Germany and More Schengen Countries Extend Border Checks Into 2027, Affecting European Travel

Germany, France, Austria, Poland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway are set to continue temporary border checks into 2027, creating another consideration for international travellers planning holidays across Europe. While the Schengen Area continues to offer passport-free movement between its participating countries, extended security measures mean that visitors crossing certain internal borders could face additional identity inspections. The restrictions cover different land, air and sea routes, with some arrangements continuing until May 2027. For holidaymakers planning multi-country European trips, understanding which borders are affected could help prevent unexpected interruptions to their journeys.

Seven Schengen Countries Maintain Border Controls Into 2027

The European Commission’s latest notification register confirms that seven Schengen countries have submitted temporary internal border-control arrangements extending into 2027. The measures differ in duration and geographical coverage, meaning that travellers will not encounter identical requirements across every European destination.

Germany and Austria have notified controls until March 15, 2027, while Poland’s arrangements extend until March 30. France has scheduled its current controls until April 30. Denmark, Sweden and Norway have the latest notified expiry date, May 11, 2027.

Germany’s measures cover all nine of its land borders, including crossings with France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Czechia and Poland. France’s notification covers internal land, air and sea borders with Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Spain and Italy.

Austria’s controls affect its borders with Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary and Slovenia. Poland is maintaining checks along its frontiers with Germany and Lithuania. Denmark’s arrangements cover land and sea borders with Germany, while Sweden’s notification covers its internal borders across land, air and sea. Norway’s measures are specifically directed at ports with ferry connections to other Schengen countries.

These different arrangements mean that the impact will depend heavily on the route and transport method selected by each visitor.

Germany and France Cite Security and Migration Concerns

Germany’s continued border inspections are linked to irregular migration, migrant-smuggling networks and pressure on its asylum reception system. Its notification also refers to the wider international security environment, including Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and developments in the Middle East and Central Asia.

France has identified several security concerns behind its extension. These include persistent jihadist threats, increasing antisemitic attacks, organised criminal networks involved in irregular migration and smuggling, and possible infiltration by radicalised individuals. Authorities have also highlighted instability in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Somalia.

For international tourists, the two countries are particularly important because they connect numerous popular European destinations. Visitors travelling between Paris, Brussels, Luxembourg, Geneva, Barcelona and other major cities may need to account for possible document inspections on affected routes.

The measures do not prevent tourists from visiting these destinations. Instead, they allow authorities to conduct additional checks where necessary to address the identified security concerns.

Austria and Poland Maintain Checks Across Central Europe

Austria’s continued border controls are particularly relevant to travellers exploring Central Europe. The country connects several major tourism destinations, including Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Bratislava and Ljubljana.

Its notification identifies irregular migration, pressure on asylum reception facilities and basic services, and wider security developments as reasons for maintaining the measures.

Poland is taking a similar approach along its German and Lithuanian borders. Authorities have cited continued migratory pressure along these frontiers as the primary reason for the extension.

These routes are important for international road trips, coach journeys and railway connections. Travellers moving between Berlin and Warsaw or continuing towards Lithuania and other Baltic destinations may therefore encounter additional identity checks.

For visitors with tightly scheduled connections, allowing some flexibility could make cross-border journeys easier to manage.

Denmark, Sweden and Norway Extend Northern European Checks

Northern Europe will also remain affected by temporary border controls during the first half of 2027.

Denmark has identified possible sabotage activities, terrorism-related incidents and organised crime as continuing security concerns. Its notified measures cover land and sea borders with Germany.

Sweden’s notification identifies security threats associated with Russia’s war against Ukraine, related hybrid threats, organised crime and the instrumentalisation of migration. Its controls cover internal land, air and sea borders.

Norway has adopted a more specific approach. Its notification focuses on ports handling ferry connections with other Schengen countries, citing threats to the energy sector and possible sabotage.

These arrangements are particularly relevant for travellers planning Scandinavian holidays. International ferry journeys, road trips connecting Denmark and Germany, and journeys involving Sweden could require additional attention to travel documentation.

Norway’s inclusion is also significant because, although it is not an EU member, it participates in the Schengen Area.

Passport-Free Schengen Travel Is Not Being Abolished

Despite the extensions, the European Commission has not announced the end of passport-free travel across Europe.

The Schengen Area includes 29 countries and allows more than 450 million people to move between participating destinations without routine internal border checks. However, the Schengen Borders Code permits governments to temporarily restore inspections when serious threats to public policy or internal security arise.

The European Commission treats these controls as exceptional measures that must remain necessary and proportionate. Countries must also notify the Commission about their arrangements and provide information supporting the need for continued restrictions.

In a June 2026 assessment, the Commission issued opinions concerning prolonged border controls maintained by nine Schengen countries. It acknowledged legitimate security and migration concerns but encouraged governments to gradually lift prolonged checks and explore alternative security measures.

This reflects the continuing challenge of maintaining national security while preserving the freedom of movement that supports European tourism, business and cross-border communities.

What Travellers Should Know Before Visiting Europe in 2027

Visitors planning holidays across several European countries should carry valid passports and the appropriate visas or residence documents throughout their journeys. EU citizens should also carry recognised identity documents.

Travellers should allow additional flexibility for road, rail and ferry connections, particularly when crossing borders covered by the temporary arrangements. However, the notifications do not establish that every passenger will be inspected or that all crossings will experience delays.

It is also important to distinguish internal Schengen checks from external border procedures. Travellers arriving from outside the Schengen Area must continue to satisfy the ordinary entry requirements applicable to their nationality and immigration status.

European Travel Remains Open, but Preparation Matters

For tourists dreaming of exploring several European destinations in one holiday, the continuation of border checks does not mean abandoning those plans. Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Warsaw, Copenhagen, Stockholm and other popular cities remain accessible to eligible international visitors. However, the journey between them may involve additional document inspections depending on the route and the measures in force. With different countries maintaining controls until March, April and May 2027, checking official travel updates before departure will be an important part of planning a smooth European holiday.

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