Travel within the Schengen Area has long been synonymous with seamless, passport-free movement. In 2026, however, that experience is becoming less predictable. Eleven EU and Schengen-associated nations have reinstated temporary internal border controls — citing terrorism threats, migration pressures, organised crime, and geopolitical instability as their primary justifications.
The checks affect road, rail, ferry, and in some cases air travel between countries that normally allow unrestricted movement. Here is a country-by-country guide to where checks are active, when they run, and what travellers need to know.
France — 1st May to 31st October 2026
France is one of the most stringently enforced countries for temporary Schengen controls. Authorities cite terrorism risks, migrant smuggling, rising violence near northern coastal regions, and broader geopolitical instability. Land, sea, and air borders are all subject to checks, with heightened enforcement expected near Calais and Dunkirk, and additional tightening during the G7 Summit period.
Travel tips: Carry valid travel documents at all times. Expect additional checks near northern coastal crossings and during major events.
Norway — 12th May to 11th November 2026
Norway’s temporary controls focus on threats to energy and logistics infrastructure. Checks are primarily applied at ferry ports connected to Schengen nations and major transport hubs.
Travel tips: Arrive earlier than usual at ferry ports. Carry valid ID and travel insurance. Delays may occur during security screenings.
Denmark — 12th May to 11th July 2026
Denmark has extended border reviews due to terrorism concerns, organised crime, and potential sabotage threats linked to regional tensions. Controls primarily affect the border with Germany.
Travel tips: Expect checks at land and sea crossings from Germany. Keep passports easily accessible during road travel. Train passengers may face spontaneous checks.
Sweden — 12th May to 11th November 2026
Sweden has reinstated controls citing cross-border organised crime and threats from extremist groups. Checks cover sea, land, and air borders, including routes connected to Denmark.
Travel tips: Air passengers may face identification checks. Ferry passengers should expect additional screening. Keep travel documents accessible throughout your journey.
The Netherlands — 9th June to 30th September 2026
The Netherlands points to increasing asylum requests, irregular migration, and migrant smuggling pressures on its reception system. Temporary reviews will affect land borders with Belgium and Germany, and some intra-Schengen flights.
Travel tips: Always carry a passport or national identity card. Allow extra time at border crossings from Germany and Belgium. Trains and buses may experience delays.
Switzerland — 10th to 19th June 2026
Switzerland’s controls are specifically linked to the G7 Summit taking place in Evian, France. Checks are concentrated primarily around the Lake Geneva area and nearby border crossings with France.
Travel tips: Travel around Lake Geneva will take longer during this period. Keep hotel bookings and travel papers on hand. Allow extra time for all cross-border journeys.
Germany — 16th March to 15th September 2026
Germany has the broadest controls of any country on this list, covering almost all its neighbouring borders. Authorities cite irregular migration, migrant smuggling, and broader security concerns related to international conflicts including the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle Eastern instability.
Travel tips: Border checks may affect road and rail travel across multiple entry points into Germany. Keep passports accessible even within the Schengen Area. Expect longer queues during peak travel periods.
Poland — 5th April to 1st October 2026
Poland’s temporary controls are driven by ongoing migration pressure near the German and Lithuanian borders. Checks are active along both borders.
Travel tips: Carry identification documents during all cross-border travel. Road traffic near border points may slow significantly. Buses may be subject to passenger checks.
Austria — 16th December 2025 to 15th June 2026
Austria reinstated controls in late 2025 citing migration pressure through Balkan routes. Temporary reviews affect borders with Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic.
Travel tips: Road crossings may take significantly longer than usual. Carry printed copies of hotel and travel bookings. Be prepared for spontaneous baggage checks at crossing points.
Slovenia — 22nd December 2025 to 21st June 2026
Slovenia’s controls target terrorism concerns, organised crime, migrant smuggling, and threats related to regional instability. Controls focus on borders with Hungary and Croatia.
Travel tips: Road crossings may face congestion. Carry passports for all short cross-border trips. Night-time travel may involve more intensive security checks.
Italy — 19th December 2025 to 18th June 2026
Italy’s temporary controls are linked to migration routes, trafficking networks, the Catholic Jubilee, and the upcoming Winter Olympics. Checks are primarily focused on the Slovenian border.
Travel tips: Additional screening may be applied on buses and trains at the Slovenian border. Carry evidence of accommodation bookings and return tickets.
Schengen Border Controls 2026 — At a Glance
| Country | Start Date | End Date | Borders Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 1st May 2026 | 31st October 2026 | All land, sea, and air borders |
| Norway | 12th May 2026 | 11th November 2026 | Ferry ports and major transport hubs |
| Denmark | 12th May 2026 | 11th July 2026 | Border with Germany |
| Sweden | 12th May 2026 | 11th November 2026 | Sea, land, and air borders |
| Netherlands | 9th June 2026 | 30th September 2026 | Borders with Belgium and Germany; some Schengen flights |
| Switzerland | 10th June 2026 | 19th June 2026 | Border with France (Lake Geneva area) |
| Germany | 16th March 2026 | 15th September 2026 | Almost all neighbouring borders |
| Poland | 5th April 2026 | 1st October 2026 | Borders with Germany and Lithuania |
| Austria | 16th December 2025 | 15th June 2026 | Borders with Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic |
| Slovenia | 22nd December 2025 | 21st June 2026 | Borders with Hungary and Croatia |
| Italy | 19th December 2025 | 18th June 2026 | Border with Slovenia |
What All Schengen Travellers Should Do in 2026
- Carry a valid passport or national identity card at all times — even within the Schengen Area
- Build extra time into itineraries for bus, train, ferry, and road journeys across borders
- Check official travel advisories and consulate websites before departure
- Keep both digital and printed copies of bookings, accommodation details, and travel documents
- Expect periodic spot checks even at borders not formally listed as active control points
Conclusion
Schengen border controls in 2026 do not mean the zone is closing — most travellers will still move across Europe without serious disruption. But the days of entirely friction-free cross-border travel are becoming less predictable. For anyone planning multi-country European itineraries — especially by road or rail — building in extra time, carrying documents at all times, and staying flexible are the most practical steps you can take to ensure a smooth journey this year.