Is there border control between Germany and Denmark?
Spot checks at the southern border
Short answer
Yes, Denmark has run temporary border control on its internal land and sea border with Germany since 4 January 2016. The current period runs from 12 November 2026 to 11 May 2027. The police make random spot checks at the crossings and pick out people to see whether they may lawfully enter Denmark. EU and EEA citizens must show a passport or an approved national ID card, and other travellers a passport with a visa or residence permit if required.
Why
- The checks cover roads and ferry routes from Germany.
- Not everyone is stopped, but anyone can be.
- Germany also checks its side of the border.
Details
Germany has notified controls on its land border with Denmark for 16 September 2026 to 15 March 2027.
Tip
Keep your passport or ID card at hand in the car or on the ferry, so a check takes only a minute.
What may differ
The control is renewed for six months at a time, so the end date can move.
Common misconception
Schengen means there can never be passport checks between Germany and Denmark.
What actually happens
Schengen countries may bring back temporary internal border control, and Denmark has done so since 2016.
People also ask
- Why does Denmark have border control?
- Is there border control on the ferries from Germany?
- What ID do EU citizens need for Denmark?
Sources
- Danish Police: Border controlChecked at:
- European Commission: Temporary reintroduction of border controlChecked at:
- Danish Police: Travel ID for entry into DenmarkChecked at:
- Your Europe: Travel documents for EU nationalsChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Entry and customs rules can change, so check the Danish Immigration Service, the Danish police and the Danish Customs Agency before you travel.
Planning and budgetRelated questions
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Do you pay customs on gifts sent to Denmark from outside the EU?
A gift sent by a private person from outside the EU is free of duty and VAT if it is worth EUR 45 or less.
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Can you bring medicine into Denmark?
Yes, from 1 January 2026 you may bring medicine into Denmark for personal use from any country, if it was sold legally in the country where you bought it.
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Can you bring meat and milk into Denmark from outside the EU?
No, travellers coming from a country outside the EU may not bring any meat or dairy products, which includes sausages, cheese and milk.
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Do you have to declare cash over EUR 10,000 when entering or leaving Denmark?
Yes, if you carry cash or other liquid assets worth EUR 10,000 (about 75,000 kr.) or more, you must declare them to Toldstyrelsen when you enter or leave Denmark.