Germany’s decision to extend border checks with Czechia and Switzerland until March 2025 is the latest in a series of actions to tackle illegal migration and enhance security within the European Union Germany has maintained tight border controls with Austria the checks have expanded to include borders with Czechia will continue for several months following Interior Minister Nancy Faeser’s announcement that these controls will persist beyond March 2025 the rationale is tackling illegal immigration the number of asylum applications dropped by 40 percent—a statistic Faeser attributes to the success of the border checks police have detained over 1,600 people smugglers and stopped thousands of illegal entries in a year of controls at the Czech border which have already been extended several times What do extended border checks mean for ordinary travelers The continued border checks could delay trips for many especially those crossing between Germany and neighboring countries While the Schengen Area rules were designed to allow for seamless travel Germany’s ongoing controls have led to increased traffic and wait times at borders as well as impact on public transport The extension of border checks reflects a broader trend within the EU where nine of the 29 Schengen states are currently implementing temporary internal controls This shift has raised questions about the future of the Schengen Area and the delicate balance between security and mobility in Europe staying informed about potential delays is important as these extended checks could affect your travel plans Your morning coffee deserves a great companion. Why not enjoy it with our daily newsletter? News from Czechia, curated insights, and inspiring stories in English.