Schengen internal border checks extended in 10 countries through mid-2026

Travelers crossing borders in affected countries may be asked for identification documents

Ten Schengen countries currently have internal border checks in effect, with controls extending through various dates in 2026. According to the European Commission, Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, and Sweden have checks in place through March to June 2026, while Germany's controls extend until September 2026.

Border guards in affected countries may request identification documents and perform detailed checks on travelers crossing internal Schengen borders. Travelers should carry their identification documents at all times, and visa-exempt nationals should be mindful of their 90-day Schengen allowance within any 180-day period.

Current border controls by country

Germany has the longest-running controls, in effect from March 16, 2026, to September 15, 2026. Controls apply at land borders with France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland. The government cites continued irregular migration, migrant smuggling, and the global security situation including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Austria has controls at land and river borders with Slovakia, and land borders with the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovenia until June 15, 2026, citing irregular migration via the Balkan routes and the security situation in the Middle East.

Slovenia maintains checks at land borders with Croatia and Hungary until June 21, 2026, citing the Winter Olympics in Italy, terrorist threats, and instability in the EU neighbourhood.

Italy has controls at its land border with Slovenia until June 18, 2026, citing terrorist threats, irregular migration along the Western Balkan route, and security risks associated with the Universal Jubilee and the Winter Olympics.

The Netherlands has checks at land borders with Belgium and Germany, as well as intra-Schengen air borders, until June 8, 2026, citing high asylum applications and an overburdened migration system.

Poland maintains controls at land borders with Germany and Lithuania until October 1, 2026, citing migratory pressure and irregular migration.

Denmark has checks at land and sea borders with Germany until May 11, 2026, citing threats of sabotage from Russia and terrorism related to the Israeli-Hamas conflict.

Norway maintains controls at ports with ferry connections to the Schengen area until May 11, 2026, citing threats to the energy sector and sabotage concerns from Russian intelligence services.

Sweden has controls at all internal borders until May 11, 2026, citing cross-border crime and threats from violent Islamist groups.

France has checks at all internal air and sea borders, as well as land borders with Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy until April 30, 2026, citing jihadist threats, antisemitic attacks, and irregular migration at the Franco-British border.

Why border checks are in place

Internal border controls are generally not permitted within the Schengen Area, as they delay traffic and hamper mobility within the European Single Market. However, the Schengen Borders Code allows member states to temporarily reintroduce controls in the event of a serious threat to public policy or internal security.

These measures are intended as a last resort and must be limited in scope and duration. Various forms of internal border checks have been in effect in several Schengen countries since late 2015.