In 2025, Austria has joined a growing list of European nations—including Poland, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and others—in reinstating border controls. This is one of the most notable changes to Schengen travel in recent years.
These measures, allowed under the Schengen Borders Code, are being put in place due to a combination of factors: rising irregular migration, security concerns, and increased risks linked to terrorism and cross-border crime. Governments say the step is necessary to protect national security, better manage migration, and safeguard critical infrastructure.
What the Latest Advisories Say
Authorities in each country are advising travelers to:
- Keep valid identification or passports with you at all times.
- Allow extra time for your journey.
- Stay updated on inspection points and possible delays.
The changes are already affecting travel across Europe. Road, rail, air, and ferry passengers are facing longer processing times, ID checks, and even occasional baggage inspections. Whether you’re a tourist, business traveler, or transporting goods, planning ahead is now more important than ever.
Understanding Border Control
Border control refers to the rules and checks a country uses to monitor who enters and leaves its territory. This can involve checking passports, verifying IDs, inspecting baggage, or screening vehicles.
In the Schengen Zone—where open borders have been the norm—these kinds of checks are usually suspended. When they return, it’s generally for short periods and only in special circumstances.
Why This Matters for Travelers
For international visitors, these checks can mean:
- Longer waits at borders.
- Extra paperwork or proof of travel plans.
- Higher chances of itinerary disruptions.
While the purpose is usually to protect security and manage migration, the downside is that multi-country trips across Europe can become less seamless and more time-consuming.
Country-by-Country Updates
Poland – Tighter Borders with Germany and Lithuania
Poland has reinstated temporary controls with Germany and Lithuania until October 14, 2025, due to increased migration and irregular crossings. Border guards are checking documents and IDs at selected points.
Impact: Expect delays at major road, rail, and pedestrian crossings. Long-distance buses and freight may face extra waiting time, and train passengers could see onboard checks.
Advice: Always carry your ID, plan for delays, and be ready for mid-route inspections if traveling by train.
Netherlands – Checks with Belgium and Germany
Until December 8, 2025, the Netherlands is conducting land and air border checks due to rising asylum requests and irregular migration. Random roadside stops and extended ID verification at airports like Schiphol are in effect.
Impact: Delays possible on major highways and at airports. Freight trucks flagged for inspection may take longer to clear.
Advice: Arrive early for flights, keep ID handy, and expect spot checks when crossing by road.
Italy – Border Controls with Slovenia
Italy is enforcing checks with Slovenia until December 18, 2025 to counter terrorism threats and migration along the Balkan route.
Impact: Longer waits at crossings like Fernetti and Škofije. Rail routes between Trieste and Ljubljana may face delays due to onboard checks. Bus timetables have been adjusted to allow for extra time.
Advice: Carry ID, allow more time for your journey, and check transport schedules before you travel.
Austria – Multiple Border Controls Extended
Austria is extending controls with Hungary and Slovenia until November 11, 2025, and with Slovakia and Czechia until October 15, 2025. Additional police units and mobile inspection teams are in place.
Impact: Road traffic jams during peak travel times, especially at eastern and southern borders. Train services from Budapest, Ljubljana, Bratislava, and Prague may face checks.
Advice: Keep your ID ready and factor in extra travel time, especially on weekends.
Denmark – Land and Ferry Checks with Germany
Until November 11, 2025, Denmark has controls at both land borders and ferry terminals due to terrorism and sabotage risks.
Impact: Delays on the E45 highway and on Hamburg–Copenhagen trains. Longer boarding times at ferry ports like Rødby and Gedser.
Advice: Arrive early for ferries, have ID ready, and expect baggage checks at ports.
Norway – Ferry Port Checks
Norway has reinstated border controls at ferry ports connecting to other Schengen countries until November 11, 2025, to protect energy infrastructure.
Impact: Ferry passengers may face up to 45-minute delays. Freight shipments could also take longer to clear.
Advice: Get to ports early and expect ID checks before boarding and after arrival.
Sweden – Full Internal Border Checks
Sweden is enforcing checks across all land, air, and sea entry points until November 11, 2025, citing threats from organized crime and terrorism.
Impact: Delays at the Øresund Bridge, ID checks for air travelers from Schengen countries, and additional inspections at ferry terminals.
Advice: Plan for longer travel times and keep ID accessible at all times.
France – Extended Border Measures
France will maintain internal border checks until October 31, 2025 due to terrorism threats, migration challenges, and clashes among migrant groups.
Impact: Slower processing for TGV, Thalys, and Eurostar passengers, as well as road travelers from Belgium, Spain, and Italy. Airports have stepped up random screenings.
Advice: Arrive early for trains and flights, and expect road crossing delays.
Germany – Controls with Nine Neighboring Countries
Germany has border controls with nine countries until September 15, 2025, in response to migration and security concerns.
Impact: Long queues from Austria, Poland, and Czechia at busy times. Trains may be stopped for onboard ID checks.
Advice: Carry your documents at all times and add buffer time to your travel schedule.
Adapting to Europe’s New Border Reality
The return of border controls in Austria, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Italy marks a major shift in how travel within the Schengen Area works. While most of these measures are temporary, the effects are immediate—more ID checks, longer waits, and occasional schedule disruptions.
For travelers, being prepared is now essential:
- Keep your passport or national ID on hand.
- Allow extra time for journeys.
- Stay updated on advisories for each country you’re visiting.
Even in a region famous for open borders, changing global realities can alter travel rules overnight. In 2025, flexibility and preparation are your best travel companions.
