03 Oct 2023 | 02:55 PM UTC
Central Europe: Austria, Czech Republic, and Poland authorities to increase security at Slovakia border from Oct. 4 /update 1
Austria, Czech Republic and Poland officials to enforce tightened security at Slovakia border from Oct. 4. Border crossing delays likely.
Event
Austrian, Polish and Czech authorities plan to increase security at their respective borders with Slovakia from Oct. 4 to at least Oct. 13 in order to combat illegal immigration and migrant smuggling. Polish authorities will open 11 new road and rail crossing points and 11 pedestrian crossing points where authorities will check travel documentation; only EU citizens will be allowed to pass through the pedestrian crossings. Czech authorities will conduct random inspections along the entirety of the Czech/Slovak border. Austrian authorities did not offer details besides stating that border controls will be reintroduced. Warsaw has announced that it expects to extend the measure beyond 10 days.
Delays are likely if crossing from Slovakia into Poland or the Czech Republic.
Advice
Allow additional time if crossing into Austria, Poland, or the Czech Republic from Slovakia. Keep necessary documents on hand and be prepared for potential inspections. Strictly heed all instructions from authorities.
