Central Europe: Slovakia tightens controls on border with Hungary through Oct. 14 after Austria, Czech Republic, and Poland impose measures at Slovak border /update 2

Event

Slovak authorities have announced the imposition of border checks at the Slovakia-Hungary border from Oct. 5 through at least Oct. 14 in order to combat illegal migration. The move comes a day after Austrian, Czech, and Polish authorities announced similar plans to increase security at their respective borders with Slovakia from Oct. 4 through at least Oct. 13 to curb illegal migration and smuggling. Polish authorities have decided to open 11 road and rail crossing points and 11 pedestrian crossing points on the country's border with Slovakia where they will carry out random checks; only EU citizens will be allowed to use the pedestrian crossings. Warsaw has asserted that it will likely extend the border control measures beyond the announced 10-day period. Additionally, Czech authorities will reportedly conduct random inspections along the Slovakia-Czech Republic border. Austrian authorities did not immediately offer details on the measures they were imposing besides stating that border controls would be reintroduced.

Individuals attempting to cross from Hungary into Slovakia or from Slovakia into Austria, the Czech Republic, or Poland will likely encounter border crossing delays over the coming days.

Advice

Allow additional time if crossing into Slovakia from Hungary or into Austria, Poland, or the Czech Republic from Slovakia. Keep important travel documents on hand and be prepared for potential inspections. Strictly heed all instructions issued by local officials.