Free travel across Europe is no longer as obvious as it was just a few years ago. More and more countries in the Schengen Area are extending or reintroducing border controls, citing increasing migration pressure, the terrorist threat, and hybrid activities inspired by Russia and Belarus. For millions of tourists planning their holiday trips, this may mean potential delays, additional document checks, and longer travel times.
For years, the Schengen Area was a symbol of a united Europe and free movement between countries. In practice, it meant crossing borders without passport controls and without the long queues known from the past. However, the situation today looks different. An increasing number of countries are deciding to maintain extraordinary security measures, pointing to a deteriorating geopolitical situation and rising threats related to illegal migration.
Which countries have reintroduced border controls
Among the countries that have decided to maintain or reintroduce border controls are Germany, Austria, Italy, Denmark, France, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Bulgaria.
Individual countries cite different reasons for their decisions. The most frequently mentioned include terrorist threats, increased migration pressure, and the risk of hybrid operations targeting the security of European states.
Russian hybrid activities raise concerns in Europe
Security services in many countries are drawing attention to the growing threat of hybrid activities conducted by Russia. These include attempts to destabilize the internal situation of European states, the use of migration routes, and actions targeting critical infrastructure.
Experts emphasize that these threats are difficult to detect and often do not resemble traditional military operations. This is why many countries are introducing additional precautionary measures, including increased border checks.
According to security services, this is intended to make it more difficult for individuals who may pose a threat to public order and national security to move across borders.
Travelers must prepare for disruptions
For tourists planning trips across Europe, the most important consequence is potential delays when crossing borders. This applies both to car travel and to some bus and rail connections.
In practice, this means carrying a valid identity document even when traveling between Schengen Area countries. In some cases, drivers may also encounter random vehicle inspections.
Experts advise checking the latest information on route conditions before traveling and allowing extra time for border crossings.
Poland also feels the effects of the crisis
Particular attention from the authorities is focused on the situation on the eastern flank of the European Union. For many months, migration pressure linked to actions by the Belarusian regime has persisted, and services are warning about attempts to establish new smuggling routes.
The Polish-Lithuanian border is also becoming increasingly important, as it has become one of the main points of interest for European border protection services.
This is why some countries argue that maintaining controls is necessary to ensure the security of the entire Schengen Area.
Summer 2026 marked by greater caution
Although this does not mean a return to fully closed borders, traveling across Europe is becoming more complicated than just a few years ago. Tourists must expect possible document checks, longer travel times, and additional security procedures.
However, experts emphasize that most journeys still take place without major problems. Proper preparation and monitoring announcements from border authorities remain key.
One thing is certain – the summer of 2026 will take place under very different security conditions than those Europeans became accustomed to in the early years of the Schengen Area.