The German Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) has officially notified the European Commission of the introduction of temporary internal border controls across all of Germany’s land borders. Beginning September 16, 2026, checks conducted by the Federal Police (Bundespolizei) will extend to the country’s western and northern borders — covering France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark.
Given that stationary and mobile controls were already in operation along the borders with Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland, Germany is, for the first time in decades, implementing comprehensive controls along its entire 3,800-kilometer land perimeter.
This measure has generated widespread public discussion and understandable questions among Ukrainian citizens residing in Germany under temporary protection (§ 24 AufenthG). The Nodia editorial team explains the applicable legal standards, clarifies distinctions between migrant categories, and provides practical advice for cross-border travel.
1. Legal Status: Do Entry Turnbacks Apply to Ukrainians with § 24?
The essential point that every beneficiary of temporary protection must understand: the Interior Ministry’s decision is targeted against irregular migration, human smuggling networks (Schleuser), and individuals lacking lawful grounds to enter the European Union.
Official Legal Position:
Ukrainian citizens who have obtained temporary protection pursuant to § 24 of the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz - AufenthG) hold a fully recognized, lawful right of residence in Germany and freedom of movement throughout the Schengen Area under the 90-days-within-any-180-days rule.
Immediate border refusal procedures (Zurückweisung) and Dublin III transfer protocols apply exclusively to undocumented asylum seekers (Asylbewerber) arriving without valid travel titles, and do not apply to holders of valid protection permits.
Consequently, border checks for Ukrainians with valid documentation represent a standard verification of identity and residence permit authenticity, rather than any impediment to travel.
2. Documents Required for Cross-Border Travel (Travel Kit)
When traveling across borders by private vehicle, long-distance train (Deutsche Bahn, Eurostar), or intercity coach (Flixbus), travelers must carry a complete set of original documents:
| Document | Status and Requirements at Border Inspection | Notes for Border Authorities |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Passport | Biometric or non-biometric international passport | Validity must extend beyond the planned return date |
| eAT Residence Card | Electronic plastic residence permit | Automatically extended by law if validity expired in 2024–2026 |
| Fiktionsbescheinigung | Interim certificate under § 81 (4) AufenthG | Confirms lawful stay pending issuance/extension of the eAT |
| Meldebescheinigung | Official proof of residential address registration | Recommended to carry a recent printout or digital PDF |
| Gesundheitskarte | European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) | Reverse side of the German Krankenkasse card is valid across the EU |
Important Note on Fiktionsbescheinigung:
The right to visa-free re-entry into Germany is granted exclusively by interim certificates issued under § 81 (4) AufenthG (extension of a previously held valid title). A certificate issued under § 81 (3) (initial processing of a first-time application) only permits stay strictly within Germany and does not authorize cross-border transit through neighboring states.
3. Practical Implications: Travel Delays and Inspections
Although Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser emphasized that police operations aim to minimize disruption to cross-border commuters (Pendler) and commercial logistics, changes in travel conditions are inevitable:
- Highway Checkpoints:
On major autobahns at the borders with the Netherlands (A3, A30), Belgium (A44), and France (A6, A5), traffic may be channeled into single lanes for visual inspection by police. During peak travel hours, delays ranging from 20 to 60 minutes are possible. - International Trains and Coaches:
Federal Police officers perform ticket and document checks onboard carriages at the first stations after crossing the border or directly on the platform. Passengers should keep their passports and residence cards in their hand luggage rather than stowed away in heavy baggage. - Travel with Minors:
If a child is traveling with only one parent or accompanied by third parties, border officers are entitled to request notarized parental consent and a birth certificate accompanied by a certified German or English translation.
4. Duration and Outlook
The decision to institute internal border controls was notified under Articles 25 et seq. of the Schengen Borders Code for an initial period of six months — through mid-March 2027. If heightened migration pressures persist, the federal government retains the legal option to extend these measures further.
We advise readers to allocate additional travel time when heading to neighboring European countries, verify document validity in advance, and remain composed during routine checks: a valid residence permit ensures smooth re-entry into Germany.
Information Sources
- Bundespolizei: Official Web Portal of the German Federal Police
- Gesetze im Internet: § 24 AufenthG — Temporary Protection in Germany
- Gesetze im Internet: § 81 AufenthG — Provisions Governing Fiktionsbescheinigung
- EUR-Lex: Schengen Borders Code (Regulation (EU) 2016/399)
- EUR-Lex: Council Directive 2001/55/EC on Temporary Protection
- Make it in Germany: Official Residence and Entry Guidelines for Ukrainian Citizens