Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Germany.
Germany Status
WATCH
Travel to Germany is operating normally overall, with international flights, airports and tourism functioning. However, Germany currently has temporary controls at all of its internal Schengen land borders, meaning travellers entering by road, rail or other land routes may encounter document checks.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Temporary border controls
Germany currently has temporary controls at all of its internal Schengen land borders. These controls are scheduled to remain in place until 15 March 2027.
Countries affected
The controls apply at Germany’s land borders with Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland.
Borders are not closed
The controls do not mean Germany’s borders are closed. Normal cross-border road and rail travel continues, but travellers can be stopped for document checks.
Carry your travel documents
Travellers crossing into Germany from another Schengen country should carry the passport, national identity document, visa or residence documentation required for their journey.
Checks inside Germany
German Federal Police can also carry out checks within the border area. Travellers may be required to present identification and other documents they are legally required to carry.
Schengen Area
Germany remains part of the Schengen Area. Normal Schengen immigration and visa rules continue to apply despite the temporary internal border controls.
Entry/Exit System
The EU Entry/Exit System applies to eligible non-EU short-stay travellers crossing Germany’s external Schengen borders. Travellers may need to provide biometric information when entering or leaving the Schengen Area.
90-day rule
Visa-exempt non-EU visitors are generally limited to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, rather than receiving a separate 90-day allowance for Germany.
Transport strikes
Germany periodically experiences strikes affecting airlines, airports, trains and local public transport. Travellers should check their airline or transport operator shortly before departure when industrial action is announced.
Latest Travel Changes
Border controls extended
Germany’s temporary internal land-border controls were extended from 16 September 2026 and are currently scheduled to continue until 15 March 2027.
All land borders affected
The measures cover Germany’s land borders with Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland.
Neighbouring countries also have controls
Some neighbouring countries have their own temporary Schengen border controls. Travellers can therefore encounter checks imposed by Germany, the neighbouring country or both depending on the route.
Normal international travel continues
The temporary border controls do not represent a closure of Germany. International flights, trains, road travel and ordinary tourism continue.
Before You Travel
Check your airline, passport and visa requirements before departure.
If entering Germany overland from another Schengen country, carry your passport or other required identification because temporary border controls are currently in place.
Allow additional time for international road and rail journeys in case border checks cause delays.
Check your airline, Deutsche Bahn or other transport provider shortly before departure if strikes or industrial action are announced.
Non-EU short-stay travellers entering the Schengen Area through Germany should be prepared for Entry/Exit System procedures where applicable.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.