Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Bulgaria, and Slovenia Face Rising Border Checks, Disrupting Travel Across Schengen

Published on February 24, 2025

By: Rana Pratap

For decades, the Schengen Zone has represented the ideal of seamless travel across Europe, allowing millions to move freely without border checks. However, this freedom is now under strain as Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Bulgaria, and Slovenia tighten border controls, disrupting once-effortless journeys.

Citing concerns over irregular migration, security threats, and political pressures, these nations have reinstated passport checks and inspections at key crossings. From sleeper trains to road borders, travelers now face delays, unexpected document checks, and a growing sense that Schengen’s promise of unrestricted movement is slowly unraveling.

The Unraveling of Schengen’s Border-Free Travel

Citing concerns over irregular migration, security threats, and political pressures, these nations have reinstated passport checks and inspections at key crossings. Once a symbol of unity, Schengen’s borderless promise is now being tested like never before. Travelers, whether on sleeper trains, buses, or even road trips, now face increased scrutiny, unexpected document checks, and long delays.

Midnight Checks on Sleeper Trains

The idea of uninterrupted overnight train journeys has always been part of Schengen’s appeal. However, border controls have turned these once-tranquil experiences into something far less predictable. Midnight knocks from border police, abrupt wake-up calls, and document inspections have become an unsettling new reality for train passengers.

Border Controls: A Growing Trend

Since the establishment of Schengen in 1985, internal border checks were meant to be an exception, only implemented temporarily in extraordinary circumstances. However, these so-called temporary measures have now become more frequent and widespread. As of February 2025, ten Schengen countries—Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, and Sweden—have imposed emergency border checks.

This has led to passport inspections at 27 different borders, affecting thousands of daily travelers. The table below highlights some of the key border controls currently in place across Europe:

Are These Border Checks Effective?

Germany has significantly intensified its border enforcement, turning away 47,000 people in the past year alone as part of broader security operations. However, while these measures aim to curb illegal crossings, their effectiveness remains debatable.

Certain forms of transport—particularly buses and trains—face the strictest scrutiny, while cars and flights experience fewer inspections. This selective enforcement raises concerns over whether the border checks genuinely address migration challenges or are simply political gestures.

What It Means for Travelers

For tourists and frequent travelers, these border measures bring inconvenience, uncertainty, and potential delays. While major train operators like ÖBB and Deutsche Bahn cooperate with authorities, they acknowledge that border checks can disrupt schedules and cause unexpected interruptions.

Though passengers experiencing delays of more than 60 minutes are typically entitled to compensation, the inconvenience itself diminishes the effortless travel experience Schengen was meant to guarantee.

Will Border Checks Ever Be Lifted?

With migration and security concerns still shaping European politics, it’s unlikely that Schengen will return to its original, border-free state anytime soon. Although EU law allows temporary border checks for a maximum of two years, some nations have continuously extended them beyond this limit.

Despite calls for enforcement, the European Commission has hesitated to take action against countries that repeatedly renew their controls, meaning these restrictions may remain in place for the foreseeable future.

How to Minimize Travel Hassles

While border checks may be here to stay, travelers can take steps to avoid unnecessary delays:

• Always carry your passport and have it readily accessible. Even if you don’t expect a check, being prepared saves time and stress.
• Account for potential delays. If crossing borders, add extra time to avoid missing connections.
• Choose your mode of transport wisely. Trains and buses are checked more frequently than flights or personal vehicles.

The Future of Schengen Travel

The ideal of unrestricted travel across Europe is fading, replaced by a new era of border controls and security-driven restrictions. For now, travelers must adapt to these evolving conditions—and keep their passports close at hand.