Federal police data released on 14 January show that, since Germany extended stationary and random checks to all nine land borders on 16 September 2025, officers have rejected 13,786 travellers for lacking valid entry documents or posing security risks. A further 518 suspected smugglers were arrested, and 3,300 open warrants executed. (yahoo.com)
In the same period, 22,243 unauthorised crossings were detected. The Ministry of the Interior argues the controls are necessary to curb irregular migration, but critics note that Germany participates in the Schengen zone, where internal borders are meant to stay open. Human-rights groups fear the measures may infringe asylum-seekers’ rights, citing a recent Berlin Administrative Court ruling that summary push-backs violate EU law.
![Border-control statistics: 13,786 people turned back at Germany’s frontiers since September expansion]()
For mobility managers who want to stay ahead of evolving documentation requirements, the online platform VisaHQ can clarify whether assignees need additional paperwork and can facilitate fast-track visa or permit renewals; more details are available at https://www.visahq.com/germany/.
Businesses should anticipate sporadic delays for assignees arriving by car, coach or rail from neighbouring countries. Although checks are targeted, travellers can be asked to show passports, residence permits and proof of accommodation or funds. Corporate-mobility teams should remind employees to carry original documents rather than digital copies.
The controls were recently prolonged until 15 March 2026—the maximum period allowed without explicit EU Commission approval. Should Berlin seek another extension, companies may face a semi-permanent layer of border-friction when moving staff or goods across Germany’s internal frontiers.
In the same period, 22,243 unauthorised crossings were detected. The Ministry of the Interior argues the controls are necessary to curb irregular migration, but critics note that Germany participates in the Schengen zone, where internal borders are meant to stay open. Human-rights groups fear the measures may infringe asylum-seekers’ rights, citing a recent Berlin Administrative Court ruling that summary push-backs violate EU law.
For mobility managers who want to stay ahead of evolving documentation requirements, the online platform VisaHQ can clarify whether assignees need additional paperwork and can facilitate fast-track visa or permit renewals; more details are available at https://www.visahq.com/germany/.
Businesses should anticipate sporadic delays for assignees arriving by car, coach or rail from neighbouring countries. Although checks are targeted, travellers can be asked to show passports, residence permits and proof of accommodation or funds. Corporate-mobility teams should remind employees to carry original documents rather than digital copies.
The controls were recently prolonged until 15 March 2026—the maximum period allowed without explicit EU Commission approval. Should Berlin seek another extension, companies may face a semi-permanent layer of border-friction when moving staff or goods across Germany’s internal frontiers.
