Denmark joined the Schengen cooperation in 2001. Citizens of the 26 European Schengen countries can cross the internal borders freely. However, in 2016, in connection with the migration crisis, Denmark introduced temporary border controls. This means that you may be asked to show your passport upon entry from Germany or Sweden.
Border control facilities have already been established at the border in Southern Jutland and at the ferries between Denmark and Germany, and this will also need to be done at the Fehmarntunnel.
Dialogue on control since 2012
Since 2012, Femern A/S has been in dialogue with the relevant authorities regarding the design of the future payment area, including the possibilities of introducing border control from spot checks to full border control, Femern A/S informs FemernReport.
Also for emergency services
In practice, the preparation for the border control means that a number of multi-purpose buildings must be constructed. They must also be able to be used for emergency rooms, should the authorities need it. In the halls, trucks can be emptied indoors, X-rayed and examined by police dogs.
For practical reasons, any border control will take place immediately before the traffic passes the toll booth in Rødbyhavn.
On the German side, an area has been created at Puttgarden immediately outside the tunnel, where the German customs authorities have opportunities to pull road users to the side.
The Øresundsbro Konsortiet worried
The temporary border control has recently sparked a lot of debate in connection with the Øresund connection. Here, the Swedish Trafikverket is investigating the possibilities of creating a special place for border control at the toll booth. That idea, however, does not sit particularly well with the Øresundsbro consortium:
– We are deeply concerned for everyone who travels across the Øresund. We have to remove and not create new border barriers for the tens of thousands who travel every day, said Øresundsbro Konsortiet’s director, Linus Eriksson, in January to News Øresund. The Swedish Transport Administration has previously informed TV2-Bornholm that a facility for border control at the Øresund Bridge could cost up to DKK 400 million.
