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UncategorizedNovember 30, 20230 comments

Supposedly open borders, but increasingly more border controls

Some European countries have recently reintroduced border controls to combat the growing number of illegal immigrants. This has made life difficult for HGV drivers, who now have to spend more time waiting in queues at the borders. The situation is aggravated by blockades of the border with Ukraine, organized by Polish hauliers.

The following countries have decided to reintroduce border controls:

❌Austria
The land border between Slovenia and Hungary can only be crossed until May 11, 2024. In addition, controls will be carried out at the borders with the Czech Republic until December 6 and with Slovakia until December 2.

❌Germany
In order to increase combat human smuggling and curb illegal migration, temporary border controls have been introduced at the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. The controls are scheduled to last until December 5 but can be prolonged if necessary.

❌Poland
Controls have been introduced at the border with Slovakia to prevent illegal migration from the Balkan route. They are scheduled to continue until December 3. Travelers must remember to carry travel documents (identity card or passport). The Polish-Slovak border can be crossed at 17 road crossings:
• Radoszyce
• Evergreen
• Muszynka
• Piwniczna-Zdrój – Mnišek nad Popradom
• Jurgow
• Chyżne
• Korbielow
• Zwardoń – Skalité Platforma
• Leluchów – only for EU and EFTA citizens, as well as their spouses and children
• Konieczna – only for EU and EFTA citizens, as well as their spouses and children
• Niedzica – same as above
• Łysa Polana – same as above
• Chochołów – same as above
• Winiarczykówka – same as above
• Ujsoły – same as above
• Bór – same as above
• Jaworzynka – Čierne – Skalité – same as above
Closed border crossings

❌Finland
To combat illegal immigration from Russia, the Finnish government has decided to temporarily close all crossing points along the land border with Russia until December 13.
Blockades of border crossings with Ukraine

❌Poland
The protest organized by Polish hauliers at the Polish-Ukrainian border in Hrebenne, Korczowa, Dorohusk and Medyka has had a significant impact on the situation of HGV drivers. Only cars, buses, transports of live animals, as well as humanitarian and military relief supplies are allowed through.

❌Slovakia
A protest organized by the Association of Slovak Transport Companies, may cause traffic jams at the Slovak-Ukrainian border in Vyšné Nemecké-Uzhgorod. Slovakia has not officially informed about the blockade of the border crossing or whether its hauliers have joined the protest of Polish transport companies. However, HGV drivers should be prepared for such a possibility.