Austria Joins Major European Nations in Reinstating Border Controls – 2025 Travel Guide

Austria Joins Major European Nations in Reinstating Border Controls – 2025 Travel Guide

In a major change to Schengen travel, Austria has joined Poland, Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden in reinstating border controls in 2025.

This marks one of the most significant shifts in European travel in recent years, as countries respond to irregular migration, terrorism threats, and cross-border crime under the Schengen Borders Code.

Governments say these measures are needed to safeguard national security, manage migration flows, and protect infrastructure. But for travelers, this means longer processing times, more ID checks, and possible delays across road, rail, air, and ferry routes.

What Is Border Control?

Border control includes:

Passport and ID checks

Baggage inspections

Vehicle screening

Onboard train and ferry inspections

In the Schengen Zone, these are usually suspended for free movement, but can be temporarily reintroduced in exceptional situations.

Why This Matters to Travelers

If you’re visiting or moving between European countries in 2025, expect:

Longer wait times at crossings

More frequent document checks

Possible delays for trains, buses, and ferries

Disruption to multi-country itineraries

Tip: Always carry valid ID or a passport, and allow extra travel time.

Country-Specific Updates & Advisories

1. Poland – Border with Germany & Lithuania

Until: October 14, 2025

Reason: Migration pressures and irregular crossings

Impact: Delays at road, rail, and pedestrian crossings; train onboard checks

Advice: Carry ID; expect longer bus and freight waiting times

2. Netherlands – Border with Belgium & Germany

Until: December 8, 2025

Reason: Rising asylum applications

Impact: Random highway checks, extended airport screenings (especially Schiphol)

Advice: Arrive early for flights; be ready for road spot checks

3. Italy – Border with Slovenia

Until: December 18, 2025

Reason: Terrorism risks & Balkan route migration

Impact: Delays at crossings (Fernetti, Škofije); international rail slowdowns

Advice: Carry ID; check train/bus schedules before travel

4. Austria – Borders with Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czechia

Until: Nov 11 (Hungary & Slovenia) / Oct 15 (Slovakia & Czechia) 2025

Reason: Migration & security concerns

Impact: Road congestion; periodic train checks from Budapest, Ljubljana, Bratislava, Prague

Advice: Keep ID handy; plan extra time for peak weekend travel

5. Denmark – Border & Ferry Checks with Germany

Until: November 11, 2025

Reason: Terrorism and sabotage threats

Impact: Longer checks on E45 highway and Hamburg–Copenhagen trains; ferry boarding delays

Advice: Arrive early for ferries; expect possible baggage inspections

6. Norway – Ferry Port Controls

Until: November 11, 2025

Reason: Infrastructure protection

Impact: Up to 45 mins extra processing for ferry arrivals from Denmark & Germany

Advice: Get to ferry ports early; ID checks during boarding

7. Sweden – Full Internal Checks

Until: November 11, 2025

Reason: Organized crime & terrorism threats

Impact: Delays on Øresund Bridge; air arrivals from Schengen countries checked

Advice: Allow extra time entering from Denmark; keep ID ready

8. France – All Internal Borders

Until: October 31, 2025

Reason: Terrorism, migration, and violence among migrant groups

Impact: Checks on TGV, Thalys, Eurostar; slower road processing from Belgium, Spain, Italy

Advice: Arrive early for high-speed trains and flights

9. Germany – Nine Neighboring Borders

Until: September 15, 2025

Reason: Security & migration concerns

Impact: Traffic queues from Austria, Poland, Czechia; train onboard inspections

Advice: Keep documents ready; plan for possible delays

How Travelers Can Prepare

Always carry: Valid passport or national ID

Plan extra time for cross-border journeys

Check official advisories before departure

Stay flexible: Delays may be sudden and unannounced

Bottom Line:

Europe’s open-border Schengen Zone is seeing unprecedented reintroductions of border checks in 2025. While most measures are temporary, they are already affecting travel times and convenience.

For tourists, business travelers, and freight operators, preparation and awareness are key to avoiding frustration.