Schengen Countries Extend or Reinstate Border Checks in 2026

Several Schengen countries will continue or reintroduce internal border checks in 2026, temporarily rolling back the area’s traditional passport-free travel due to security concerns and high migration pressure. Nations such as Germany, France, Poland, Austria, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Norway have announced that they will maintain checks at their land, air, and sea borders into early-to-mid-2026. These measures are being taken in response to sustained irregular migration flows, strained asylum systems, and broader security risks linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as threats from organised crime and terrorism.

For travellers, this means that even when moving between Schengen states, passport and ID checks may still occur at internal borders, and longer processing times are possible at entry points. It’s advisable to always carry your travel documents, allow extra time for crossing borders, and check the specific requirements of each country before departure. While these controls do not close borders, they reintroduce screening practices that many visitors might not expect in the traditionally open Schengen Zone, so preparation and awareness will help ensure a smoother journey throughout Europe in 2026.