Urgent alert! Restrictions implemented on another long Schengen border in Hungary

Border controls Austrian authorities Hungary Schengen border
Vehicles leaving Hungary are disinfected to prevent the emergence and spread of foot-and-mouth disease at the border crossing point in Hegyeshalom on 5 April 2025. Photo: MTI/Krizsán Csaba

Temporary border control has been implemented on another extensive Schengen border of Hungary due to the catastrophic outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Although it appears that strict authority measures may have halted the spread of the infection on Hungarian farms—and no new outbreaks have been reported for several days—the Croatian authorities felt compelled to enhance security to protect their livestock.

Another Schengen border affected by FMD

According to police.hu, the official website of the Hungarian police, only two Schengen border crossings—Udvar (Duboševica) and Letenye (Goričan)—may be used by drivers transporting cloven-hoofed animals or products derived from such animals from 15 April onwards, on the Croatian-Hungarian border. Furthermore, at these two entry points, vehicles must undergo disinfection and receive a certificate confirming this.

In addition, mandatory cleaning, washing, and disinfection measures also apply to empty road vehicles used for transporting live animals susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease or raw milk. These vehicles must be disinfected before entering Croatia and must carry official certification. Authorities may request this documentation during road checks.

The good news is that Croatian authorities have not extended such mandatory checks to individuals entering the country. The Hungarian-Croatian Schengen border spans 344.8 kilometres, making it the fourth longest in Hungary.

Schengen Croatia Hungary border
The opening of the Croatian-Hungarian border after the country joined the Schengen Zone in 2023. Photo: facebook.com/PoliceHungaryOfficial

Austria and Slovakia also introduced restrictions

Previously, Austria and Slovakia introduced restrictions on entry following multiple foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in Hungary. Austria closed 21 low-capacity border crossings and deployed military personnel near the Hungarian border to assist authorities in conducting mandatory disinfections. As a result, waiting times increased at high-capacity Schengen border crossings, especially during peak hours, due to the large number of Hungarians working and commuting in Austria daily. Austria has not indicated when it will reopen the closed crossings.

Border controls Austria Hungary Schengen border
Vehicles leaving Hungary are disinfected to prevent the emergence and spread of foot-and-mouth disease at the border crossing point in Hegyeshalom on 5 April 2025. Photo: MTI/Krizsán Csaba

Slovakia has introduced similar restrictions, closing 16 low-capacity border crossings as of 8 April. This measure will remain in effect at least until 7 May.

You may view the list of Hungarian-Austrian and Hungarian-Slovakian border crossings affected in the official statement released by the Hungarian police.

Hungarian authorities announced last weekend that the further spread of foot-and-mouth disease appears to have been halted, with no new cases reported in Hungary. The state of emergency has been lifted, marking the end of the first phase in the fight against the virus. However, the defence efforts must continue, Agriculture Minister István Nagy clarified during a press conference held on Sunday.

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