Holiday travelers heading to and through Europe this winter are facing a more fragmented Schengen experience than in previous years, as several countries including Germany, France and Italy temporarily reinstate internal border checks.

The measures, justified by governments on security and migration grounds, are already contributing to longer queues at airports and land crossings, adding friction to what many passengers hoped would be a smooth Christmas and New Year getaway.

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What Has Changed Inside the Schengen Zone

Under normal circumstances, the Schengen Area operates without routine passport checks at internal borders, allowing people to move almost as freely as within a single country.

This principle is being tested again as a growing number of member states turn to the option of temporary internal controls in response to perceived threats to public order and internal security.

While these measures are formally time limited, they are increasingly being renewed and expanded, catching travelers in the middle.

Germany has taken one of the most far-reaching approaches in 2024 and 2025. After years of selective checks on a handful of frontiers, Berlin moved in September 2024 to reinstate police controls across all nine of its land borders, targeting irregular migration and cross border crime.

In February 2025, the outgoing government notified Brussels that the regime would be extended by six months, keeping checks in place until at least mid September 2025 and affecting crossings with France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, Poland and the Czech Republic.

France and Italy have also relied on the same legal tool, albeit in a more geographically limited way. Paris has maintained controls on its borders with other Schengen states almost continuously since the 2015 terrorist attacks, and under a decision taken in October 2024 it renewed these checks again through April 2025, citing persistent terrorism risks and criminal networks linked to irregular migration.

Italy, for its part, reintroduced checks on the land border with Slovenia in late 2024 and has prolonged them into 2025, arguing that this is necessary to combat migrant smuggling along the Balkan route.

Airports and Airlines Brace for Holiday Delays

For air passengers, the new controls are colliding with an already strained travel environment, particularly at major hubs handling large numbers of intra Schengen flights.

While the most visible queues remain at land crossings where motorists and coach passengers can be stopped for spot checks, airports are beginning to see tangible effects as some flights that previously operated as domestic style services are now subject to passport inspection on arrival or departure.

In Germany, airports close to land borders and secondary cities serving high volumes of regional European traffic have reported intermittent bottlenecks at passport control during peak waves.

Border police have discretion to conduct systematic checks on certain flights from neighboring Schengen countries that they consider sensitive, which can slow the flow of passengers into the arrivals hall.

Airport operators say they are reallocating staff and signage to help guide travelers to the correct control points and to minimize confusion between Schengen and non Schengen queues.

French airports are facing a dual challenge. Alongside the renewed internal border checks, they are also preparing for the phased rollout of the European Union’s new Entry Exit System for non EU nationals and for a busy winter sports season as travelers head to the Alps.

Even though France’s extra Schengen controls formally apply at its land borders, in practice this can translate into reinforced identity checks at certain airports for flights originating from neighboring countries such as Spain, Italy or Germany, particularly when security alerts are raised.

Airlines are warning passengers to build additional time into their journeys, particularly when connecting between flights inside Europe. Carriers serving Germany, France and Italy have quietly padded schedules or increased minimum connection times at some hubs, concerned that unexpected queues at passport control could lead to missed onward flights.

Travel agents report a noticeable uptick in requests from customers asking whether their winter itineraries leave enough time to clear border formalities between Schengen cities that once felt as easy to transit as domestic routes.

Land Borders See Growing Queues and Spot Checks

The most visible manifestation of the new controls remains at road and rail crossings, where drivers, coach passengers and train travelers can encounter checkpoints that until recently were little more than open bridges or signposts.

On Germany’s borders with France, Luxembourg and Belgium, the Federal Police have deployed additional patrols and mobile units since September 2024, occasionally creating tailbacks on busy commuter corridors and freight routes.

Data released by regional authorities in southwestern Germany show that between mid September and late November 2024 more than 5,500 illegal entries were detected in just two federal states along the French and Luxembourg borders, with hundreds of suspected smugglers arrested or detained.

Officials say the figures justify the operation, while critics argue that such intensive border policing is disproportionate and disrupts the daily lives of tens of thousands of frontier workers who cross the border for work or study each day.

Italy’s decision to reinstate passport checks on its border with Slovenia has likewise had a noticeable impact on cross border travel in the northeast of the country.

Motorists using previously free flowing crossings have reported delays during targeted inspections, while long distance coach operators have warned passengers of possible time losses on routes linking Italian cities with destinations in Slovenia, Croatia and beyond.

Similar checks remain in place on Austria’s borders with Hungary and Slovenia, adding another layer of complexity for east west road journeys through Central Europe.

Rail travelers are not immune. While trains within the Schengen Area generally continue to run without scheduled border stops, police can board services crossing internal frontiers and carry out onboard document checks, occasionally delaying departures or arrivals.

Night trains marketed as a hassle free alternative to flying can be subject to such spot controls, and rail operators advise passengers to keep passports or identity cards within easy reach during overnight journeys.

The growing patchwork of internal border checks is unfolding against a backdrop of updated EU legislation intended to clarify when and how such controls can be used.

In May 2024, EU governments gave final approval to a revised Schengen Borders Code, which sets out the rules for managing both external frontiers and internal border controls.

The reform stresses that internal checks should remain a last resort, but it also codifies and, in some respects, broadens the situations in which they can be reintroduced.

Under the updated rules, member states may bring back controls at internal borders when confronted with a serious threat to public policy or internal security, including terrorism or large scale organized crime.

They must notify other member states and EU institutions, justify the necessity and proportionality of the measures and show that alternative tools such as police cooperation could not adequately address the threat.

The code sets a basic two year limit for such controls, with the possibility of additional extensions in exceptional circumstances, subject to stricter scrutiny.

France’s extended internal checks since November 2024 were the subject of a legal challenge that reached the country’s highest administrative court. In a decision published by the Conseil d’État, judges upheld the government’s move, concluding that the reintroduction of border controls for a six month period under the reformed Schengen rules was compatible with EU law given the documented risks from terrorism and smuggling networks in northern France.

Civil liberties groups, however, warn that near constant renewals risk turning what is supposed to be an emergency exception into a semi permanent reality.

EU institutions are acutely aware of the political sensitivity. On the 40th anniversary of the original Schengen Agreement in June 2025, the Council of the EU adopted a declaration reaffirming its commitment to a common travel area without internal borders while at the same time emphasizing security, the fight against illegal migration and the need for resilience against new threats.

Member states pledged to keep internal border controls as a measure of last resort and to rely more heavily on cross border police cooperation and large scale information systems to tackle crime and manage migration flows.

Holiday Travel Meets Structural Strain

The reinstated border checks are landing at a time when Europe’s travel infrastructure is already under pressure from rising passenger numbers, staffing shortages and new technology being introduced at external frontiers.

Airports Council International Europe has repeatedly warned that the forthcoming Entry Exit System, which will require non EU travelers to register biometric data when entering the Schengen Area, risks creating additional queues unless properly resourced.

Pilot deployments in late 2025 have already produced reports of long waits at some airports as systems are tested and staff adjust to new procedures.

While the Entry Exit System primarily affects travelers crossing the external border into Schengen rather than movement inside the bloc, the combination of internal and external constraints can nevertheless ripple through networks.

Delays at one hub can cascade into missed connections elsewhere, especially when aircraft and crews are tightly scheduled ahead of the holidays. Travel insurers say they are bracing for an uptick in claims related to missed departures and disrupted itineraries where border formalities play a role.

On the ground, long distance coach and rail operators are juggling timetables that were drawn up on the assumption of frictionless Schengen travel.

Some companies have built additional buffer time into their published schedules for routes that now cross controlled borders, while others warn passengers that arrival times are estimates and subject to operational conditions at checkpoints.

For budget conscious travelers who rely on overnight buses and trains as a cheaper alternative to flying, these uncertainties can make planning more complicated.

Seasonal factors do not help. The Christmas and New Year period is one of the busiest travel windows of the year in Europe, with families, workers and tourists crisscrossing the continent.

Snowstorms, freezing rain and strong winds can quickly disrupt road and rail traffic, especially at higher elevations and in alpine passes, compounding any delays introduced by border spot checks.

Traffic management centers in Germany, France, Italy and neighboring states are issuing more frequent travel advisories and urging drivers heading across borders to check conditions in advance.

How Governments and Industry Are Responding

European governments insist that the temporary internal checks are both lawful and necessary.

Officials in Berlin, Paris and Rome argue that strengthened border policing is needed to break up smuggling networks, reduce irregular crossings and respond to an evolving security environment.

German leaders say that tighter controls have contributed to a drop in asylum applications and tens of thousands of turnbacks at the border, while also yielding arrests of suspected smugglers and fugitives wanted on European warrants.

At the same time, there is recognition that the measures carry economic and social costs. Business groups in border regions highlight delays for freight transport and employees who commute daily across frontiers, pointing to lost time and productivity.

Tourism operators fear that visitors may be discouraged by the perception of hassle and unpredictability at borders, particularly when competing destinations can offer a smoother experience.

In response, some governments emphasize that controls are risk based and targeted, not systematic checks on every traveler at every crossing point.

Industry bodies representing airports, airlines and rail operators are pushing for closer coordination and better communication whenever internal controls are introduced or extended.

They want timely information on which routes and modes will be affected so that staffing plans, gate assignments and published schedules can be adjusted.

Some hubs have created dedicated task forces bringing together airport authorities, border police and airlines to monitor queue lengths in real time and reassign resources to pinch points as needed.

Consumer groups are calling for clearer rights and remedies for passengers caught in the fallout from border related delays.

They argue that travelers should not be left to shoulder all the risk when official policies change the conditions under which tickets were sold.

In practice, compensation rules differ depending on whether delays stem from airline operations, airport congestion or state border controls, creating a complex landscape that individual passengers may struggle to navigate when their trip goes wrong.

What Travelers Should Do Now

With internal border checks spreading across parts of the Schengen Area, travelers from the United States and other long haul markets are being urged to treat intra European journeys with the same seriousness they would give to an international trip. That begins with documentation.

Even when flying between cities such as Paris and Berlin, Rome and Vienna or Munich and Amsterdam, passengers must carry a valid passport or national identity card and keep it easily accessible in case police or border officers request it.

Time management is equally crucial. Travel advisors recommend arriving at airports at least two hours before departure for Schengen to Schengen flights and allowing extra margin when connecting between flights or switching between air, rail and road.

On self planned itineraries that mix low cost flights with separate tickets or long distance buses, planning a generous layover between segments can reduce the risk that a queue at passport control will cascade into a missed onward journey.

At land borders, motorists should be prepared for rolling police checkpoints that may not be signposted far in advance.

Keeping travel documents, vehicle registration papers and any necessary visas or residency permits at hand can speed up the process. Coach passengers may be asked to disembark or to present identification to officers boarding the vehicle.

Night train users should expect potential checks during the journey and keep their documents close, rather than secured in a distant luggage rack.

Finally, staying informed can make a tangible difference. Government travel advisories, airport and rail operator updates and local news outlets often report on where and when internal border checks are being stepped up.

As the situation evolves through the winter and into spring 2026, flexible planning, a bit of extra time and realistic expectations about the state of borderless travel in Europe will be the best tools for minimizing disruption.

FAQ

Q1. Are internal border checks back everywhere in Europe or only in certain countries?
Internal border checks have not returned across the entire Schengen Area. They are currently in place on specific frontiers where individual member states, including Germany, France and Italy, have notified the EU that they face serious security or migration related challenges. Many internal borders within Schengen still operate without routine checks, although travelers can encounter occasional police inspections.

Q2. Will I face passport control when flying between two Schengen countries?
In many cases flights between Schengen countries continue to operate without systematic passport control, especially on routes not covered by temporary internal checks. However, in countries that have reinstated controls, border police can decide to screen certain arriving or departing flights from neighboring states. Travelers should always carry a valid passport or national ID and allow extra time at the airport in case checks are in place.

Q3. How long will Germany’s internal border checks last?
Germany has extended its internal border controls several times. Under its latest notification to the European Commission, the current phase of checks is scheduled to run until at least mid September 2025, though future governments could seek further extensions within the limits of the updated Schengen rules if they argue that serious threats persist.

Q4. Are queues worse at land borders or at airports?
Most of the significant delays reported so far are at busy land crossings, particularly on commuter and freight routes where spot checks can quickly create traffic jams. Airports are also experiencing congestion at times, especially when additional document checks coincide with peak arrival waves, but these effects are more uneven and depend heavily on local staffing and infrastructure.

Q5. Do the new internal checks change the 90 day rule for non EU visitors?
No. Temporary internal border controls do not alter the underlying Schengen entry rules for non EU travelers, including the limit of 90 days within any 180 day period for short stays. What changes is the likelihood of having passports inspected when moving between Schengen states that previously felt like a single travel area.

Q6. How do these measures interact with the new European Entry Exit System?
The Entry Exit System is being introduced at the external borders of Schengen and primarily affects non EU nationals when they enter and exit the area. Internal border checks, by contrast, apply to movements between Schengen countries. However, both add procedural steps to the travel experience and, when combined with seasonal peaks, can increase the risk of queues and delays at key airports and land crossings.

Q7. Can I still travel by train or bus without major disruption?
Yes, most cross border train and coach services continue to operate, but travelers should be prepared for possible onboard or roadside document checks when crossing certain frontiers. Operators may add buffer time to timetables or warn of potential delays on routes that traverse borders where controls have been reinstated.

Q8. Are there any benefits for travelers from the tighter border checks?
Authorities argue that enhanced checks contribute to overall security by helping to intercept smugglers, fugitives and illicit goods. For ordinary travelers the immediate experience is more likely to involve some additional friction. Whether they feel safer as a result is largely subjective and depends on personal perceptions of risk versus convenience.

Q9. What should I do if I miss a connection because of border delays?
If a missed connection occurs on a single through ticket, passengers may have rights to rebooking or compensation under EU passenger protection rules, depending on the mode of transport and cause of delay. When journeys are stitched together on separate tickets, options may be more limited. In all cases, travelers should document the cause of the delay, speak promptly with carriers and consider travel insurance that covers missed connections linked to official controls.

Q10. Is it better to avoid transiting through Germany, France or Italy this winter?
There is no blanket advice to avoid these countries, which remain central hubs for European and global travel. However, travelers who can choose between multiple routing options may wish to factor in the possibility of extra checks and queues when comparing itineraries. Building longer connection times, traveling at off peak hours and staying informed about current conditions can help reduce the impact of any internal border controls on your trip.