The Austrian federal government has decided to prolong the border controls with the Czech Republic and Slovakia—originally set to expire on 15 April 2025—by a further six months, until 15 October 2025. According to the Austrian Ministry of the Interior (BMI), the aim of these measures is to continue the fight against illegal migration and cross-border crime.
The controls remain in place at official border crossings and are supplemented by mobile checks in the border regions.
Mobile and stationary inspections
Checks are being carried out both at stationary border posts and via mobile patrols in the border area.
“Border controls are, and will remain, a key element in the fight against illegal migration. Thanks to the measures taken, we have been able to significantly reduce it—and the goal is to eliminate it completely,” emphasised Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner.
“We must, and will, consistently follow the chosen path,” he added.
Austria is not the only EU/Schengen country operating temporary border controls. Bulgaria, Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Slovenia have introduced similar measures to ensure internal security.
Support in the fight against foot-and-mouth disease
In addition to tackling illegal migration, Austrian police are currently assisting the health authorities in efforts to contain the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). At the borders with Slovakia and Hungary, officers are inspecting vehicles, verifying transport documents, and checking cargo.
In connection with this, several smaller border crossings have been temporarily closed. Since 26 March, only the four main crossings between the Czech Republic and Slovakia have remained open to trucks weighing over 3.5 tonnes.
From 31 March, all trucks with a gross vehicle weight over 3.5 tonnes must use one of the following Austria–Czech Republic border crossings, where mandatory disinfection is carried out:
- Drasenhofen / Mikulov
- Kleinhaugsdorf / Hatě
- Gmünd / Halámky
