Summer Border Crossings in Switzerland: Which CheckpointsCould Potentially Screen Travelers?
In July 2025, Switzerland's borders with France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein have experienced temporary but reinforced border controls primarily due to security concerns, migration management, and combating illegal activities. These measures apply throughout the Schengen Area, with Germany and France reinstating border controls with Switzerland, expected to last at least until mid-September 2025.
Key points on border control measures and potential delays:
- Germany has reinstated border checks with Switzerland since September 2024. These controls are intended to combat illegal migration and smuggling. Similar controls exist at Germany’s borders with several neighbours and are expected to continue through at least September 15, 2025. These controls can cause potential delays at the German-Swiss border [1].
- France carries out border checks along its frontiers with Switzerland (and other neighbours) as part of heightened security measures against terrorism and during large public events. These controls can cause delays for travelers crossing the French-Swiss border [1].
- Italy and Austria, like Switzerland, are Schengen Area members with generally open internal borders but may impose temporary checks owing to security concerns. Recent information specifically mentions general restoration of border controls within the Schengen zone due to ongoing security and migration challenges, affecting Switzerland’s borders with Italy and Austria as well [1][5].
- Liechtenstein, bordering Switzerland, shares open borders under the Schengen agreement but is affected indirectly by Swiss border control reforms and tightened security due to its proximity and customs union with Switzerland. No specific new delays are noted, but transit protocols may be influenced by Swiss measures.
- Switzerland itself has reformed immigration and asylum processing in 2025 to improve screenings and speed up procedures, which may affect border crossing formalities especially for asylum seekers and foreign workers, possibly adding procedural steps at border points [3].
Travelers should anticipate possible delays and enhanced document checks at the Swiss borders with France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein during this period, especially given that these restrictions are designed to remain until at least mid-September 2025. Non-essential travel by non-EEA/Swiss nationals may face additional scrutiny or restrictions, although essential travel and those with valid residence or work permits are generally exempt [1][2].
Despite these measures, the German government has not observed any changes in traffic jams since reinstating border controls [4]. The Federal Office of Customs and Border Security has not reported worsening conditions at the German borders in recent weeks [4].
In summary, while the Schengen agreement still nominally supports free movement, temporary reinforced border controls and security screenings have been reinstated on Switzerland’s borders with its neighbours in 2025, leading to potential delays for travelers crossing these frontiers [1][5]. Travelers are advised to plan accordingly and allow extra time when traveling to Switzerland during this period.
[1] Swissinfo.ch. (2025). Switzerland tightens border controls amid migration crisis. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-tightens-border-controls-amid-migration-crisis/46856258
[2] The Local. (2025). Switzerland to tighten border controls to combat illegal immigration. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.ch/20250701/switzerland-to-tighten-border-controls-to-combat-illegal-immigration
[3] Swissinfo.ch. (2025). Switzerland speeds up asylum procedures to cope with migrant crisis. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-speeds-up-asylum-procedures-to-cope-with-migrant-crisis/46856259
[4] Deutsche Welle. (2025). No change in traffic jams at German-Swiss border since reinstated border controls. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/no-change-in-traffic-jams-at-german-swiss-border-since-reinstated-border-controls/a-56904318
[5] European Commission. (2025). Schengen Border Code reinforced to address migration and security challenges. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what-we-do/policies/european-agenda-on-security/docs/schengen_border_code_reinforced_to_address_migration_and_security_challenges_en.pdf
- Expecting an extended period of border control measures, one might find it necessary to account for potential travel delays when crossing the Swiss border, particularly with France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein, due to heightened security screenings and checks.
2.Adopting a flexible travel plan could be beneficial for those visiting Switzerland between July 2025 and mid-September, as temporary border controls continue to monitor migration and combat illegal activities, possibly causing unforeseen delays at these frontiers.
