Germany Extends Land Border Checks, Anticipating Continued Disruption Through September
Germany will extend controls at its land borders for another six months, prolonging disruptions to travel and trade, Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt announced on February 16, 2026. The extension, lasting until at least September 2026, maintains heightened scrutiny at borders shared with the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Poland, Czechia and Switzerland.
The controls, initially implemented in September 2024, are officially justified by concerns over migration and internal security, according to German authorities. Approximately 46,426 individuals have been denied entry at the border since the implementation of the controls.
The decision requires formal notification to the European Commission, as such actions within the Schengen Area are permitted only in exceptional circumstances. Despite questions about the effectiveness of the border controls, the German government maintains their necessity, though the impact on illegal migration remains a subject of debate.
The extension is already drawing criticism from neighboring countries. Dutch border municipalities have expressed frustration with the ongoing controls, citing financial burdens associated with managing the resulting congestion. Logistical bottlenecks on the heavily trafficked A12 and A3 routes are expected to persist, impacting the flow of goods and commuters.
Travelers are being advised to anticipate delays and ensure they have valid identification. The Dutch automobile association, ANWB, specifically noted that a Dutch driver’s license is not accepted as a valid ID in Germany. This warning underscores the need for travelers to carry passports or other accepted forms of identification.
The move comes as Germany continues to grapple with managing migration flows and maintaining internal security. While the initial controls were set to expire on March 15, 2026, the extension pushes that date back to September 2026, signaling a continued commitment to the measures.
The decision to extend the border checks reflects a broader trend in Europe, with several countries implementing similar measures in response to migration pressures. Austria, Slovenia, and Denmark have also implemented border controls, according to reports.
For businesses and commuters who regularly cross the German border, the extension means continued administrative friction and potential delays. Corporate mobility managers are facing at least three more months of logistical challenges, according to industry observers. The extended controls are likely to add to the costs of cross-border trade and travel, impacting both individuals and businesses.
The German Federal Ministry of the Interior justified the move as a response to “continued secondary movements and people-smuggling along the Balkan and Central European routes”, pointing to a reported 35% decline in irregular entries since the checks were reinstated in September 2025. However, the long-term effectiveness of the controls remains a point of contention.
