria, Slovenia, or Poland.
4. Avoid night-time land border crossings, as these often have stricter or slower checks.
5. Use official transport channels—trains, buses, and airports will have designated screening zones.
6. Track updates via official government or EU websites for any last-minute border closures or extensions.
7. Print your bookings and travel plans—customs officers may want proof of accommodation or return tickets.

Final Thought

If you’re heading to Europe in 2025, plan ahead. Border delays are likely, especially on land routes. Keep your ID handy, check travel advisories, and stay flexible, Schengen travel won’t be as smooth this year.