Schengen Border Checks Reinstated in 2025: Affected Countries and Travel Regulations

In 2025, several Schengen countries will temporarily reinstate border checks due to security, migration, and health concerns. From Spain to Sweden, here’s a detailed guide for tourists, including essential dates, affected borders, and required travel documents.

Europe’s open-border policy is experiencing a temporary shift in 2025. Several Schengen nations are reintroducing internal border controls due to various factors, including significant international events and security threats. Travelers must prepare accordingly. This article outlines the affected countries, reasons for the changes, and essential information for a smooth journey.

Countries Reintroducing Border Checks

Here’s a summary of countries reinstating border checks, their impacts on tourists, and preparation tips.

Spain

Spain will enforce checks at land borders with France and Portugal, and at air and maritime borders due to the IV UN International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla.

• Duration: June 27 – July 5, 2025
• Affected Borders: Land borders (France, Portugal); air (Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla, and others); maritime (Barcelona, Málaga, Palma).
• Impact: Expect delays at airports and land crossings.
• Documents: Valid passport or ID, proof of travel purpose if requested.

Italy

Italy will implement checks at the Slovenia border to combat terrorism and irregular migration, linked to the Universal Jubilee of the Catholic Church.

• Duration: June 19 – December 18, 2025
• Affected Borders: Land border with Slovenia.
• Impact: Inspections for those driving or taking buses.
• Documents: Passport, hotel bookings, return tickets, and details of the religious event.

Austria

Austria will require checks at several land borders due to migration and terrorism threats.

• Duration: May 12 – November 11, 2025 (Hungary, Slovenia); April 16 – October 15, 2025 (Slovakia, Czechia).
• Affected Borders: Land borders with Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
• Impact: ID checks for travelers on Balkan routes or Central European trips.
• Documents: Passport, travel itinerary, and hotel confirmations.

Slovakia

Slovakia will monitor its land borders with Hungary and Austria due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.

• Duration: May 8 – July 7, 2025
• Affected Borders: Land borders with Hungary and Austria.
• Impact: Vehicle checks are likely.
• Documents: Passport and health-related travel documents.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands has reinstated checks with Belgium and Germany to combat irregular migration and smuggling.

• Duration: June 9 – December 8, 2025
• Affected Borders: Land and air borders with Belgium and Germany.
• Impact: ID inspections for air travelers and road users.
• Documents: Passport, accommodation details, and transport tickets.

Denmark

Denmark is reinforcing border checks with Germany due to fears of terrorism and organized crime.

• Duration: May 12 – November 11, 2025
• Affected Borders: Land and sea borders with Germany; potentially all internal borders.
• Impact: Delays for ferry and car travelers.
• Documents: Passport, proof of accommodation, and onward travel plans.

Norway

Norway will monitor ferry ports due to threats to its energy sector.

• Duration: May 12 – November 11, 2025
• Affected Borders: Ports with ferry connections.
• Impact: Security screenings for ferry travelers.
• Documents: Passport and ferry tickets.

Sweden

Sweden has reinstated checks at all internal borders due to serious public policy threats.

• Duration: May 12 – November 11, 2025
• Affected Borders: All internal borders; land borders with Denmark.
• Impact: Likely delays at airports and seaports.
• Documents: Passport, bookings, and potentially travel insurance.

France

France has imposed controls at all internal borders due to security threats.

• Duration: May 1 – October 31, 2025
• Affected Borders: All internal borders with Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy.
• Impact: Longer queues at border checkpoints.
• Documents: Passport, Eurotunnel or ferry ticket, accommodation proof.

Germany

Germany has implemented checks along all neighboring countries due to security concerns.

• Duration: March 16 – September 15, 2025
• Affected Borders: Land borders with multiple countries.
• Impact: Spot checks for rail and road travelers.
• Documents: Passport, hotel reservations, and travel schedule.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria has temporary controls with Romania due to illegal migration risks.

• Duration: January 1 – June 30, 2025
• Affected Borders: Land borders with Romania.
• Impact: Delays mainly affect road traffic.
• Documents: Passport and vehicle documentation.

Slovenia

Slovenia is enforcing checks at the Croatian and Hungarian borders to combat terrorism.

• Duration: December 22, 2024 – June 21, 2025
• Affected Borders: Land borders with Croatia and Hungary.
• Impact: Tighter scrutiny for backpackers on Balkan routes.
• Documents: Passport and travel route details.

What Travelers Should Know

Expect random ID checks even at open borders. Always carry a valid passport or national ID if you’re an EU/EEA citizen. Non-EU nationals should have proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and return tickets. Plan for possible delays, especially when traveling by road or train. Keep both digital and printed copies of essential travel documents.

Conclusion

The reintroduction of Schengen border controls in 2025 addresses complex global challenges. While these changes may cause minor inconveniences, being well-prepared will help keep your European travel plans on track.