Germany extends border controls with Czech Republic until March 2027

Germany is once again extending stationary border controls at all nine of its land borders, including the border with the Czech Republic, now until mid-March 2027. The German Ministry of the Interior justifies the move by citing the ongoing developments at the European Union's external borders and the need to continue curbing irregular migration.

For travellers, this means above all that spot checks on individuals may continue to take place at the border crossings between the Czech Republic and Germany, potentially leading to somewhat longer waiting times. This does not involve a border closure, but valid travel documents should be kept at hand.

Since when have controls been in place – and for how much longer?

Controls at the border with the Czech Republic have been in place since October 2023, introduced together with Poland and Switzerland. The border with Austria has already been controlled since 2015, while the remaining German land borders (France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark) have been under control since September 2024. With the current extension, all nine German land borders will now remain under heightened observation at least until mid-March of next year.

What does this mean for trip planning?

Anyone who regularly commutes between the Czech Republic and Germany, or passes through the Czech Republic on the way south, should allow some extra time for the border crossings between the Czech Republic and Germany, especially on weekends and during holiday periods. On the Czech side, the vignette requirement on motorways (D-roads) continues to apply independently of the border controls.

Tolls in the Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, the vignette requirement applies to cars, cars with trailers, and motorhomes up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight (motorcycles are exempt). For vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the distance-based toll applies instead: the electronic, satellite-based toll system MYTO CZ with an on-board unit (OBU) on motorways and selected Class 1 roads. Rates are based on distance, vehicle category, number of axles, and EURO and CO₂ class. There is no separate special toll in the Czech Republic.

Anyone travelling through other countries besides the Czech Republic will often benefit from the vignette flat rate: for 12.80 euros a month, vignettes for all eight supported countries are covered.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

You can find further information on our overview page for the Czech Republic vignette as well as on the page Tolls in the Czech Republic. Also take a look at whether Czech vignette prices will be frozen in 2027. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time by email.