On March 10, 2026, Germany announced the prolongation of temporary border controls with its nine neighboring Schengen countries, including France, until at least September 15, 2026. This extension, approved by the EU Home Affairs group, builds on measures in place since September 2024 and cites the prevention of tens of thousands of illegal entries as justification.www.connexionfrance.com Travelers entering Germany by land now face identity checks by border police, diverging from standard open-border Schengen rules.

France has similarly extended its border checks on land, sea, and air crossings from all EU neighbors and Switzerland until April 30, 2026, with authorities conducting targeted and random spot checks. This aligns with a broader trend across the Schengen Area, where nations including Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Poland maintain similar controls with at least some neighbors. These measures, renewable every six months, reflect ongoing security priorities despite the bloc's commitment to free movement.

Travelers must carry proof of eligibility, such as a valid EU passport or ID card, a non-EU passport with a residency permit or visa, or entry stamps complying with the 90/180-day rule. Random inspections at border crossings could lead to delays, urging preparation for documentation during cross-border trips.