Starting next Monday, September 16, Germany will be introducing passport controls along all its land borders, including those with the Netherlands. These checks, expected to last at least six months, are bound to create a few bumps in the road for the residents of Drenthe and Groningen, who frequently cross into Germany for shopping, work, and leisure. If you’re one of them, make sure you’ve got your passport or EU ID on hand, as crossing the border without proper identification ccould lead to some unexpected and unwelcome surprises.
If you’re among those who enjoy a quick shopping trip to German, this change will affect you. With those tempting lower prices, many from the northern Netherlands regularly make the short jaunt across the border for their groceries. But starting next week, forgetting your ID won’t just be a minor hiccup – it could mean being turned away at the border.
While it’s always sensible to carry identification, these new checks could slow things down, turning that speedy supermarket run into a bit more of a hassle.
Planning a border crossing? Expect delays and don’t forget your ID!
Many residents of Drenthe and Groningen work in Germany, commute regularly, or visit family and friends across the border. For these frequent travelers, the new controls will likely add a bit of extra time to their journeys. Whether you’re commuting to your job, visiting relatives, or just taking a weekend trip, having to stop for ID checks may cause delays.
And it’s not just locals who will feel the impact. Travelers passing through Germany on their way to Eastern or Southeastern Europe for business or leisure will also need to factor in these new checks. So, double-check your passport before you go to avoid unexpected stops and delays.
Next stop: Dutch border controls?
Adding another twist to the story, political leaders from the PVV and VVD parties on this side of the border have expressed interest in implementing similar controls in the Netherlands. This stands in stark contrast to the reaction of many European policymakers, who were taken aback by Germany’s decision to reintroduce border checks. While this is just a discussion at the moment, it’s not out of the question that border controls could become a two-way issue in the future.
If you frequently cross borders, this is definitely something to watch. While it’s unclear if or when such checks might be introduced in the Netherlands, the topic is definitely on the radar.
Annoying but manageable
Let’s face it – border checks are never fun, but they’re manageable. For most people, it’s more of a minor inconvenience than a major hassle. Sure, it’s a bit of an adjustment, especially for those who’ve gotten used to the ease of crossing the border freely, but with a little extra planning, it’s nothing too daunting.
So, whether you’re heading to Germany for some weekend shopping or a visit with friends, just remember: don’t forget your passport before heading out!
