Stauchaos at Pentecost: Border controls burden vacationers in NRW!

Stauchaos at Pentecost: Border controls burden vacationers in NRW!

With the Pentecost weekend, many holidaymakers made their way to the Netherlands, which led to an increased volume of traffic on the motorways in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). On Friday, June 6th and on Whit Monday, June 9, the biggest congestion problems were expected. Since May 2025, the federal police have been carrying out increased border controls on the German-Dutch border in order to increase security and to record smugglers in particular. Already on the Ascension weekend there had been long waiting times of up to 30 minutes, which also threatens this weekend.

travelers must expect a variety of delays, since the controls are not only carried out mobile but also randomly. These controls can lead to waiting times, which according to the WDR for commuters and vacationers are not exceeded in practice. Drivers are asked to provide valid ID documents and vehicle documents to accelerate the process. A valid EU petrol card with rabies vaccination is required for passengers.

stressed traffic axes

Particularly affected by the high traffic volume are the following motorways:

• A3 via Elten to Zevenaar
• A30 via Bad Bentheim to de Lutte
• A40 via Straelen to Venlo
• A52 according to Roermond
• A57 via Goch to Gennep
• A61 via Kaldenkirchen to Venlo
• A31/B402 via Meppen to Zwartemeer

The traffic jams before Pentecost added up to an impressive 570 kilometers last year, which is not unlikely on the upcoming weekend. Drivers should adjust to twice as long and choose the travel times to avoid traffic jams.

commuter and their routines

Especially for commuters who travel from NRW to the Netherlands every day, the controls are a challenge. According to Ruhr24 , for example around 2,800 people from Kleve, for example 1,890 from Goch and 1,840 from Geldern across the border every day. Many take the opportunity to refuel or buy in the Netherlands.

The police are planning to carry out the controls "selectively and with a sense of proportion" in order to minimize impairments for travelers and commuters. At the same time, you will publish a first record of controls in the coming week to document the success in combating illegal migration and other search projects. Travelers are asked to keep their papers at hand in order to accelerate the controls and contribute to a secure crossing of the border.

The Whitsun weekend is likely to be a stirring time for holidaymakers and commuters, with numerous challenges on the motorways and on the boundaries between NRW and the Netherlands.