End of Schengen? Another neighbouring country introduced border control from midnight
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The border control on the Slovenian-Hungarian border entered into effect this midnight and will last for at least ten days. That is what the Hungarian News Agency (MTI) wrote based on the information from the local press.
According to the MTI, Ljubljana decided to reestablish border control despite Hungary and Slovenia being members of the Schengen Zone because of the Israeli-Palestinian war. They said their law enforcement authorities found evidence that organised crime is rising in the Western Balkans. Furthermore, different terrorist and extreme movements are leaving the conflict zones to evade the consequences of their actions. They head towards Europe to harm safety and stability there.
As a result, Slovenia created 14 checkpoints on the Hungarian-Slovenian and Croatian-Slovenian border. Two will operate between Hungary and Slovenia. EU citizens are allowed to use all border crossings, but third-country nationals can enter Slovenia only at those 14 checkpoints.
Slovakia introduced border control on the Hungarian-Slovakian border due to illegal migration on 5 October. At first, the end date was 14 October, but they prolonged it until 2 November.
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Schengen Zone FAQs for expats & foreigners in Hungary
What is the Schengen Area (Schengen Zone)?
A group of European countries where routine internal border checks are removed, so you can usually travel between member states like domestic travel.
Is the Schengen Area the same as the EU?
No. Schengen is a border-control arrangement; the EU is a political/economic union. Most Schengen states are in the EU, but the two aren’t identical.
Is Hungary in Schengen?
Yes. If you enter Schengen legally via Hungary, you can typically move onward to other Schengen countries without routine internal border checks.
How long can I stay in Schengen as a tourist or visitor? (90/180 rule)
Most non-EU visitors can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area (total, not per country). The EU provides a short-stay calculator to track this.
I live in Hungary with a residence permit. Can I travel to other Schengen countries?
In general, a valid Hungarian residence permit lets you visit other Schengen states for short trips, but it doesn’t turn into “unlimited Schengen stay.” Your time outside Hungary can still be constrained by Schengen short-stay rules depending on your status—carry your passport + residence card when traveling. (For edge cases, check your permit type and destination-country rules.)
What is a Schengen visa, and does it work for Hungary?
A Schengen short-stay visa typically allows travel across Schengen countries (including Hungary) for visits within the 90/180 limit.
Can Schengen countries still do border checks?
Yes. Even inside Schengen, countries can temporarily reintroduce border controls in exceptional situations (security, major events, etc.).
Romania and Bulgaria: are they in Schengen now?
Yes—Romania and Bulgaria became full Schengen members on 1 January 2025, including the lifting of checks on persons at internal land borders.
What is the new Entry/Exit System (EES) and who does it affect?
EES is the EU’s new border system that records entries/exits for non-EU travellers at Schengen external borders and replaces passport stamping with digital records/biometrics. It began operations 12 October 2025 and is being introduced gradually.
What is ETIAS and when will it start?
ETIAS is a travel authorisation (visa-waiver style) for visa-exempt non-EU nationals visiting Schengen for short stays. The EU says it is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026 (no action required until then).
According to our Politicians, Serbia is a wonderful country that is deserving of immediate EU Membership, and Mr. Vučić is a stand up guy! “Pro-Peace”!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vu4Y6jWbXY
Aren’t hard facts a total b/tch?
Also shows up the usefulness of our Politicians´ hobby-horse, the famous Wall. Expensive, and not delivering.
Norbert: So correct in every way. Where did our billions go on the southern border? Why are we in bed with Serbia when they are sending all of their undesireables to Hungary? Where is our tough guy PM now? Where is our cutsie president now? You can not support the U.S, MAGA crowd and have this border!