Since Monday, 16 September 2024, German police have been checking the passports of people who want to cross the border. The German government is doing this to ensure that fewer people enter the country without valid visas. These border checks will last for 6 months.

Normally there are no border controls because the Netherlands and Germany are in the Schengen area. The Schengen area is a group of European countries where you can travel without passport controls. A country may temporarily introduce border controls, but only for a good reason and for a short time.

Do you want to cross the border between the Netherlands and Germany in the next 6 months? Then be prepared for extra travel time. You may also be stopped if you do not have the proper papers.

Are you from Ukraine and want to cross the border between Germany and the Netherlands? Then make sure you have valid travel documents with you. Usually this is your passport.

Are you travelling with children under 18 within the European Union (EU) and a parent or guardian is not travelling with you? Then you need permission from the parent or guardian not travelling with you. On the website of the Dutch central government you can download a form to arrange this for your child.

Are you travelling to the Netherlands via Germany and want to apply for asylum? Then you need a visa or residence permit to enter the Netherlands. If you are checked at the German border and do not have proof that you are allowed to enter the Netherlands, you cannot travel further.

At the border police in Germany, you can indicate that you want to apply for asylum in Germany. The border police will then see if Germany must process your asylum application. Sometimes another EU country must process your application. For example, if you are already registered for asylum there. This country is then responsible for your application according to the