Travelling between Schengen countries has always been considered hassle-free, but amid the ongoing security and migration situation, several European countries are once again reintroducing temporary border checks across the Schengen Area in 2026.
The move affects road, rail, ferry, and even some air travel between countries that usually allow passport-free movement.
While the Schengen Area remains open for most travellers, these temporary border controls mean tourists, business travellers, students, and cross-border workers may face identity checks, longer queues, and possible delays.
Temporary Border Control 2026
As per the official data available on the European Union’s official website, here’s a country-by-country breakdown of where border checks are returning, why they are happening, and what travellers should know before planning a trip.
1. The Netherlands
The Netherlands says rising asylum applications, irregular migration, and migrant smuggling have put pressure on its migration and reception system. Temporary checks will affect land borders with Belgium and Germany, along with some intra-Schengen flights.
- Effective Date: 9 June 2026
- End Date: 30 September 2026
Netherlands Border Check Rules for Travellers in 2026
- Carry your passport or national ID card at all times.
- Expect extra checks on roads from Belgium and Germany.
- Arrive early for Schengen flights to and from Dutch airports.
- Bus and train journeys may face delays.
2. Switzerland
Switzerland is temporarily introducing controls due to the G7 Summit taking place in Evian, France. Authorities are focusing mainly on the Lake Geneva region and nearby border crossings with France.
- Effective Date: 10 June 2026
- End Date: 19 June 2026
Switzerland Border Control Travel Advice for June 2026
- Travel around Lake Geneva could be slower.
- Keep hotel bookings and travel documents handy.
- Security presence will increase during the summit period.
- Plan additional time for cross-border travel.
3. Norway
Norway says threats targeting energy and logistics infrastructure remain a major concern. The temporary controls mainly affect ferry ports connected to Schengen countries and key transport infrastructure.
- Effective Date: 12 May 2026
- End Date: 11 November 2026
Norway Border Checks 2026: Important Travel Tips
- Ferry passengers may face document inspections.
- Arrive earlier than usual at ports.
- Carry valid travel insurance and identification.
- Delays may happen during security screenings.
4. Denmark
Denmark has extended border checks due to terrorism concerns, organised crime, and possible sabotage threats linked to Russia and Middle East tensions. Controls mainly affect borders with Germany.
- Effective Date: 12 May 2026
- End Date: 11 July 2026
Denmark Border Control Update: What Travellers Need to Know
- Expect checks at land and sea crossings from Germany.
- Keep passports easily accessible during road trips.
- Train travellers may face random inspections.
- Follow local security advisories.
5. Poland
Poland says continuing migration pressure near Germany and Lithuania has created security concerns. Authorities will continue temporary controls along both borders.
- Effective Date: 5 April 2026
- End Date: 1 October 2026
Poland Temporary Border Checks and Travel Rules 2026
- Carry identity documents during all cross-border travel.
- Road traffic near border points could slow down.
- International buses may undergo inspections.
- Keep extra travel time in your itinerary.
6. Germany
Germany has extended controls due to irregular migration, migrant smuggling, and wider security concerns linked to global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and instability in the Middle East. Checks cover nearly all neighbouring borders.
- Effective Date: 16 March 2026
- End Date: 15 September 2026
Germany Border Checks 2026: Travel Advice for Tourists
- Border checks may affect road and rail travel across Europe.
- Keep passports ready even inside the Schengen Area.
- Expect longer queues during busy travel periods.
- Some regional train services may face delays.
7. Austria
Austria says migration pressure through Balkan routes and wider regional instability continue to pose security concerns. Temporary controls affect borders with Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic.
- Effective Date: 16 December 2025
- End Date: 15 June 2026
Austria Border Control Rules for Schengen Travellers
- Border crossings by car may take longer than usual.
- Carry printed copies of hotel and travel bookings.
- Be prepared for random luggage checks.
- Check train schedules before departure.
8. Slovenia
Slovenia has linked its border checks to terrorism concerns, organised crime, migrant smuggling, and security risks connected to global instability. Controls focus on borders with Croatia and Hungary.
- Effective Date: 22 December 2025
- End Date: 21 June 2026
Slovenia Border Checks 2026: Important Information for Travellers
- Road crossings may experience traffic congestion.
- Carry passports even for short regional trips.
- Night travel could involve more security checks.
- Follow local travel advisories carefully.
9. Italy
The Repubblica Italiana (Italy) says security concerns linked to migration routes, criminal trafficking networks, the Catholic Jubilee, and the Winter Olympics have prompted temporary controls at the Slovenian border.
- Effective Date: 19 December 2025
- End Date: 18 June 2026
Italy Border Control Measures and Travel Tips for 2026
- Border checks mainly affect travel from Slovenia.
- Extra screening may happen on trains and buses.
- Carry proof of accommodation and return tickets.
- Arrive early for cross-border journeys.
10. Sweden
Sweden says organised cross-border crime and threats from extremist groups remain a concern. Controls cover land, sea, and air borders, including routes connected to Denmark.
- Effective Date: 12 May 2026
- End Date: 11 November 2026
Sweden Temporary Border Checks: Travel Guidelines for Visitors
- Airport travellers may face identity checks.
- Ferry passengers should expect additional screening.
- Keep travel documents ready throughout your trip.
- Border processing times may increase during peak season.
11. France
France remains one of the strictest countries when it comes to temporary Schengen border controls. Authorities cite terrorism threats, migrant smuggling, rising violence near northern coastal regions, and wider geopolitical instability as the main reasons.
- Effective Date: 01 May 2026
- End Date: 31 October 2026
France Border Controls 2026: Key Travel Information for Tourists
- Checks affect land, air, and sea borders.
- Extra controls are expected near Calais and Dunkirk.
- Security may tighten further during the G7 Summit.
- Carry valid travel documents at all times.
What This Means for Schengen Travellers in 2026
These temporary controls do not mean the Schengen Area is ending. Most travellers will still move freely across Europe. However, spontaneous border crossings may no longer feel as smooth as before.
Travellers planning European trips in 2026 should:
- Carry passports or national ID cards everywhere.
- Add buffer time for trains, buses, ferries, and flights.
- Monitor official travel advisories before departure.
- Keep digital and printed copies of bookings and documents.
- Expect occasional spot checks even inside Schengen countries.
For tourists doing multi-country Europe trips, especially by train or road, staying flexible will be important this year.
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