Schengen Border Checks: Which European Countries?

Schengen area Celebrates 40 Years Amidst Border control Challenges

The Border-free Schengen Area, a zone guaranteeing free movement for millions, Commemorates its 40th anniversary this year.However, several member states have recently reintroduced border checks, raising questions about the future of unrestricted travel within Europe.

A Milestone Anniversary for Schengen

The schengen Agreement, initially signed by just five countries pledging to gradually eliminate internal border checks, now encompasses 25 of the 27 European Union member states, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and switzerland from the European Free Trade Association.

The Schengen Area spans over 4.5 million square kilometers and is home to nearly 450 million people, according to the EU council website. Every day, approximately 3.5 million individuals cross internal Schengen borders for work, education, or leisure, with almost 1.7 million residing in one Schengen country while employed in another.

Temporary border Controls: A Last Resort?

The Schengen Borders Code permits the temporary reinstatement of internal border checks when a member state faces a “serious threat to public policy or internal security.” Such threats can range from major sporting events to potential terrorist attacks.

The Rules stipulate that these checks should be a “last resort,” limited to the “strictly necessary” period to address the threat, and generally not exceed six months. In exceptional cases, controls can be extended for up to two years.

Did You Know? The Schengen Area’s name comes from the Luxembourg town where the original agreement was signed in 1985.

Current Border Control Measures in Effect

Several Schengen members have reintroduced temporary border controls in recent years. Here’s a summary of the current measures:

Country	Duration	Reason	Affected Borders
Spain	June 27, 2025 – July 5, 2025	United National International Conference	Land borders with France & Portugal; Internal air and maritime borders
Italy	June 19, 2025 – December 18, 2025	Terrorism, Migratory Flows, Jubilee	Land borders with Slovenia
Austria	May 12, 2025 – November 11, 2025	Irregular Migration, Security Threats	Land borders with Hungary & Slovenia
Denmark	May 12, 2025 – November 11, 2025	Sabotage, Terrorism, Organized Crime	Land/sea borders with Germany (potential extension)
Norway	May 12, 2025 – November 11, 2025	Threats to Energy Sector, Sabotage	Ports with ferry connections to Schengen
Sweden	May 12, 2025 – November 11, 2025	Organized Crime, Terrorism	All internal borders; Land borders with Denmark
France	May 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025	Jihadist Threats, Irregular Migration	All internal borders with multiple countries
Germany	March 16, 2025 – September 15, 2025	Irregular Migration, Security Concerns	Land borders with multiple countries
Slovenia	June 22, 2025 – December 21, 2025	Terrorism, Organized Crime, Hybrid Threats	Land borders with Croatia & Hungary
Netherlands	June 9, 2025 – December 8, 2025	High Asylum Applications, Migrant Smuggling	Land/air borders with Belgium & Germany
Bulgaria	January 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025	Illegal Migration, Migratory pressure	Land borders with Romania

Reasons for Reintroducing border Controls

• Spain: Security measures for the United National International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla.
• Italy: Concerns over terrorist infiltration, ongoing crises in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the upcoming Universal Jubilee.
• Austria: threats from irregular migration, strain on asylum systems, and the security situation in the Middle East and Ukraine.
• Denmark: Potential sabotage by Russia, terrorism-related events, and organized crime linked to the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
• Norway: General threats to the energy sector and potential sabotage by Russian intelligence.
• Sweden: Organized cross-border crime,terrorism,and threats from violent Islamist groups.
• France: Persistent jihadist threats, a rise in antisemitic attacks, irregular migration, and smuggling.
• Germany: High levels of irregular migration, strain on asylum systems, and global security concerns.
• Slovenia: High terrorist threats, organized crime, and hybrid threats from Russia and Belarus.
• Netherlands: High asylum applications,irregular migration,and overburdened migration system.
• Bulgaria: Security risks related to illegal migration and migratory pressure from crises in the Middle East and Africa.

Pro Tip: Always carry valid identification and check the latest travel advisories before crossing Schengen borders, especially during periods of temporary controls.

The Future of Schengen: Challenges and Prospects

The Schengen Area faces ongoing challenges, including managing migration flows, addressing security threats, and maintaining public trust. The temporary reintroduction of border controls highlights the tension between security concerns and the principle of free movement.

Despite these challenges, the Schengen Area remains a cornerstone of European integration, facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Efforts are continuously being made to strengthen external border controls, enhance information sharing among member states, and develop a more coordinated approach to migration and security.

Updated statistics: According to a recent Eurostat report published in May 2025, intra-Schengen travel has decreased by approximately 15% in the first quarter of 2025 due to the reintroduction of border controls, impacting tourism and cross-border commuting.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Schengen Area

• What Exactly Is The Schengen Area?

  The Schengen Area is a zone comprising 27 European countries that have officially abolished all passport and any other type of border control at their mutual borders.

• Why Are Some Schengen Area Countries Reintroducing Border Controls?

  Member states can temporarily reinstate border controls within the Schengen Area in the event of a serious threat to public policy or internal security, such as major events or terrorist threats.

• How Long Can Temporary Border Controls Last In The Schengen Area?

  According to the Schengen Borders Code, temporary border checks should be a last resort and limited to the period strictly necessary to respond to the threat, typically up to six months but can be extended to a maximum of two years in exceptional circumstances.

• Which Countries Currently Have Temporary Border Controls In the Schengen Zone?

  As Of June 2025, countries including Spain, Italy, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Slovenia, The Netherlands, and Bulgaria have reintroduced temporary border checks for various reasons.

• What Should Travelers Expect When Crossing Schengen Borders With Temporary Controls?

  Travelers should be prepared to show identification, such as a passport or national ID card, and may experience delays due to increased security checks.It’s advisable to check the latest travel advisories before traveling.

What are yoru thoughts on the reintroduction of border controls within the Schengen Area? How does this impact your travel plans? Share your comments below!

What are the specific requirements for obtaining a Schengen visa, and how can I find the correct application process for my nationality and destination country?

Schengen Border Checks: Your Guide to European Travel

Planning a trip to Europe? Understanding the Schengen Area and its border regulations is crucial for a seamless travel experience. This complete guide explains everything you need to know about Schengen border checks,encompassing member countries,travel requirements,and practical tips to ensure a hassle-free journey. We’ll cover topics such as visa requirements, passport control, and the latest updates on border security.

What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a zone where 27 European countries have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This allows for free movement of people between the member states. The free movement facilitates tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, a essential principle of the European Union and a key aspect of the Schengen Agreement.

Schengen Countries: Who’s In?

Currently, the Schengen area comprises 27 member countries.Here’s a list of Schengen countries, including those that are part of the EU and those that are not. Being part of the Schengen space means those countries have relaxed border checks between each other,offering unparalleled freedom of movement.

EU Member States (Schengen)	Non-EU Member States (Schengen)
Austria	iceland
Belgium	Liechtenstein
Czech Republic	Norway
Croatia	Switzerland
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden

Schengen Border Regulations and Checks

While internal borders within the Schengen Area are generally free of routine passport checks, border controls are still in place at the external borders. These checks are designed to manage the entry of non-Schengen citizens and ensure compliance with Schengen visa requirements. Border control includes checking passports, visas (if required), and other supporting documents, and asking questions about the purpose of travel.

External Border Checks

At the external borders, the types of checks include:

• Document Verification: Passport validity and visa checks (if applicable).
• Entry Conditions: Ensuring the traveler meets the conditions for entry (sufficient funds, purpose of stay, etc.).
• Security Checks: Checking against databases such as the Schengen Information System (SIS).

Internal Border Controls

In remarkable circumstances, Schengen countries can temporarily reintroduce border controls at their internal borders. This most often happens due to:

• Public Order Issues: To address serious threats to public order or internal security like in response to terrorism.
• Health Crisis: When faced with public health concerns like during disease outbreaks.
• Security at Major Events: During major sports or political events that require enhanced border security measures, or to control mass migration.

These controls are typically temporary and are meant to be proportionate to the threat.

Travel Requirements and Visa Information

Whether you need a visa to enter the Schengen area depends on your nationality.Citizens of many countries, including the United States, canada, Australia, and Japan, can enter the Schengen Area without a visa for tourism or short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). Though, citizens of other countries may require a Schengen visa.

Visa Applications

if you require a schengen visa, you must apply at the consulate or embassy of the country that is your main destination. The visa application process generally involves submitting an application form,passport,photographs,and supporting documents.Be prepared to provide information about your travel itinerary, flight bookings, and proof of accommodation. you may also be asked to provide a travel insurance policy covering medical expenses,and to attend an interview.

Travel Documents Needed

nonetheless of whether you need a visa or not, always carry the following documents with you for a smooth border crossing:

• A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months past your intended stay.
• Visa (if required): Make sure your Schengen visa is also valid.
• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservations, rental agreements, or a letter of invitation if staying with friends or family.
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: Bank statements or other documents to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay.
• Travel Itinerary: Detailed information about your flights and other transport confirmations.
• Travel insurance: A policy covering medical emergencies and repatriation.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Schengen Journey

To ease your travel experience to and within the Schengen Area, consider these tips to prepare:

• Check Visa Requirements: Always verify if you need a visa based on your nationality. Check websites like the European Commission for this.
• Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date, although three months is the minimum required.
• Make copies of your documents: Keep copies of your passport, visa, and other essential travel documents separately from the originals.
• Pack Smart: familiarize yourself with any restrictions on what you can bring into the Schengen Area, such as prohibited items and currency limits.
• Understand Customs Regulations: Be aware of customs rules regarding bringing goods, including limits on alcohol, tobacco, and other restricted items.
• Inform your bank about your travel plans: Alert your bank about your travel dates to avoid issues with your cards while abroad.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date via the website of any Schengen-area country’s foreign office for the latest news on border checks.