Border controls in Germany started: here’s what to consider

Varying controls

Starting today, in the fight against terrorism and illegal migration, German police are randomly checking vehicles on various highways at the border, such as the A12, A7 and A1.
Tents were set up on the A7 near Bad Nieuweschans this morning where vehicles are pulled over for a check.
The Tubantia reports that these extra checks have already caught some suspected drug smugglers on the A30 near Bad Bentheim.

At other major border crossings, such as the A12 from Arnhem to Oberhausen, no checkpoints have yet been spotted.
That could just change, as the Germans plan to change the checkpoint locations regularly.

ANWB and transportation industry not happy

The ANWB warns that the extra checks could cause delays, especially on busy routes such as the A1 and A67.
Experience during last summer’s European Football Championship – when there were also extra checks – shows that waiting times can be considerable.
According to the Tubantia newspaper, Monday morning traffic jams were not too bad in many places.

The transportation industry is also watching developments at the border with concern.
During previous border checks, waiting times for truck drivers quickly ran out, costing about a hundred euros extra per hour per driver.
With hundreds of thousands of trips per month, that’s an expensive joke.

What do you need to know if you are heading to Germany?

Are you planning to go to Germany?
Then don’t forget to bring your passport or ID card, because only a driver’s license will not suffice at the border.
Checks are not limited to highways; even if you cross the border by train, bicycle or on foot, you may encounter a check.