Slovenia’s government confirmed late on 20 November that the temporary border controls it introduced with Croatia and Hungary in October 2023 will be extended for another six months, until 21 June 2026. Ljubljana cited an "elevated terrorist threat" and instability on the EU’s external borders as the rationale. Although the measure does not re-impose controls on the Austrian frontier, the decision disrupts a key freight and tourism corridor used by Austrian logistics operators and holiday motorists heading to the Adriatic.
Transport associations in Styria and Carinthia warn that tighter checks at the Slovenia–Croatia crossing near Obrežje have already added up to 45 minutes to south-bound truck journeys, forcing some carriers to re-route via the more costly Tauern–Karawanks–Ljubljana axis. Austrian exporters shipping automotive parts to Croatian plants report delays in just-in-time deliveries and higher fuel costs, while coach operators serving coastal resorts fear schedule slippage during the Christmas market rush.
![Slovenia prolongs internal Schengen checks—Austrian hauliers face detours]()
The Interior Ministries in Vienna and Ljubljana said joint police patrols and advance data-sharing should mitigate congestion, but advised travellers to budget extra time and carry complete documentation, including proof of accommodation for leisure trips. EU law allows internal border checks for renewable six-month periods in exceptional circumstances; Austria itself maintains controls on its Hungarian and Slovenian borders until at least 11 May 2025.
Business-immigration advisers note that posted-worker notifications for staff transiting Slovenia must reflect possible inspection stops, and recommend that employers keep printed copies of A1 certificates and employment contracts in vehicle cabs. Freight forwarders are lobbying Brussels for a harmonised risk-based model that avoids blanket checks and favours pre-cleared "green lanes" for trusted carriers.
While the extension falls short of a complete closure—passengers may still cross at designated points—the prospect of rolling renewals through the 2026 summer season is prompting Austrian tour operators to examine alternative routings via Italy or direct flights to Croatian airports. The Austrian Automobile Club (ÖAMTC) will issue real-time updates via its traffic-app once the new regime starts on 22 December.
Transport associations in Styria and Carinthia warn that tighter checks at the Slovenia–Croatia crossing near Obrežje have already added up to 45 minutes to south-bound truck journeys, forcing some carriers to re-route via the more costly Tauern–Karawanks–Ljubljana axis. Austrian exporters shipping automotive parts to Croatian plants report delays in just-in-time deliveries and higher fuel costs, while coach operators serving coastal resorts fear schedule slippage during the Christmas market rush.
The Interior Ministries in Vienna and Ljubljana said joint police patrols and advance data-sharing should mitigate congestion, but advised travellers to budget extra time and carry complete documentation, including proof of accommodation for leisure trips. EU law allows internal border checks for renewable six-month periods in exceptional circumstances; Austria itself maintains controls on its Hungarian and Slovenian borders until at least 11 May 2025.
Business-immigration advisers note that posted-worker notifications for staff transiting Slovenia must reflect possible inspection stops, and recommend that employers keep printed copies of A1 certificates and employment contracts in vehicle cabs. Freight forwarders are lobbying Brussels for a harmonised risk-based model that avoids blanket checks and favours pre-cleared "green lanes" for trusted carriers.
While the extension falls short of a complete closure—passengers may still cross at designated points—the prospect of rolling renewals through the 2026 summer season is prompting Austrian tour operators to examine alternative routings via Italy or direct flights to Croatian airports. The Austrian Automobile Club (ÖAMTC) will issue real-time updates via its traffic-app once the new regime starts on 22 December.
