border control
“The Federal Police are realizing this very quickly.”
July 3, 2026 – 8:05 amReading time: 6 min.
Federal police in action: controls at all German state borders were introduced in 2024. (Source: Patrick Pleul/dpa)
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Border controls slow down travel, especially during the peak holiday season. Debate continues over the purpose, legality and equipment of the federal police.
Controls at Germany’s borders have now become part of everyday life. But especially during the summer tourist season, there is a risk of long traffic jams on the way back to Germany or train delays. In some federal states, the summer holidays have already begun; in others, such as Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt or Schleswig-Holstein, the starting signal has already been given. At the same time, holidaymakers also have to expect waiting times when leaving Germany, as countries such as Poland also introduced their own controls in response to internal border controls in Germany.
The federal police that control the borders are under particular pressure. Although Germany’s police unions have been relatively relaxed about controls during the festive season, criticism continues to be raised over the equipment of emergency services. Because the federal police are not happy with their technology. There are also concerns in the tourism sector.
Police union member Rosskopf: Disability during travel within acceptable limits
Andreas Rosskopf, president of the police union (GdP) of the federal police department, told t-online that colleagues on site provided a “highly professional service.” “With your extensive experience, you can very quickly distinguish and recognize whether people passing are vacationers, cross-border passengers from the region, business travelers, or even smugglers or people trying to enter federal territory without permission.” Rosskopf said that experience so far has ensured traffic disruptions have remained “within acceptable levels” even during the holiday season.
Andreas Rosskopf: He is the chairman of the federal police union. (Source: Bernd von Jutzenk/dpa/dpa-bilder)
Rosskopf, however, warned that fixed checkpoints are “unfortunately still not well equipped in all areas.” He criticized the situation, especially on hot summer days, emergency services had to work due to a lack of sun protection as well as a lack of adequate air-conditioned facilities.
The Federal President of the German Police Association (DPolG) of the Federal Police Department, Manuel Ostermann, believes that the federal police are now “well positioned in terms of operational tactics” regarding internal border controls. Even during holiday periods, there are sufficiently well-trained and appropriately trained police officers who can provide internal border control to the required extent, Ostermann told t-online.
Tourism Association: Minimize impact on travelers
But border controls aren’t just an added burden for federal police and travelers. Germany’s tourism industry will also suffer. The German Travel Association points out the economic dangers of border controls, as Germany is an attractive travel destination and should remain so. tourism The country relies on good accessibility from abroad and on travel processes running as smoothly as possible, the association’s managing director Norbert Kunz told t-online.