The controls, first reinstated in November 2024, continue to apply across road, rail, air and sea borders, though they are most noticeable at land crossings and on certain rail services. According to the French government, the extension is justified by a combination of factors including ongoing jihadist threats, a rise in antisemitic incidents, and criminal networks involved in smuggling and irregular migration.
In addition, French authorities highlight increased tensions along the Franco-British corridor, particularly in northern coastal regions such as Dunkirk and Calais, where violence among migrants and pressures on law enforcement have intensified.
While systematic checks are not carried out on every traveller, random spot-checks and targeted inspections continue at key road and rail crossings. Officers from police, customs or gendarmerie units may request identity documents and, if there is suspicion of smuggling or irregular migration, inspect luggage or vehicles.
EU/EEA nationals are advised to carry a valid passport or national ID card. Non-EU visitors must carry a stamped passport or a valid residence permit or visa.
Other EU countries with internal border controls
France is not alone in implementing internal checks. As of late May 2025, several other Schengen member states have active border controls in place:
- Austria (until 11 November 2025): Borders with Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Czechia.
- Germany (until 15 September 2025): Borders with France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, and Poland.
- Italy (until 18 December 2025): Border with Slovenia.
- The Netherlands (until 8 December 2025): Borders with Belgium and Germany (land and air).
- Spain (27 June – 5 July 2025): Borders with France and Portugal during a UN conference.
- Denmark, Norway, and Sweden (until 11 November 2025): Citing sabotage risks, terrorism threats, and organised crime.
- Slovenia (until 21 December 2025): Borders with Croatia and Hungary.
- Bulgaria (until 30 June 2025): Border with Romania.
All cited countries refer to concerns over terrorism, organised crime, irregular migration, or geopolitical instability as reasons for maintaining border checks.
