section_path: Regulation of internal borders/Temporary border controls
section_name: Temporary border controls
paragraph_text: Temporary border controls
  
  A Schengen member state is permitted to reinstate border controls with another Schengen member state for a short period where there is a serious threat to that state's "public policy or internal security" or when the "control of an external border is no longer ensured due to exceptional circumstances". When such risks arise out of foreseeable events, the state in question must notify the European Commission in advance and consult with other Schengen states.
  
  The introduction of temporary controls at internal borders is a prerogative of the member states. Although the European Commission may issue an opinion about the necessity and proportionality of introducing temporary controls at internal borders, it cannot veto or override such a decision if it is taken by a member state.
  
  In April 2022 the European Court of Justice clarified that temporary internal border controls cannot exceed a duration of six months for one and the same threat. Only in case of a new serious threat "the member state may apply such a measure afresh, even immediately after the six-month period has ended." The ruling reinforced existing criticism of the quasi permanent controls in several member states since 2015 as being an unlawful violation of the Schengen Code.
  
  In April 2010, Malta introduced temporary checks due to Pope Benedict XVI 's visit. It reimposed checks in 2015 in the weeks surrounding the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
  
  Estonia introduced temporary checks in September 2014 due to the visit of US President Barack Obama.
  
  In response to the European migrant crisis in 2015, several Schengen countries set up border controls.
  
  In November 2017, Germany introduced temporary checks on flights arriving from Greece. Between November 2017 and February 2018, of the 280,000 passengers on flights from Greece who were checked on arrival in Germany, 270 were denied entry into Germany. On 12 May 2018, Germany ended the temporary checks on incoming flights from Greece.
  
  In 2019, Denmark set up border controls with Sweden due to serious attacks by Swedish citizens.
  
  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, almost all Schengen countries set up border controls. Several of these controls blocked citizens of EU/Schengen countries from entering, allowed only citizens or residents of the country to enter, plus prioritised traffic like food transport. On 27 March 2020, the European Commission published 'Guidelines concerning the exercise of the free movement of workers during COVID-19 outbreak', stating that member states should allow cross-border workers 'unhindered access' and 'ensure a smooth passage' across the internal Schengen borders if they exercise a 'critical occupation' (such as health professionals, care workers, scientists in health-related fields, workers in the pharmaceutical and medical services/food/transportation/essential infrastructure industries, engineers, Information and Communications Technology professionals, firefighters/police officers/prison officers/security guards, fishermen and public servants). Further, any health screening for cross-border workers must be carried out under the same conditions as the member state's own nationals exercising the same occupations.
  
  In September 2024, Germany announced it would temporarily introduce checks at all of its land borders, in order to tackle irregular migration. The controls were scheduled to be in force for six months.
  
  Between 27 June and 5 July 2025, Spain is to introduce temporary border checks at all land, most air and some sea borders for the Fourth United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville.