Key Takeaways
• Ten Schengen countries reinstated temporary border controls in February 2025 due to migration, terrorism, and security concerns.
• Germany’s border controls, the broadest, will remain until September 15, 2025, covering nine neighboring countries.
• Travelers must carry valid ID, expect delays, and comply with Schengen visa or ETIAS requirements for entry.
In 2025, several Schengen countries have reinstated temporary border controls, altering the usual free movement within the Schengen Area 🇪🇺. These measures reflect the challenges of irregular migration, security threats, and other pressing concerns faced by these nations. Here, we’ll explore which countries have introduced such controls, their reasons, and the impact on travelers.
Countries Reinstituting Border Controls
By February 2025, ten Schengen countries have reinstated internal controls. These nations include Austria 🇦🇹, Bulgaria 🇧🇬, Denmark 🇩🇰, France 🇫🇷, Germany 🇩🇪, Italy 🇮🇹, the Netherlands 🇳🇱, Norway 🇳🇴, Slovenia 🇸🇮, and Sweden 🇸🇪. Each has cited specific factors such as migration challenges, terrorism risks, and security issues as reasons for these measures.
Details of Border Controls
Germany 🇩🇪
Germany has implemented the broadest border controls, lasting until September 15, 2025. These checks cover borders shared with nine neighboring countries, including France, Denmark, and Poland. Authorities explain that increased irregular migration, smuggling activities, and an overwhelmed asylum system necessitate these measures.
Austria 🇦🇹
Austria has opted for border controls with Hungary and Slovenia. Scheduled to remain until May 11, 2025, the decision stems from persistent smuggling activities and migration challenges placing excessive pressure on its asylum facilities.
Bulgaria 🇧🇬
Bulgaria, which just joined the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, has introduced controls at its land border with Romania. These measures, valid until June 30, 2025, are attributed to migration-related security risks and ongoing crises in regions such as the Middle East and Africa.
Denmark 🇩🇰
Denmark’s government has reinstated checks at all internal borders, particularly those with Germany. Lasting until May 11, 2025, these measures address concerns over terrorist threats and the activities of organized criminal groups, including fear of radicalized individuals entering the country.
France 🇫🇷
France has introduced border controls with six neighbors, including Belgium and Germany. Running until April 30, 2025, these measures primarily target the risks posed by terrorist threats and criminal organizations facilitating irregular migration.
Italy 🇮🇹
Italy has announced checks at its land border with Slovenia, lasting until June 18, 2025. Authorities highlight concerns over irregular migration and the potential involvement of these flows in terrorist and organized crime activities.
Netherlands 🇳🇱
The Netherlands has reintroduced controls with Germany and Belgium. These actions, active until June 8, 2025, aim to tackle the impacts of rising irregular migration and criminal incidents reported at reception centers.
Norway 🇳🇴
In Norway, controls now apply to all internal borders and ports hosting ferry connections to the Schengen Area. These controls, lasting until May 11, 2025, focus on thwarting risks linked to national energy security and potential sabotage arising amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Slovenia 🇸🇮
Slovenia has opted for temporary checks at its borders with Croatia and Hungary, effective until June 21, 2025. Authorities cite risks of terror infiltration through migratory flows and the presence of smuggling networks.
Sweden 🇸🇪
Sweden, like Denmark, has brought back internal border checks across all entry points. These measures, scheduled until May 11, 2025, arise from public safety concerns, including organized crime and terrorism-related threats.
Why Are Border Controls Returning?
The reintroduction of border controls reflects several complex issues. These include:
- Irregular Migration and Smuggling: Countries like Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands have reported sharp rises in unauthorized border crossings and smuggling-related crimes.
- Terrorism and Security Threats: France, Sweden, and Denmark emphasize the rising risks posed by terrorist threats and potential infiltration by radicalized individuals.
- Strained Asylum Systems: Nations such as Austria and Germany highlight that their asylum reception facilities are operating beyond capacity.
- Regional Crises: Bulgaria points to broader migratory pressures stemming from ongoing political and humanitarian crises in places like the Middle East and Africa.
- Organized Crime: Smuggling networks and trafficking activities have heightened the need for stricter border management.
- Energy Security Risks: Norway cites fears of sabotage to its infrastructure linked to the geopolitical tensions resulting from the Ukraine conflict.
What the Schengen Borders Code Says
The Schengen Borders Code outlines clear rules for reintroducing border controls. These include using controls as a last option in exceptional cases and limiting the duration based on the situation:
- Planned Cases: Measures can initially last for 30 days, renewable up to six months.
- Urgent Cases: Immediate responses may last for ten days, extendable up to two months.
- Exceptional Cases: Longer durations based on recommendations by the EU Council.
Countries must officially inform both the European Commission and Schengen partners before taking such steps.
How This Affects Travelers
For anyone traveling within the Schengen Area, these border checks bring practical challenges:
- Possible Delays: Expect extended travel times, particularly at key border crossings.
- Document Requirements: Carry valid ID such as a passport or national identification card at all times. Border guards may perform detailed document checks.
- Visa Restrictions: If you’re a visa-exempt traveler, remember that you’re limited to staying no more than 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen zone.
- Questioning: Authorities may ask about your travel plans, including purpose and duration, to ensure alignment with Schengen entry rules.
Key Changes to the Schengen Framework
The legal and operational framework that governs the Schengen Area has seen significant updates recently:
- Romania 🇷🇴 and Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Joining Schengen: These countries dropped their land border checks on January 1, 2025, becoming fully integrated into the area.
- Revised Schengen Borders Code: Changes effective in mid-2024 clarify when and how states can enforce internal border controls. These amendments also allow EU-wide travel restrictions during public health emergencies.
- ETIAS Implementation: By 2025, travelers from visa-waiver countries must obtain an ETIAS pre-travel authorization to enter the Schengen zone. More details are available on the official European Commission migration page.
Looking Ahead
The reinstatement of border controls marks a significant challenge to the core principle of free movement in the Schengen Area. While governments emphasize the necessity of these measures for public safety and migration management, they also create obstacles for routine travel.
For travelers, staying informed is crucial. Be prepared for possible delays, carry all required documents, and consult authoritative sources like VisaVerge.com or government websites for the latest travel guidelines. As this situation evolves, keeping up to date ensures smoother experiences while journeying across Schengen countries.
Learn Today
Schengen Area → A zone of 27 European countries allowing free movement without internal border checks under common visa and immigration rules.
Irregular Migration → Movement of people across borders without fulfilling legal entry requirements, often involving undocumented or unauthorized travel.
Schengen Borders Code → EU legal framework detailing rules for managing internal and external borders within the Schengen Area, including reinstating controls.
ETIAS → European Travel Information and Authorization System; a pre-travel authorization required for visa-exempt travelers entering the Schengen Area.
Asylum System → Processes and facilities established to assess and accommodate individuals seeking international protection from persecution or conflict.
This Article in a Nutshell
Schengen’s free movement faces limits in 2025 as ten countries reintroduce border controls, citing migration pressures, security threats, and terrorism risks. Travelers should expect delays, document checks, and stricter questioning. While safety remains the priority, these measures challenge Schengen’s essence, urging travelers to stay informed, prepared, and flexible for smoother journeys.
— By VisaVerge.com
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