Poland Unites With Denmark, Germany, Slovenia, Italy, And Norway In Strengthened Border Controls Travel Across Europe Amid Security Threats In 2026: New Updates You Need To Know

Published on December 19, 2025

Poland unites with Denmark, Germany, Slovenia, Italy, and Norway in extending border controls across Europe to address growing security concerns in 2026, as countries face rising threats from irregular migration, terrorism, and organized crime. These temporary measures, allowed under Schengen Area rules, are a response to heightened risks that threaten public safety and border security. As a result, travelers across Europe will experience additional checks at land borders, airports, and ports, potentially causing delays and requiring extra precautions when crossing multiple countries. This coordinated effort is aimed at ensuring safety while managing increasing security challenges across the continent. As tensions rise globally, several Schengen countries, including Poland, Denmark, Germany, Slovenia, Italy, and Norway, are maintaining or reintroducing border controls in 2026 to combat security threats such as irregular migration, terrorism, and organized crime. These temporary measures are designed to safeguard citizens and travelers by allowing authorities to perform necessary checks while minimizing risks. With major international events, ongoing conflicts, and complex migration routes contributing to the security landscape, these countries are taking proactive steps to address the challenges at their borders. Travelers heading to or within the Schengen Area in 2026 should expect delays, particularly at busy border crossings, and must prepare to carry their passports or national IDs at all times.

As we approach 2026, travel within the Schengen Area — known for its open borders and easy movement — faces new challenges. Due to ongoing security concerns, rising migration pressures, and potential terrorist threats, several Schengen countries will keep or reintroduce border checks in 2026. These checks are a temporary measure allowed under EU rules to ensure safety and public order, but they will undoubtedly impact the travel experience for many. Travelers planning to visit multiple Schengen countries in 2026 should be aware of the changes and prepare accordingly.

Why Are Border Checks Returning?

Schengen countries can reintroduce internal border controls under certain circumstances, such as threats to public order, security, or to manage migration pressures. While temporary, these border checks can cause significant disruptions. They are designed to safeguard the safety of citizens and travelers, but they may result in long delays at border crossings, airports, and ports. Several countries are reintroducing these controls to tackle issues like irregular migration, terrorism, organized crime, and the impact of global conflicts.

Austria: Responding to Migration Pressures from the Balkans

Effective: 16 December 2025
Ends: 15 June 2026

Austria will continue its border checks in 2026 due to the high number of irregular migrants traveling through the Balkan routes. The country’s asylum system is under immense pressure, exacerbated by the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. With the rising number of refugees and migrants crossing into Austria, the country is taking extra security measures to maintain control over its borders.

What Travelers Should Expect:
Travelers entering Austria from Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, or Slovenia should carry their passports and prepare for potential checks. While checks will primarily target individuals coming from these countries, expect delays and plan extra time when crossing borders.

Slovenia: Securing Borders Amid Major Events

Effective: 22 December 2025
Ends: 21 June 2026

Slovenia is on high alert as it prepares for increased security risks due to events like the Winter Olympics in Italy. The country’s concerns include potential terrorist threats, organized crime, and the possibility of infiltration through the Western Balkan migration routes. Slovenia is also facing an uptick in irregular migration, which is further complicating its security landscape.

What Travelers Should Expect:
Travelers entering Slovenia from Croatia and Hungary should be prepared for thorough checks. Slower crossings are expected during busy travel periods, particularly near major border crossings and highways. It’s advised to keep your passport handy for easier movement through these regions.

Italy: Managing Security in the Face of Large Crowds

Effective: 19 December 2025
Ends: 18 June 2026

Italy’s security concerns are multifaceted, from terrorist threats to potential infiltration via irregular migration routes. With major events like the Jubilee Year and the Winter Olympics bringing large crowds to Italy, the government has decided to reinforce its internal border controls for 2026.

What Travelers Should Expect:
If you’re entering Italy from Slovenia, be sure to have your ID ready. Prepare for additional checks at border crossings, particularly during peak tourist seasons and major events. Make sure to allocate extra time for your travel, especially when crossing borders during high-traffic periods.

The Netherlands: Overwhelmed by Asylum Applications

Effective: 9 December 2025
Ends: 8 June 2026

The Netherlands is struggling to manage an overwhelming number of asylum applications and irregular migrant entries. Smuggling networks also use the country as a transit hub, adding further pressure to its security system. The Dutch government has decided that border checks will be necessary throughout 2026 to manage these challenges effectively.

What Travelers Should Expect:
Expect checks at the borders with Belgium and Germany, particularly at key transit points. Air travelers should also anticipate additional checks at some Schengen-area airports. Always keep your passport on hand, even for short cross-border trips within the region.

Denmark: Responding to Rising Security Concerns

Effective: 12 November 2025
Ends: 11 May 2026

Denmark’s security concerns have been heightened by the possibility of sabotage linked to Russia, in addition to rising threats from terrorism and organized crime networks. Denmark’s government has reintroduced border controls in response to these risks, especially along its borders with Germany.

What Travelers Should Expect:
Prepare for possible border checks when traveling across Denmark’s land and sea borders with Germany. Keep your documents ready and anticipate delays at major entry points. Travelers may also face additional checks if security conditions require it.

Norway: Protecting Critical Infrastructure

Effective: 12 November 2025
Ends: 11 May 2026

Norway’s primary concern is protecting its vital energy infrastructure, particularly in light of threats from foreign intelligence groups. The country is also monitoring potential sabotage activities linked to international conflicts. As a result, border checks will be in place for 2026, especially in areas critical to national security.

What Travelers Should Expect:
Travelers should be prepared for checks at ports, especially those with ferry connections to other Schengen countries. If traveling by sea or air, carry your passport and expect possible delays at boarding points and ferry terminals.

Sweden: Tackling Cross-Border Criminal Networks

Effective: 12 November 2025
Ends: 11 May 2026

Sweden is grappling with a rise in organized crime and cross-border criminal networks. There are also concerns about violent extremist groups operating within and across Sweden’s borders. Given the ongoing security risks, the country has decided to maintain internal border checks in 2026 to combat these threats.

What Travelers Should Expect:
Carry your passport at all times when crossing Swedish borders by land, sea, or air. Border checks may be in place for travelers entering Sweden from Denmark, so be prepared for possible screenings and delays.

France: Addressing Terrorist Threats and Criminal Activities

Effective: 1 November 2025
Ends: 30 April 2026

France is dealing with a growing threat of jihadist terrorism and criminal activities related to irregular migration and migrant smuggling. The northern coastal areas, in particular, are under high scrutiny due to the continued irregular Channel crossings. France is implementing heightened border controls in 2026 to address these ongoing risks.

What Travelers Should Expect:
Travelers should expect routine checks on land borders with Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy. In addition, air and sea borders may also see increased security measures. Be prepared for possible delays at border crossings and increased screening at transportation hubs.

Poland: Addressing Irregular Migration from Belarus

Effective: 5 October 2025
Ends: 4 April 2026

Poland is facing significant irregular migration pressure from Belarus, with a rise in illegal crossings near the German border. The situation has escalated to the point where Polish security services are overwhelmed. To maintain control and ensure public safety, Poland has decided to extend border checks into 2026.

What Travelers Should Expect:
If traveling to Poland from Germany or Lithuania, be ready for security checks. It’s important to carry your passport and any relevant travel documents when crossing the border, as checks may occur without prior notice.

Germany: Straining Under Migration Pressures

Effective: 16 September 2025
Ends: 15 March 2026

Germany, similarly to Poland, is facing high levels of irregular migration and an overburdened asylum system. The country is also dealing with criminal smuggling networks and the broader global security risks that stem from ongoing conflicts. Germany’s decision to extend border controls into 2026 reflects the strain on its security and migration systems.

What Travelers Should Expect:
Expect checks at Germany’s borders with France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, and Poland. Travelers should carry their passport or national ID card, as checks can be expected at these borders and even at airports.

What Travelers Should Remember

Though these border controls might cause some inconvenience, it’s important to note that they do not mean the Schengen Area is closing its borders. These measures are temporary and are designed to address current security challenges. If you’re traveling within the Schengen Zone in early to mid-2026:

• Always carry your passport or national ID card, as checks can happen at land borders and airports.
• Expect delays at border crossings and airports, particularly during busy travel seasons or major events.
• Stay informed by checking local travel advisories for the most up-to-date information on border control measures and potential disruptions.
• These border controls are expected to ease as security situations improve later in 2026.

Poland unites with Denmark, Germany, Slovenia, Italy, and Norway in extending border controls across Europe in 2026 to address growing security concerns, including rising migration, terrorism, and organized crime. These temporary measures are essential for safeguarding public safety and managing increasing threats across the continent.

As Europe faces growing security concerns, migration pressures, and global geopolitical tensions, several Schengen countries are extending or reintroducing border controls in 2026. Travelers planning to visit multiple countries should be prepared for potential delays, passport checks, and security screenings. By staying informed and prepared, travelers can better navigate the challenges posed by these temporary measures and ensure smoother travel throughout Europe.