If you’ve ever been to Europe before, you know how incredible it feels crossing from country to country without ever having to clear customs, be it flying, taking a train, or simply driving across a border: that’s all thanks to the Schengen Zone!
Going from Italy to France is as easy as crossing the state line between Arizona and California: no border posts, and definitely no questions asked.
In effect since 1995, this customs union unlike any other in the world has effectively abolished passport control traveling between 29 countries, greatly facilitating movement, trade, integration… and also leading to security concerns in recent years.
Considering people can move freely between most of Europe, whether they’re law-abiding citizens or not, one cannot so easily discredit Schengen-skeptics, especially following the recent migrant crisis and how exposed some countries have become to external threats.
Now, Schengen seems to be hanging by a thread as numerous members suspend the accord and reinstate border control with their neighbors.
Could this be the end of an era?
If you’re used to a Europe without borders, here’s how traveling in the continent could feel somewhat different in 2025:
France Sends A Clear Signal To The Whole Of Europe
This month, France caught the European community by surprise by reinstating border control on all of its land crossings, affecting travel to and from six neighboring countries, as well as airside checks, in response to a noticeable increase in cross-border crime.
For the time being, travelers coming into France from Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland will be required to produce valid documentation, and inform border officers on the reason they’re visiting the country.
This just sounds like any international border crossing experience, which doesn’t seem like a big deal at first, but again, this is the passport-free Schengen Zone we’re talking about, that people have been able to transit virtually unchecked for decades.
Despite the nature of Schengen, member states have always reserved the right to impose border control, albeit temporarily, if they feel there is a need for stricter checks: that’s been case during the global pandemic, and earlier in 2015 during the peak of the migrant crisis.
As per Schengen rules, the introduction of checks can only be temporary, up to six months––does that mean this measure will be short-lived, and that in half a year, France and the Schengen territories will be back to normal?
Well, not quite.
France Is Not The Only One…
There is a six-month validity period, yes, but this can be renewed immediately should a country deem it necessary: that’s been the case with Denmark for years, that has notified the European Commission of intra-Schengen border controls every six months.
In Denmark’s case, renewals have been incessant since at least 2016.
So far, France’s temporary controls are set to expire on April 30, 2025, but we have good reason to believe further renewals are in the cards, looking at the bigger picture: currently, there are 7 other countries that have effectively suspended Schengen.
These are:
- Austria
Until May 11, 2025, due to high levels of irregular migration, an increase in smuggling activities, disproportionate pressure on the asylum system, and security risks associated with the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East––land borders reinstated with Hungary and Slovenia.
- Denmark
Until May 11, 2025, due to terrorism-related events and organized crime in neighboring Sweden, instability caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine, Russian espionage, increased migratory pressure, and others––all land, air, and sea borders with other Schengen countries.
- Germany
Until March 15, 2025, due to migration flows that pose threats to public order and security, smuggling activities, safety concerns pertaining to the Russo-Ukrainian war, and the situation in the Middle East––all land borders with Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg and The Netherlands.
- Italy
Until December 18, 2024 (pending renewal), due to the Middle Eastern turmoil and risk of terrorist infiltration in Italian soil, as a result of an increase in migration flows, and the continuation of violence in the context of the Russo-Ukrainian war––all crossing points with Slovenia.
- The Netherlands
Until June 8, 2025, due to high levels of irregular migration, migrant smuggling, cumulative pressure on the migration system, and an increase in criminal incidents at reception centers––land and air borders reinstated with Belgium and Germany.
- Norway
Until May 11, 2025, due to threats aimed at their energy sector, likely sabotage attempts on Russian intelligence service’s part, and ongoing improvements in infrastructure protection––all land, air, and sea borders between Norway and any Schengen country.
- Slovenia
Until December 21, 2024 (pending renewal), due to the unstable situation in the Middle East that poses a threat to Slovenia’s public security, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and organized crime––land borders with Croatia and Hungary.
- Sweden
Until May 11, 2025, due to the recent escalation of terrorism in Europe, an increase in gun violence and gang-related activity, and ongoing armed conflicts––all internal Schengen borders, including land, air, and sea crossing points.
Though not officially declared, spot checks have also been known to take place in Croatia, the Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia), Spain, Switzerland, and Finland, and border control via land continues be enforced for Bulgaria and Romania.
You can check all the latest information on the temporary reintroduction of border control within the Schengen Zone here.
What This Means For U.S. Travelers And Other Non-European Tourists
Traveling to and from the countries listed above, you’ll be required to clear customs, even if your point of departure is another European country.
How will this work, you may be wondering?
After all, most of these European borders are but imaginary lines now that border posts have been dismantled, and you’re right: for the most part, it still doesn’t feel like a hard border.
However, if you’re traveling by bus or train, you shouldn’t be surprised if border guards step onboard––you won’t get stamped again, if you’ve already been stamped in another Schengen country, but they will verify your passport and travel documents, as well as ask you questions.
Digital nomads and long-term travelers in Europe should be particularly vigilant, as there is no tolerance for overstayers: the Schengen accord may be paused temporarily in these areas, but the 90-day rule still applies, and those caught staying longer will face severe consequences.
These may be in the form of a hefty fine, immediate deportation from the Schengen Zone, or in extreme cases, even a re-entry ban, so make sure you keep you follow the rules.
In other words, you should:
- Respect the 90-day rule: Americans cannot be present in the Schengen territories for longer than 90 days out of any 180-day period
- Have your documentation ready: this involves presenting your passport, supporting documents that you’re a tourist in Europe, and proof of return journey
- Be prepared for delays if you’re traveling via land: as police thoroughly checks vehicles and documents, border crossings will inevitably take longer
We don’t know how long Schengen will remain fractured the way it is now or if this is a new reality we’ll need to adjust to, but in any case, you should be prepared for stricter checks traveling to the Old Continent next year.
Fingerprinting And Travel Permits Required From 2025
Additionally, Europe is bringing in its new Entry-Exit System from 2025:
This means that, soon enough, Americans and other foreign visitors will be required to get fingerprinted and registered upon landing in a Schengen country, again for security reasons, with their information to be stored in a database for up to three years.
They’re not stopping there: in 2025, the ETIAS will come into force, too.
If you’re a U.S. passport holder, your nationality alone will no longer grant you the privilege of boarding a Europe-bound flight: you’ll need to apply for their online travel permit, costing 7 euros, to be allowed to travel in the Schengen Zone.
You read that right.
Unless you have obtained pre-authorization, you will not be permitted to enter Europe.
Intra-Schengen checks, fingerprinting, new travel permits… this is Europe 2025 for you (and you thought pandemic restrictions were bad enough).
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