Belgium Tightens Borders: How It Could Affect Your Schengen Trip

Belgium has announced it will reintroduce border checks starting this summer, targeting travellers entering the country from neighbouring Schengen states. The move is part of the government's effort to crack down on illegal migration and what it calls “asylum shopping.”

For tourists and other travellers, this could mean longer journeys and additional scrutiny, especially if you're coming in by road, bus, train, or on flights from countries under “high migration pressure” like Greece or Italy. According to Belgian authorities, the checks will be carried out selectively at motorway rest areas, bus routes, some trains, and on intra-Schengen flights.

The decision follows similar measures introduced by Germany and the Netherlands and adds to growing concerns about the erosion of border-free travel across the Schengen Zone.

Although free movement within Schengen remains intact in principle, Article 23 of the Schengen Borders Code allows member countries to temporarily reinstate internal checks under exceptional circumstances, such as migration surges or security threats.

The increased controls come as Belgium faces pressure on its asylum system. In 2024, the country received nearly 40,000 asylum applications, exceeding its reception capacity and leaving many migrants without shelter.

While these border checks are meant to be targeted, travellers should expect potential delays and be ready to show identification and travel documents, even when crossing from neighbouring EU countries like France, Germany, Luxembourg, or the Netherlands.

If you're travelling this summer, it’s a good idea to factor in extra time for border crossings and stay informed about any updates that might affect your route.

EU Council Marks 40 Years of Schengen Agreement

The Council of the European Union has adopted a new Schengen Declaration to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original Schengen Agreement, signed on 14 June 1985 by Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The declaration reaffirms the EU’s commitment to preserving the Schengen Area, a cornerstone of European cooperation and free movement.

Today, the Schengen Zone includes 29 countries—most EU nations (except Cyprus and Ireland), along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland—making it the world’s largest free travel area. Over 450 million people benefit from open internal borders, with two million commuting across them daily. The zone also boosts trade, valued at over €4.1 trillion in 2024, and draws 40% of global tourists.

However, the celebration is tempered by rising concerns. Several countries, including France and the Netherlands, have reinstated internal border checks in response to migration and security issues. Germany has criticised these moves as excessive and inconsistent with Schengen principles, calling for a return to limited, temporary checks only when necessary.

The EU Council’s declaration acknowledges these tensions and calls for renewed cooperation and mutual trust to safeguard Schengen’s future. The challenge now is to maintain both open borders and internal security in a rapidly changing European landscape.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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Charlie

Travel and Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager at IaM (Immigration and Migration)

Charlie is IaM’s resident Travel & Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager. They craft clear, engaging guides that demystify complex visa and migration rules - and then personally supports each client through every step of their journey.

Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".

When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.

Latest posts by Charlie (see all)

• Belgium Tightens Borders: How It Could Affect Your Schengen Trip - 25 June 2025
• Cyprus Remains a Safe Destination This Summer - 23 June 2025
• EU Expands Grounds to Suspend Visa-Free Travel for Third Countries - 22 June 2025