Germany Extends Border Checks with Schengen Neighbors Until September 2026 Citing Irregular Migration

Germany Prolongs Border Controls

Germany's Interior Ministry has officially informed the European Commission of its decision to extend temporary land-border checks with all its nine Schengen neighbors until at least September 15, 2026. The measure, which impacts borders with countries including France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland, is being prolonged due to persistent concerns regarding irregular migration and internal security.

The German government first invoked these controls in September 2024, citing a significant increase in irregular entries. These checks were subsequently expanded in May 2025. The Schengen Borders Code permits such temporary reintroductions of border control in cases of a 'serious threat' to public order or internal security, though it emphasizes these should be 'measures of last resort' and limited in duration.

Reasons for the Extension

The primary justification for the continued border checks is the ongoing challenge of irregular migration. German officials argue that the controls are 'effective and necessary' in managing migration flows and safeguarding national security. The Interior Ministry stated that the checks are 'one element of our reorganisation of migration policy in Germany,' with a goal 'to limit, to manage and to return' irregular migrants.

Since the initial implementation of these controls, German police have reported significant figures:

• Over 67,000 unauthorized entrants intercepted between September 2024 and December 2025.
• Approximately 46,000 individuals refused entry for not meeting conditions.
• A notable decrease in asylum applications, with figures halving year-on-year to 7,649 in January 2026.

These statistics are presented by the German authorities as evidence of the measures' efficacy in curbing irregular migration.

Impact on Cross-Border Movement

The extension of border checks is expected to continue affecting cross-border commuters and businesses within the Schengen Area. Travelers are required to carry valid passports or national ID cards, and non-EU citizens must have proof of residence visas ready for inspection. Logistics firms, particularly those operating on busy corridors like the A5 (Basel–Frankfurt) and A35 (Alsace), have reported average delays of 15–25 minutes per truck during daylight hours. These delays are estimated to cost approximately €4 million in lost productivity each month.

While the German government insists the measures are 'targeted and flexible,' French haulage federations and Eurodistrict authorities have voiced concerns that the controls undermine cross-border supply chains and labor-market integration. The European Commission continues to monitor these temporary reintroductions, urging member states to return to 'fully free movement' when conditions allow.