Europe: Tightened controls along land borders between certain Schengen countries to remain in place into at least mid-November /update 5

Tighter controls that have been implemented at the land borders separating certain Schengen member states will likely remain in force through at least mid-November. The nations in question initially began imposing the measures in late September and early October in response to a number of security concerns, including increased migration, the threat of terrorist infiltration, elevated human trafficking, and organized crime activity, among others.

Austria's restrictions at its borders with the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Hungary will remain in effect until at least Nov. 16. German authorities are conducting border controls at their country's borders with the Czech Republic, Poland, and Switzerland until at least Nov. 14. Czech and Polish authorities have extended existing checks at their respective borders with Slovakia through at least Nov. 22. Non-EU citizens are unable to use pedestrian crossings to enter Poland from Slovakia. Renewed border checks implemented at the Slovak-Hungarian border by Slovak authorities are set to expire Nov. 3; it remains unclear whether the government in Bratislava will extend the measure. Slovenian authorities are enforcing border checks at the nation's borders with Croatia and Hungary through at least Nov. 19. Italy's controls at the border with Slovenia will also be in effect until at least Nov. 19. French authorities will continue to enforce heightened checks at its borders with neighboring Schengen countries through April 30, 2024. Controls at all affected borders include random checks.

Some travel delays are possible at affected border crossings.