Impact of Germany's additional border controls on summer travel examination
In a move aimed at addressing migration and security concerns, **Germany has reinstated border controls with all its neighbouring countries** as of mid-2025. This decision, which includes Poland, Czechia, Switzerland, and others, has been extended repeatedly and is set to continue at least until September 2025.
The German government's approach involves strict enforcement at its borders to reduce the number of incoming refugees. This has led to increased police deployment and expanded checkpoints. The policy plans to reject most asylum applications at the border, allowing entry only in exceptional cases such as unaccompanied minors and pregnant women.
This decision has sparked legal controversy as it may conflict with international human rights obligations and EU laws, potentially requiring Germany to invoke Article 72 of the EU Treaty, which allows temporary suspension of certain EU rules in a national emergency.
Germany initially reintroduced these controls on October 16, 2023, citing migration routes passing through Belarus and Poland. This move has strained relations with neighbours, especially Poland, which has responded by announcing that it will temporarily reinstate border checks with Germany and Lithuania starting July 7, 2025.
Poland's decision was motivated by changes in migration patterns and Germany’s increasingly restrictive measures at their shared border. Polish officials emphasized the need to protect national security and minimize disruption while coordinating logistics for the border controls.
In the broader European context, other EU countries including Belgium and the Netherlands have also reintroduced border controls, reflecting a wider trend of reimposing checks within the Schengen Area to tackle illegal migration amid public backlash. However, these border measures are officially temporary under EU regulations, typically limited to a maximum period of six months, unless exceptional conditions justify extensions.
The following is a summary table of current border control measures:
| Country | Border Control Status | Main Reasons | Duration/Notes | |-----------------|-------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Germany | Border controls with all neighbours | Migration control, security concerns | Extended until at least September 2025 | | Poland | Temporary border controls with Germany, Lithuania from July 7, 2025 | Migration shifts, reciprocal response to Germany | Temporary; coordination underway | | Belgium, Netherlands | Reintroduced border controls | Public backlash against undocumented migration | Temporary, aligned with overall EU trend |
Travellers planning a holiday abroad this summer should expect identity checks and delays, particularly if travelling by land. If stopped, you'll need to present a passport or ID card valid for at least three more months. Commuters and frequent travellers may face delays, especially at major crossings during peak times.
Two of Germany's neighbours, the Netherlands and France, have also imposed similar restrictions. The border checks were initially a six-month temporary measure under then-Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD). However, Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), Faeser's successor, has expanded the policy since the government change in spring 2025. The new measures include mobile units and temporary checkpoints, even at minor crossings.
This trend of reinstating border controls within the Schengen Area is likely to continue in the near term, given the ongoing migration pressures and security concerns across Europe.
- Amid the implementation of stricter border controls by Germany, travelers planning trips within Europe this summer may encounter increased identity checks and potential delays, especially at land crossings.
- The resurgence of general-news topics, such as politics and immigration, has led to a shift in lifestyle for many, necessitating the need to stay updated on travel restrictions, subject to variations in policies across neighboring countries like Poland, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
