Published on
August 18, 2025
Italy has recently joined Germany, Austria, Denmark, France, Poland, and other Schengen countries in implementing new strict border controls, marking a significant shift in Europe’s approach to security and travel. These measures, introduced in response to growing concerns over irregular migration, terrorism, and organized crime, are reshaping the travel dynamics across the continent. By reinforcing their borders, these countries aim to address national security threats, but they also challenge the fundamental principle of free movement that has long been a hallmark of the Schengen Area.
The implementation of such border controls is important because it signals a shift away from the open-border policies that have defined much of the European Union’s cooperation. For travelers, the impact is already evident in longer wait times, disrupted travel plans, and a fragmented experience when crossing borders. While necessary to safeguard citizens, these controls raise concerns about the future of European integration and the free flow of people, goods, and services. The broader consequences for tourism, business travel, and regional cooperation are still unfolding, but these measures clearly mark a turning point in Europe’s border policies.
Italy’s New Border Measures: A Step Toward Heightened Security
Italy has recently introduced strict border controls at its land borders with Slovenia, which are expected to remain in place until at least December 18, 2025. These measures are a direct response to the security concerns arising from the migration crisis and the possible infiltration of terrorists. The introduction of these controls is anticipated to lead to heightened checks at border crossings, potentially resulting in delays. The Italian tourism sector, heavily reliant on international visitors, may experience a slowdown as travelers could face longer wait times at entry points.
Borders Affected: Land borders with Slovenia
Reason for Border Control: Addressing irregular migration, terrorism threats, and security risks associated with migration flows.
Duration of Measures: Until at least December 18, 2025.
Impact on Travel: Potential delays at land borders, particularly for travelers coming from Slovenia. Possible disruptions in tourism as travelers may face longer entry times, especially during high season.
Germany’s Border Controls: A Shift in Regional Travel Dynamics
Germany has reintroduced internal border checks at its borders with Austria, France, and Poland, effective since March 16, 2025. These border controls are expected to last until at least September 15, 2025. For travelers crossing into Germany, this means longer waits at border crossings and possible disruptions to travel plans. As Germany is a major hub for regional travel, these measures could affect tourists traveling through the country to other Schengen destinations. In particular, delays may discourage cross-border travelers and may reduce the flow of tourists to Germany’s cultural and historic sites.
Borders Affected: Land borders with Austria, France, and Poland
Reason for Border Control: Security concerns due to irregular migration, smuggling, and growing geopolitical instability.
Duration of Measures: From March 16, 2025, until at least September 15, 2025.
Impact on Travel: Longer wait times at border crossings, especially for travelers by car or bus. Cross-border travel between Germany and neighboring countries may be disrupted, potentially leading to decreased tourism and business disruptions.
Austria’s Strict Border Measures: Delays and Disruptions
Austria has implemented border controls along its land borders with Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Czechia. These measures, which are expected to remain in place until November 2025, are designed to address irregular migration and the growing strain on Austria’s asylum reception system. For travelers, particularly those traveling by car or bus, the reintroduction of border checks could lead to significant delays. These disruptions could affect tourism in Austria, as travelers may opt for other destinations where border checks are less frequent or more efficient.
Borders Affected: Land borders with Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Czechia
Reason for Border Control: High levels of irregular migration and strain on asylum systems, particularly along Austria’s southern borders.
Duration of Measures: Expected until November 2025.
Impact on Travel: Delays for commuters and tourists crossing borders, particularly for those traveling by car. Reduced ease of movement for regional tourists, potentially affecting the Austrian tourism sector.
Denmark’s Border Controls: Security Concerns Affect Travel
Denmark has also introduced border controls at its land and sea borders with Germany, effective until at least November 11, 2025. The country’s focus on security, particularly related to potential sabotage actions from Russia and growing terrorism threats, has led to the reintroduction of checks. For travelers crossing into Denmark, the measures may result in longer wait times at ports and borders. These disruptions could reduce the ease of travel between Denmark and neighboring countries, leading to fewer international visitors, especially during peak travel seasons.
Borders Affected: Land and sea borders with Germany
Reason for Border Control: Security concerns related to potential sabotage from Russia and increased terrorism threats.
Duration of Measures: Until at least November 11, 2025.
Impact on Travel: Delays at Denmark’s border crossings, particularly at ferry ports and land entry points. Travelers passing through Denmark may experience inconvenience, leading to decreased tourism, especially for international visitors traveling to or from Sweden.
France’s Internal Border Controls: Impact on Travel Flexibility
France has reinstated border controls at all internal borders—land, air, and sea—due to persistent threats of jihadist and antisemitic attacks, as well as growing criminal networks. These controls are expected to remain in place until at least October 31, 2025. For tourists, this means potential delays at airports, train stations, and bus terminals, which could disrupt travel plans. The rise in border checks could also discourage visitors from traveling to France, especially if the added security measures lead to lengthy waits or uncertainty at entry points.
Borders Affected: All internal borders (land, air, and sea)
Reason for Border Control: Persistent jihadist and antisemitic attacks, rising criminal networks, and migration flows potentially involving radicalized individuals.
Duration of Measures: Extended until at least October 31, 2025.
Impact on Travel: Long delays at airports, train stations, and border crossings. The tourism industry could see a decline as international visitors may avoid France due to potential border disruptions, especially during peak seasons.
Poland’s Border Checks: Slowing Down Travel Flow
Poland has reintroduced border checks at its land borders with Germany and Lithuania due to the persistent migratory pressure and concerns over illegal migration. These controls are expected to remain in effect until October 14, 2025. Travelers entering Poland may face delays, particularly those traveling by road or rail. These measures could affect tourists who rely on cross-border travel to visit multiple destinations in Central and Eastern Europe. Poland’s tourism sector may also see a downturn as travelers opt for destinations with fewer border restrictions.
Borders Affected: Land borders with Germany and Lithuania
Reason for Border Control: Ongoing migratory pressure and concerns over illegal migration from neighboring Belarus.
Duration of Measures: Until October 14, 2025.
Impact on Travel: Increased border checks leading to delays, especially for travelers using Poland as a transit point. Tourism may suffer, particularly for visitors traveling to Poland from Germany and Lithuania, with border delays deterring regional travel.
Slovenia’s Border Controls: Increased Travel Restrictions
Slovenia has reinforced its border controls along its land borders with Croatia and Hungary due to terrorism, organized crime, and hybrid threats. These measures have been in place since June 22, 2025, and are set to continue until at least December 21, 2025. For travelers, the heightened border checks could lead to significant delays at entry points. The added security measures could discourage some tourists from visiting Slovenia, particularly those traveling from neighboring countries where border checks may be less stringent.
Borders Affected: Land borders with Croatia and Hungary
Reason for Border Control: Security concerns regarding terrorism, organized crime, and hybrid threats such as smuggling.
Duration of Measures: Since June 22, 2025, until December 21, 2025.
Impact on Travel: Travelers may face longer delays at border crossings, particularly between Slovenia, Croatia, and Hungary. This may deter tourists from visiting Slovenia, especially during peak travel periods, and could reduce cross-border regional tourism.
Sweden’s Border Controls: Addressing Cross-Border Crime and Terrorism
Sweden has implemented border controls due to threats from organized cross-border crime and terrorism, affecting all internal borders and land borders with Denmark. These measures are scheduled to remain in effect until at least November 11, 2025. For travelers, these controls may lead to longer wait times at airports and border crossings, potentially discouraging visits to Sweden. The increased security measures could also lead to a decline in regional travel, as travelers may avoid crossing borders into Sweden due to the extra time and effort required.
Borders Affected: All internal borders and land borders with Denmark
Reason for Border Control: Serious threats from organized cross-border crime and terrorism.
Duration of Measures: Until at least November 11, 2025.
Impact on Travel: Cross-border travel between Denmark and Sweden may face disruptions, especially for tourists traveling by car or train. Increased checks at airports and border crossings may discourage travelers from visiting Sweden, impacting tourism in major cities and tourist hotspots.
The Netherlands: Border Checks Due to Migration and Security Concerns
The Netherlands has reinstated border checks at its land and air borders with Belgium and Germany, effective from June 9, 2025, and lasting until at least December 8, 2025. These measures are a response to rising numbers of asylum applications, irregular migration, and smuggling. The reintroduction of these controls could result in longer wait times at border crossings, especially for travelers arriving by air or rail. Tourists may reconsider their trips to the Netherlands if border checks lead to delays, particularly in cities like Amsterdam that attract significant international visitors.
Borders Affected: Land and air borders with Belgium and Germany
Reason for Border Control: High numbers of asylum applications, irregular migration, and smuggling.
Duration of Measures: From June 9, 2025, until December 8, 2025.
Impact on Travel: Delays at border crossings with Belgium and Germany could disrupt travel, particularly for those passing through the Netherlands. This may impact regional tourism and hinder the smooth flow of people between the Netherlands and its neighbors.
Impact of Strict Border Controls on Schengen Countries
As several European countries, including Italy, Germany, Austria, Denmark, France, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, and the Netherlands, implement strict border controls, the impact on Schengen travel is significant. These measures are aimed at addressing migration, terrorism, and organized crime but disrupt travel across the region.
Slowed Cross-Border Movement: The reintroduction of border controls causes delays at border crossings, affecting tourists and business travelers alike. Travel between Schengen countries, once seamless, is now marked by longer wait times, especially during peak seasons.
Tourism Sector Impact: Countries like Italy, France and Germany could see a decline in international visitors due to the added complexity of border checks. The tourism sector may suffer as travelers avoid destinations with increased security measures.
Business Travel Challenges: For business travelers, these border checks lead to delays, disrupting meetings and operations. This increases costs and complicates cross-border collaborations.
Weakened Free Movement: The return of border controls undermines the core principle of free movement in the Schengen Area, resulting in a fragmented travel experience. While these measures are necessary for security, they challenge the fundamental idea of unrestricted travel across member countries and may ultimately reshape the future of European travel.
Travel in Europe Faces Uncertainty Amid Border Tightening
The reintroduction of strict border controls in countries such as Italy, Germany, Austria, Denmark, France, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, and the Netherlands has significant implications for travel and tourism within Europe. These measures, intended to address growing security threats, are likely to cause delays and disruptions at border crossings, affecting both regional and international tourism. Travelers may reconsider their plans, opting for destinations where border checks are less frequent or more efficient. The long-term impact on the tourism industry could be substantial, with countries seeing fewer visitors and potentially suffering economic losses due to decreased cross-border movement. The future of European border policies remains uncertain, as the balance between security concerns and the free movement of people continues to evolve.
