Schengen Border Checks Continue Into 2027: Germany, Poland, Austria

Eight Schengen countries were running temporary controls at some or all of their internal borders on 4 November 2026, and seven of them have already told the European Commission that checks will continue into 2027. For foreigners living or planning to work in Central Europe, the practical point is simple: you may be asked for your documents even when travelling between EU countries.

Where checks are in force

According to the Commission's list of national notifications (dated 16 October 2026), as compiled by SchengenVisaInfo:

• Germany: until 15 March 2027, at its land borders with France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Poland.
• Poland: until 30 March 2027, at its land borders with Germany and Lithuania. Poland has checked continuously since 7 July 2025.
• Austria: until 15 March 2027, at its borders with Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovenia.
• France: until 30 April 2027, at all internal borders.
• Denmark, Norway and Sweden: new six-month periods from 12 November 2026 to 11 May 2027.
• Italy: until 18 December 2026, at the border with Slovenia.

Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Lithuania do not appear on the list of countries with controls in force on 4 November, although their neighbours check at the shared borders mentioned above.

What changed recently

The Netherlands let its controls lapse on 30 September 2026 and replaced them with targeted mobile checks. Spain and Italy ended the checks they had imposed on each other's flights and ferries in October. In June, the Commission issued opinions urging several countries, including Germany, to work towards phasing out controls. Those opinions are not binding, and Germany notified a further six months in August.

What this means for travellers

The checks are spot checks, not passport control at every crossing. Most people cross without being stopped, but anyone can be asked to show identification. Non-EU nationals should carry their passport and, where required, their visa or residence permit, even for a day trip to a neighbouring country.

Dates and scope are set by each government and can change at short notice, so check the latest notifications before you travel.

Planning to work in Poland or Germany? Contact H P S CONSULTANCY L.L.C: question@humansvc.com, humansvc.com.

Source: SchengenVisaInfo, 4 November 2026.