France Joins Germany, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Poland and More to Reinstate Internal Border Controls Across Schengen Area, Unprecedented Impact on European Travel, Delays, and Security Measures in 2026

Written By: Susmita Das

Susmita Das

I am a content writer with over six years of experience in creating engaging, well-researched, and SEO-driven content. At Travel and Tour World, I cover global travel, tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination news, transforming complex industry developments into clear, informative, and reader-friendly stories. I have a strong understanding of SEO best practices, including keyword research, on-page optimization, content structuring, and search intent, allowing me to create content that is both valuable to readers and optimized for search engines. Passionate about research and storytelling, I am committed to delivering accurate, insightful, and impactful content that keeps readers informed about the ever-evolving travel industry.

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May 13, 2026 11:58 GMT+5:30

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In 2026, a dramatic shift has taken place within the Schengen Area as France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, and several other European countries have reintroduced internal border controls, signaling a deepening border crisis across the continent. This move comes as governments are grappling with heightened security concerns, including the rising threats of terrorism, organized crime, and irregular migration. The decision to reinstate border checks is a direct response to these escalating issues, with many countries citing the need to protect national security, manage migration flows more effectively, and secure key international events taking place within their borders.

These border checks, which have now been enforced across land, sea, and air entry points, mark a significant departure from the decades-long practice of seamless travel within the Schengen Area. Travelers who once enjoyed the freedom of crossing borders without significant delays are now facing an entirely new reality. The reimposition of these controls is likely to cause significant disruptions in travel, with longer wait times at airports, train stations, and ferry terminals, as well as increased scrutiny for all travelers, even for those moving within the same region.

The unprecedented impact on European travel is already being felt, as travelers are now required to factor in potential delays, additional documentation checks, and new security measures into their travel plans. As Europe’s border crisis continues to unfold, it is becoming increasingly clear that this shift will have long-lasting implications for tourism, logistics, and daily life within the Schengen zone. This article delves into the reasons behind these changes and what every traveler needs to know to navigate the evolving landscape of border checks and security measures in 2026.

France: A Security Response to Terrorism and Migration Pressures

Duration: May 1 – October 31, 2026
Focus Areas: All borders (land, sea, and air)
Key Issues: Terrorism threats, migrant smuggling, and international events (G7 Summit)

France, one of the founding members of the Schengen Area, has reinstated temporary border checks across all its entry points in 2026. With security concerns growing, France’s government cited threats of terrorism, migrant smuggling, and the need for enhanced security during major international events like the G7 Summit as key reasons behind the move. The checks will apply to all borders, including land borders with neighboring countries, airports, and ports.

Impact on Travel:

• Delays at Major Border Points: Travelers should expect delays when crossing into France from neighboring Schengen countries. Border points, including highways and major transport hubs, will see increased security measures.
• G7 Summit Security: France is gearing up for the G7 Summit, which requires additional border checks and public safety measures. Expect further scrutiny around summit-related locations.
• Travel Documents: Even for EU citizens, it is crucial to carry a valid passport or National ID card when entering France, as digital copies of documents may not be accepted at some checkpoints.

Germany: Tackling Migration and Global Security Concerns

Duration: March 16 – September 15, 2026
Focus Areas: All land borders
Key Issues: Irregular migration, security concerns related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and global instability.

Germany’s decision to reinstate border checks stems from rising migration pressures and security concerns related to global conflicts, particularly the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. With an influx of migrants and security threats from both near and far, Germany has maintained border checks, especially along major highways and rail routes, which directly impact transit between countries like France, Poland, and the Netherlands.

Impact on Travel:

• Longer Travel Times: Both train and bus services, including Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus, will experience delays. Trains and buses traveling through Germany, especially along its borders with France and Poland, will face heightened checks, adding 20–45 minutes to travel times.
• Increased Security at Border Crossings: Road travelers crossing into Germany from neighboring countries should anticipate longer wait times at checkpoints.
• Border Buffer Zones: High-speed rail services, which were once seamless, will now likely involve stationary stops for inspection. This will slow down travel between Germany and neighboring countries.

Norway: A Focus on Protecting Infrastructure and Energy Security

Duration: May 12 – November 11, 2026
Focus Areas: Ferry ports with connections to the Schengen Area
Key Issues: Energy infrastructure, smuggling, and logistics security.

Norway, while not an EU member, is part of the Schengen Area. Its decision to reintroduce border checks has focused on ferry ports connecting Norway to neighboring Schengen states. This move stems from concerns regarding energy infrastructure and logistics security, particularly as Norway plays a crucial role in Europe’s energy supply.

Impact on Travel:

• Ferry Delays: Travelers crossing between Norway and Sweden or Denmark by ferry should anticipate longer waiting times. The increased checks at ferry terminals may lead to delays of up to 1 hour before departure.
• Logistical Disruptions: Freight transport between Norway and the Schengen Area may face similar delays, particularly for industries dependent on energy resources and logistics, such as oil or gas distribution.

Sweden: Countering Organized Crime and Extremist Threats

Duration: May 12 – November 11, 2026
Focus Areas: All borders (land, air, sea)
Key Issues: Organized crime and terrorism threats.

Sweden, which shares borders with both Norway and Denmark, has reintroduced border checks across all its borders due to rising threats from organized crime and extremist groups. With criminal activity increasing and terrorist threats on the rise, Sweden has decided to take further precautions, even within the Schengen Area.

Impact on Travel:

• Border Delays: Travelers entering Sweden from Norway and Denmark can expect delays. Both train services (e.g., SJ trains) and buses will be subject to random inspections, leading to longer wait times.
• Spot Checks on Trains: Expect random checks on international trains, including those coming from neighboring countries like Norway.

The Netherlands: Asylum Pressures and Smuggling Operations

Duration: June 9 – September 30, 2026
Focus Areas: Borders with Belgium and Germany
Key Issues: Asylum seekers, migrant smuggling

The Netherlands has reintroduced border checks due to the increasing asylum pressure and ongoing concerns about migrant smuggling. The country’s location at the center of Europe’s migration routes has led to heightened security checks at both Belgium and Germany borders, aiming to control irregular migration into the country.

Impact on Travel:

• Delays at Border Crossings: Travelers entering the Netherlands from Belgium and Germany should prepare for significant delays, especially during busy travel periods.
• Checkpoints on Trains and Buses: Expect random checks on trains and buses heading into the Netherlands. International services may face delays of up to 45 minutes depending on the volume of people and the time of day.

Poland: Security Along the Eastern Border

Duration: April 5 – October 1, 2026
Focus Areas: Borders with Germany and Lithuania
Key Issues: Migration management, regional security.

Poland, located at the eastern edge of the Schengen Area, has seen significant migration pressures, especially along its Belarus and Ukraine borders. To manage this situation, Poland has reintroduced internal border controls, primarily along its land borders with Germany and Lithuania.

Impact on Travel:

• Cross-Border Delays: Travelers crossing between Poland and Germany or Poland and Lithuania should expect significant delays due to checks at land crossings.
• Rail and Bus Delays: Trains and buses from Germany into Poland may experience delays as additional checks are performed.

Denmark: Focus on Terrorism and Organized Crime

Duration: May 12 – July 11, 2026
Focus Areas: Borders with Germany
Key Issues: Counter-terrorism and organized crime.

Denmark has decided to reintroduce border checks along its border with Germany due to rising terrorism and organized crime risks. While Denmark has generally maintained a more open policy towards border control, the recent increase in cross-border criminal activities and terrorist threats have prompted its government to implement stricter measures.

Impact on Travel:

• Border Checks and Delays: Travelers should anticipate longer waits when crossing the Copenhagen-Malmö bridge and at other German-Danish border crossings.
• Train and Bus Inspections: International trains and buses will undergo routine checks. Be prepared for random document checks at stations and on board.

Switzerland: Short-Term Border Controls for G7 Summit

Duration: June 10 – June 19, 2026
Focus Areas: French border (Lake Geneva area)
Key Issues: Security for the G7 Summit in France.

Although not part of the EU, Switzerland is a Schengen Area member and has reintroduced temporary border checks during key events, including the G7 Summit in Evian, France. Switzerland’s primary concern is to ensure security during this major international gathering.

Impact on Travel:

• Traffic Congestion: The Lake Geneva border area will experience major congestion due to the security measures in place for the G7 Summit. Drivers should expect significant delays.
• Additional Checks on Travelers: Passengers traveling by rail and air may face additional scrutiny during this time, especially if they are traveling between Switzerland and France.

Austria, Italy, and Slovenia: Migration and Security Pressures Along Key Routes

Austria:

• Duration: Dec 16, 2025 – June 15, 2026
• Focus Areas: Borders with Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Czechia
• Key Issues: Migration along the Balkan routes.

Italy:

• Duration: Dec 19, 2025 – June 18, 2026
• Focus Areas: Slovenian border
• Key Issues: Security for the Catholic Jubilee and Winter Olympics.

Slovenia:

• Duration: Dec 22, 2025 – June 21, 2026
• Focus Areas: Borders with Croatia and Hungary
• Key Issues: Terrorism, global instability.

These three central European countries are particularly focused on migration control and security for major events in 2026, such as the Catholic Jubilee in Italy and the Winter Olympics.

Impact on Travel:

• Longer Waits at Borders: Travelers crossing from Slovenia into Italy and Austria into Slovenia will experience delays, particularly at busy border points.
• Special Event Security: With religious gatherings and international sporting events on the calendar, travelers can expect additional checks and delays, particularly at transport hubs.

How Temporary Border Checks are Impacting Travelers

1. Delays in Transportation:

• Rail Travel: Expect 20 to 45-minute delays as high-speed trains now include scheduled stops for security checks.
• Road and Bus Travel: Cross-border buses like FlixBus may experience up to 90-minute delays. Border crossings such as the German-Polish and French-German borders are likely to be the most affected.
• Ferry Ports: In countries like Norway and Denmark, passengers are advised to arrive 1 hour earlier than usual to accommodate new document screening procedures at ferry terminals.

2. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES):

• Biometric Checks: Non-EU travelers (including those from the UK, US, and Canada) now face biometric registration at external borders, including facial scans and fingerprints.
• Internal Border Checks: Border police in countries like Germany and France are now using the EES database to monitor travelers’ entry and exit times, leading to more rigorous internal checks.

3. Economic Impact:

• Cross-Border Workers: People commuting between countries like France and Germany have reported losses of up to 5 hours per week due to delays at border crossings.
• Supply Chain Delays: Businesses, especially those relying on just-in-time delivery systems, are seeing disruptions, costing sectors like transportation €9 million per week in additional delays.

4. Types of Border Controls:

• Fixed Checkpoints: Expect permanent police presence at key locations, including Brenner Pass (Austria-Italy) and Copenhagen-Malmö (Denmark-Sweden).
• Mobile Spot Checks: In countries like Germany, travelers may face random mobile checks during transit, adding unpredictability to cross-border journeys.

In 2026, France joins Germany, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, and other Schengen countries to reinstate internal border controls due to rising terrorism, migration pressures, and security threats, impacting European travel.

Conclusion: Preparing for Travel in 2026

As the Schengen Area shifts in 2026, travelers across Europe must be prepared for significant changes to their travel plans. Temporary border controls have reshaped the once seamless travel experience, creating delays, disruptions, and increased security checks at key border points.

To navigate these challenges, it’s crucial for travelers to stay informed, carry the appropriate documents, and plan for delays when crossing borders. The Schengen Area may still be a major travel region, but it’s no longer the frictionless zone it once was.

By staying up-to-date with the latest border policies and being prepared for the new travel realities, you can still explore Europe, even with the increased complexities of travel in 2026.