Passport-free travel to Germany is ending on September 16?

What is changing on September 16? Why is Germany reinstating border controls starting?

Starting on September 16, Germany will reinstate passport controls along all of its land borders, including the Dutch-German border, for at least six months. The primary goal of this measure is to address concerns about irregular migration, terrorism, and cross-border crime.

While the practical details of how these checks will be enforced across Germany’s 3,767-kilometer land border remain unclear, the changes are expected to affect travelers between the Netherlands and Germany. Dutch travelers, particularly those commuting by car, bus, or train, should anticipate possible delays as a result of these controls. However, the exact impact on daily travel routines is yet to be fully understood.

Dutch Minister of Asylum and Migration, Marjolein Faber, has voiced her understanding of Germany's decision and has announced plans to collaborate with the German government to reduce the impact on cross-border trade. Goods and commercial transport across the border are expected to face fewer complications as both nations work to minimize disruptions in trade. This move is part of a broader trend within the Schengen area, where countries such as Austria, France, Sweden, and Denmark have also temporarily reinstated border checks in response to security concerns.

The reintroduction of controls is permitted under EU rules when public security or policy is threatened, as long as the European Commission is informed in advance. Although Germany's current border checks are planned to last six months, the possibility of an extension remains if the security situation does not improve. This development highlights ongoing challenges related to border security within the EU, as more member states look to balance internal security with the principles of free movement across the Schengen zone.