Travel chaos in the Netherlands: border controls until December 2025!

Travel chaos in the Netherlands: border controls until December 2025!

Niederlande - The situation on the Dutch borders remains tense because the border controls, which have been introduced since December 2024, have been extended by December 9, 2025. Originally, these measures were only planned until the beginning of June 2025. The aim is to combat irregular migration and cross -border crime. These decisions are the result of recommendations from the Dutch Ministry for Asylum and Migration and concern both the border to Belgium and that to Germany.

Travelers should be prepared for the controls to be carried out both mobile and inpatient. This can lead to considerable delays at the border crossings. Main traffic routes are particularly affected, which are often used by holidaymakers. So reportMercurythat important holiday routes such as the A1, A4 and A10 are faced with numerous construction sites in the period until at least autumn 2025.

Important information for travelers

In order to cross the limits without any problems, it is strongly recommended to have a valid passport or ID card at hand. This also applies to children who need their own ID from birth. Expensive documents or driver's licenses are not recognized as sufficient. It is particularly pointed out that the documents on the train and airports can also be checked randomly as part of the controls, which can result in additional delays.

The royal Marechaussee conducts the controls based on risk analyzes, which means that travelers have to expect unpredictable waiting times, especially on highly frequented routes. In addition, from August 22, 2025, the A12 between Arnheim and Utrecht will be blocked for ten days, which requires a detour of at least one hour.

Economic and social effects

The working group of European border regions (AGE) has warned of the negative effects of extended border controls. These could bring economic disadvantages for the border regions and reduce social cohesion. The AGES advocates alternative solutions and increased cross -border cooperation instead of the unilaterally arranged controls.

Travelers should not only plan more time when entering the Netherlands, but also when returning to Germany. In view of the tense situation, it is advisable to plan the trip in advance and to plan enough buffer times for the duration of the controls.