Germany Extends Land Border Checks Through September
Germany has extended temporary identity checks at all nine land borders to manage migration and security. Expats and travelers should expect potential delays and must carry valid passports or residence permits when crossing by road or rail.
Germany Extends Land Border Checks Through September
Germany has officially extended its temporary identity checks at all nine land borders for another six months. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed the controls will now remain in place until at least September 15, 2026. This marks the third extension of a policy that originally began in late 2024 to manage migration and enhance internal security.
The checks apply to everyone entering Germany by land from Austria, Czechia, Poland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, and Switzerland. Federal Police are conducting both stationary and mobile inspections on major motorways, rail lines, and international bus routes.
Who is affected
Digital nomads and business travelers should prepare for potential delays. While the inspections are random, they typically add 15 to 45 minutes to cross-border journeys. These delays can escalate on major freight corridors like the A4 (Dresden–Wrocław) and A5 (Basel–Frankfurt).
Daily commuters and slow travelers using regional trains or coaches are also impacted. Police teams frequently board trains at the first German station after the border to verify documents, and buses may be diverted to dedicated inspection areas.
What you need to do
If you are planning to cross into Germany by land, keep your documentation easily accessible to avoid secondary screening or being turned back at the border.
- Carry a valid passport: This is required for all third-country nationals, regardless of residency status.
- National ID cards: EU and Schengen citizens must carry a valid national ID card that meets German standards.
- Residence permits: Non-EU residents living in other Schengen countries should carry their physical residence permits.
- Proof of stay: Be ready to show evidence of accommodation, onward travel, or financial means if requested by officers.
- Business documents: Remote workers on business assignments should carry copies of assignment letters or proof of employment.
While the EU’s reformed Asylum and Migration Pact takes effect in June, there is no guarantee these checks will end then. Stay informed on the latest nomad news to track any further extensions or policy shifts.
Read our full Germany guide for the complete picture.