Sweden has approved a new six-month period of internal border checks beginning Nov. 12, citing security threats within the Schengen area as the reason for continuing controls at its internal borders.
The new period starts the day after the current authorization expires on Nov. 11. That six-month period began May 12, 2026. The latest decision runs through May 11, 2027.
The government says successive decisions have kept Sweden’s internal border controls in place since Nov. 12, 2015, with each period responding to security concerns. It describes EU rules as generally limiting each authorization to six months, while allowing another period if the reasons for checks continue. The latest order is another time-limited authorization in that sequence.
Stockholm tied its decision to security pressures following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The government cited hybrid activity and hostile actors operating within Schengen, which it said pose risks to public order and Sweden’s internal security.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer described the situation as a “serious security situation” and cited a heightened sabotage threat to Sweden and other European Union members, Reuters reported, based on a written comment from the minister.
Police will choose the locations for checks and determine how they are conducted. Sweden’s crisis-information portal says checks can establish whether people entering the country have the right to stay and hold valid identity and travel documents. The decision leaves the practical choices about location and conduct to police.
The government also named France, Germany, Norway and Denmark as other Schengen countries that have reintroduced internal border controls. Sweden’s current authorization ends May 11, 2027.
