Some Schengen Agreement countries have started implementing additional passport controls at their borders, where they never existed before. This is in response to an increase in the flow of migrants within the EU.
As of late October 2023, my daughter is traveling within the EU by car, from Kiev to France, and is also doing some work as my correspondent. She has passed through several countries, and apart from official information, we can assess the real situation at the internal EU borders.
Which EU countries have reinstated passport control?
Please note that the control within the EU is only on land borders. Travel by air within the EU remains unchanged.
Germany
Germany is the strictest when it comes to controls at its borders with the Czech Republic and France. They selectively stop cars during the day, checking both documents and inspecting vehicles. Besides the inspection, Germans inquire about the purpose of the trip. At night, they stop all cars indiscriminately. On the border between Germany and France, there is little to no checking.
Austria
Austria has introduced additional controls on its borders with Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia. They selectively check cars and passports.
Italy
At the Italy-Slovenia border, they check transportation, primarily for migrants.
Poland
Vehicle checks are conducted at the Poland-Slovakia border.
Slovenia, Croatia
Additional control has been set up at the borders with Hungary and Slovakia. Croatians check transportation at the border with Slovenia.
Czech Republic
On the Czech Republic-Slovakia border, they check transportation and look at who is in the car; they might not even check passports. It all depends on your appearance.
Can you travel across Europe?
Borders between EU countries have temporary controls, typically implemented for up to 30 days, and they may extend them. Extensions can be lengthy, and this situation is likely to persist throughout the next year.
Ukrainians with biometric passports can travel within the EU and the Schengen Zone without visas. The only restriction is the 90-day stay within 180 days rule, which applies.
This rule doesn’t apply to those who have obtained temporary asylum in the EU or have residence permits.
The time required to pass through borders has increased, and you should factor in an extra hour for each border crossing. If your documents are in order, there’s nothing to worry about.
The primary reason for checks and additional controls is illegal immigration.
To avoid problems and unnecessary questions at the border:
- Maintain a neat and tidy appearance; a disheveled appearance is likely to raise additional questions.
- Know your route, place of stay, and state your trip’s purpose clearly. Incoherent and confusing answers may lead to doubts about your intentions.
Don`t forget:
Hotel Booking – Booking.com
Travel Insurance – Hotline Finance
Car Rental – Local Rent
