If you are planning to travel to any Schengen country in 2026, here’s an important update regaridg the booder controls that might affect your travel plans, especially if you intend to visit multiple countries.

Schengen countries are known for their unrestricted travel, but many countries have introduced temporary border checks that will still be in place in early 2026. These checks are allowed when a country is facing serious security or public order issues.

Below is a complete guide to each country, the reasons for the returning checks, and what travelers should prepare for.

Border Control in Schengen Countries in 2026

In 2026, several Schengen countries will continue internal border checks because of security concerns and migration pressure. These checks will stay in place up to March-June 2026.

The rules state that these checks should be used only when necessary and kept as short as possible. Still, several governments believe the risks are high enough to continue them into 2026.

1. Austria

Austria expects high irregular migration through the Balkan routes. The asylum system is already under pressure, and ongoing wars and tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East add to security worries.

Effective: 16 December 2025
Ends: 15 June 2026

What travellers should do: Carry your passport, have your travel plans ready, and expect possible checks when entering from Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, or Slovenia.

2. Slovenia

Slovenia is preparing for security risks linked to the Winter Olympics in Italy. It also faces concerns around terrorist threats, organised crime and possible infiltration through the Western Balkan migration routes.

• Effective: 22 December 2025
• Ends: 21 June 2026

What travellers should do: Keep your passport handy at borders with Croatia and Hungary. Expect slower crossings during busy periods.

3. Italy

Italy is worried about terrorist groups using irregular migration routes. The long-running conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East add to the risks. The Jubilee Year and Winter Games also mean large crowds, which raise security demands.

• Effective: 19 December 2025
• Ends: 18 June 2026

What travellers should do: If you enter Italy from Slovenia, have your ID ready and plan a little extra time at the border.

4. The Netherlands

The Dutch migration and asylum system is overwhelmed. Netherlands faces very high numbers of asylum applications, irregular entries, and smugglers using the country for transit.

• Effective: 9 December 2025
• Ends: 8 June 2026

What travellers should do: Expect possible checks at the borders with Belgium and Germany and at some Schengen-area airports. Keep your passport with you even for short cross-border trips.

5. Denmark

Denmark is on alert for possible sabotage linked to Russia. There are also concerns about terrorism and organised crime linked to global conflicts.

• Effective: 12 November 2025
• Ends: 11 May 2026

What travellers should do: Have your documents ready at land and sea borders with Germany. Checks may extend to other internal borders if needed.

6. Norway

Norway wants to protect energy infrastructure and respond to possible sabotage threats from foreign intelligence groups.

• Effective: 12 November 2025
• Ends: 11 May 2026

What travellers should do: Border checks may happen at ports with ferry connections to the Schengen area. Keep your passport ready before boarding.

7. Sweden

Sweden faces rising organised crime and cross-border criminal networks. Authorities are also worried about threats from violent extremist groups.

• Effective: 12 November 2025
• Ends: 11 May 2026

What travellers should do: Carry your passport at all borders, including land, air and sea. You may be screened when entering from Denmark.

8. France

France cites ongoing jihadist threats, a rise in antisemitic attacks and criminal groups involved in migrant smuggling. Northern coastal areas face tensions linked to irregular Channel crossings.

• Effective: 1 November 2025
• Ends: 30 April 2026

What travellers should do: Expect checks on land borders with Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Spain and Italy. Air and sea borders may also have extra screening.

9. Poland

Poland faces irregular migration pressure from Belarus and more illegal crossings near the German border. Authorities say the situation risks overwhelming security services.

• Effective: 5 October 2025
• Ends: 4 April 2026

What travellers should do: Keep travel documents handy when entering from Germany or Lithuania.

10. Germany

Germany reports high levels of irregular migration and smuggling networks. The asylum system is strained, and global conflicts add to the overall security pressure.

• Effective: 16 September 2025
• Ends: 15 March 2026

What travellers should do: Expect checks at borders with France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Czechia and Poland. Keep your passport easily accessible.

What Travellers Should Remember

Temporary border controls do not mean borders are closed. They simply allow authorities to check travellers for security reasons. If you’re travelling within the Schengen Zone in early to mid-2026:

• Always carry your passport or national ID card.
• Expect occasional delays at land borders and airports.
• Check local travel advisories before your trip.

These measures are expected to ease once the security situations improve later in 2026.

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