The German Ministry of the Interior has announced the extension of border controls by six months, despite criticism.

Germany will extend temporary controls at its land borders by six months, according to an announcement from the Ministry of the Interior. This decision, deemed necessary by Berlin, comes in the context of criticism from neighboring countries and is part of a reorganizing European migration policy.

The controls, initially instituted in September 2024, will continue until mid-September 2026, aiming to combat illegal migration and crime. Travelers can expect longer waiting times and unpredictable checks.

The measure has been reinforced by the current government led by Friedrich Merz, which has strengthened police presence at the borders. Although controls are prohibited in the Schengen area, they are allowed in case of threats to public order. In recent months, nearly 50,000 people have been denied entry at the border.

Despite a decision by a German court declaring these controls illegal, Berlin has decided not to abandon them, in the context of this year's regional elections and the rise of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD).