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10 Schengen Countries That Have Reintroduced Internal Border Controls

What Indian Travelers Need to Know

The Schengen Area has long been celebrated for its seamless, borderless travel across 29 European countries. However, recent geopolitical and security concerns have led 10 member states to temporarily reintroduce internal border controls. For Indian travelers, who often visit multiple countries on one Schengen visa, these changes mark a significant shift in how they navigate Europe.

Here’s a comprehensive look at which countries have reintroduced controls, why they’ve done so, and how this impacts Indian tourists, students, and business travelers.

Why Are Schengen Countries Reintroducing Border Controls?

The Schengen Borders Code allows temporary reintroduction of internal border controls in response to serious threats to public policy or internal security. In 2025, several EU countries have cited reasons such as:

  • Irregular migration and smuggling activities
  • Terrorism threats
  • Increased criminal activities
  • Public order concerns during large events or demonstrations

Although these controls are officially “temporary,” many countries have been renewing them for years. The EU Commission allows such renewals under exceptional circumstances, provided they are justified and proportional.

The 10 Countries with Reintroduced Internal Border Checks (2025)

Here are the 10 Schengen countries that have partially suspended borderless travel and the specific measures in place:

Germany

  • Effective till: September 15, 2025
  • Borders Affected: Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Luxembourg
  • Why: Irregular migration, cross-border smuggling, terrorism
  • Notes: Expect strict ID checks at land borders and highway crossings.

France

  • Effective till: April 30, 2025
  • Borders Affected: Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, Luxembourg, Switzerland
  • Why: High terrorist alert levels, migration from the Mediterranean region
  • Notes: Controls particularly active around seaports and train stations

Austria

  • Effective till: May 11, 2025
  • Borders Affected: Hungary, Slovenia
  • Why: Irregular migrant routes and smuggling via Balkan corridor

Italy

  • Effective till: June 18, 2025
  • Borders Affected: Slovenia
  • Why: Cross-border crime and migrant trafficking
  • Notes: Controls mostly affect road traffic and rail travel

The Netherlands

  • Effective till: June 8, 2025
  • Borders Affected: Belgium, Germany
  • Why: Human smuggling and irregular entry routes

Denmark

  • Effective till: May 11, 2025
  • Borders Affected: Germany (land and ferry borders)
  • Why: Threats from extremist groups and crime rings

Norway

  • Effective till: May 11, 2025
  • Borders Affected: Sea ports with ferry routes to Denmark, Sweden, Germany
  • Why: Unmonitored maritime entry points used by irregular migrants

Sweden

  • Effective till: May 11, 2025
  • Borders Affected: All internal Schengen borders
  • Why: High migration inflow, gang violence concerns

Slovenia

  • Effective till: June 21, 2025
  • Borders Affected: Hungary, Croatia
  • Why: To block illegal crossings via the Balkan route

Bulgaria

  • Effective till: June 30, 2025
  • Borders Affected: Romania
  • Why: Concerns about uncontrolled movement linked to refugee inflows

How Will This Affect Indian Travelers?

While the Schengen visa still allows entry to all member states, Indian travelers must prepare for reinstated border checks between certain countries, which could lead to delays and additional scrutiny.

  • Longer Travel Times and Delays

Border checks—especially by road or train—could lead to long queues, particularly during peak hours. Popular routes like Germany-Austria or France-Italy may now take longer due to ID verification and vehicle inspections.

  • Increased Documentation Requirements

Although you don’t need new visas for each country, Indian travelers may be asked to show:

  • Valid passport and visa
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Return flight tickets
  • Travel insurance
  • Itinerary or travel bookings

Travelers without proper documentation may face denial of entry even within the Schengen zone.

  • More Checks on Trains and Ferries

Train routes like Paris to Amsterdam or Munich to Salzburg may include border police checks en route. Ferries between Sweden, Norway, and Denmark are also monitored more closely now.

  • Less Spontaneous Travel

Previously, a Schengen visa allowed effortless country-hopping across Europe. With new checks, you should now plan your travel route carefully, allow time buffers, and be ready for unexpected inspections.

Travel Tips for Indian Tourists

  1. Check Border Control Status: Before entering a country, verify its current border policy.
  2. Carry Physical Documents: Digital versions may not be accepted at checkpoints. Keep hard copies of your visa, passport, bookings, and insurance.
  3. Arrive Early for Trains and Road Crossings: Especially for cross-border day trips or international bus journeys.
  4. Be Polite and Cooperative: Border officials may randomly inspect travelers. A calm and cooperative attitude will help.
  5. Watch for the New EU Entry/Exit System (EES): Coming in October 2025, this will digitize passport control and log biometric data at entry/exit points, adding new layers to border processing.

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The Schengen Area is still open for travel, and a single Schengen visa remains valid for visiting multiple countries. However, temporary border controls are becoming more common due to migration and security challenges. For Indian travelers, this means being better prepared, informed, and organized.