Switzerland to reintroduce internal border checks for June G7 summit

Swiss Federal Council approved temporary security measures at the French border during G7

Travelers crossing between Switzerland and France should prepare for systematic identity checks and potential traffic delays this June. The Swiss Federal Council has authorized the temporary reintroduction of internal border controls from June 10 to June 19, 2026, coinciding with the G7 summit hosted in neighboring Évian-les-Bains, France.

While the summit takes place on French soil, the Swiss government determined that additional security is necessary for the Lake Geneva region, including Geneva and Lausanne. According to a press release from the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), the Federal Council approved a subsidiary deployment of up to 5,000 military personnel to support cantonal police and the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG).

The measures allow authorities to conduct identity checks without specific suspicion and, if necessary, close individual border crossings. These controls are a preventive response to potential security risks, including protests or disruptions that have affected previous high-level summits.

Beyond the land border, the Federal Council also approved temporary airspace restrictions over the Lake Geneva region from June 10 to June 18. These restrictions will impact visual air traffic and non-commercial instrument flights around Évian, Lausanne, and Geneva International Airport.

Netherlands and Italy extend existing border controls

Switzerland is not alone in utilizing the provisions of the Schengen Borders Code. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee confirmed that Dutch internal border controls, originally introduced in late 2024, have been extended until September 30, 2026. These checks, conducted at borders with Belgium and Germany and on international trains, aim to combat irregular migration and human smuggling.

Similarly, Italy has notified the European Commission of its intent to maintain controls on its land border with Slovenia. Italian authorities have cited concerns regarding terrorist risks and migration routes along the Balkan path, extending their measures until December 18, 2026. These actions follow the recent implementation of Schengen internal border checks extended for 2026 across several other member states.

What this means for travelers in the Schengen Area

All travelers, including those usually exempt from passport checks, must carry a valid passport or national ID card when crossing Swiss, Dutch, or Italian borders. Border checks may lead to wait times at major road crossings and international rail stations. Commercial carriers and commuters in the Geneva region should factor in extra time.

Cross-border workers in Switzerland are advised to carry their work permits (G-permits) and identification at all times during the summit period. While most commercial flights are unaffected by the Swiss airspace restrictions, passengers using Geneva International Airport should monitor their flight status for any secondary security delays.