Increased Border Checks Forthcoming

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At a Glance

• Effective immediately, random border checks are expected to increase at all German borders and near border areas.
• Border controls along Germany’s border with Austria will be extended for six months beyond November 11, 2019.
• Travelers should carry identity documents and permits with them and can expect longer waiting times at land border crossings and additional random police checks.

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The situation

Effective immediately, Germany is expected to increase random border checks at all German borders and uphold border controls on its border with Austria in order to address concerns surrounding illegal migration into Germany and across the border-free Schengen Area.

A closer look

• Austria-Germany border. Border controls on Germany’s border with Austria will be extended for six months beyond November 11, 2019 and will therefore last until May 11, 2020.
• Police checks. Increased police surveillance will be in place at all German borders and police officers were instructed to increase random police checks.

 

Impact

Travelers should carry identification documents and permits with them and can expect longer waiting times at land border crossings and additional checks in border areas.

Background

Germany has previously increased border checks with Austria at their mutual border, involving both German and federal police and regional police from the German state of Bavaria.

The news also coincides with the Federal Ministry of the Interior’s plans to add up to 11,300 staff to the 46,000 strong German Federal Police over the coming years.

The Federal Minister of the Interior has stated that he remains committed to free and borderless movement within the Schengen Area, but aims to also coordinate with other European partners to find a common approach to prevent illegal entry to Germany and the Schengen Area.

Looking ahead

Border controls are likely to continue until the Ministry of the Interior is satisfied that the conditions for reverting to control-free travel in the Schengen area are in place, and a common approach to concerns surrounding illegal migration within the Schengen Area is established. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to  [email protected].