mike1728

Just drove from Croatia to Slovenia. Border stop by police asked for documents. No issue, they were very polite. Just kind of curious thought the border control had ended. Just an FYI to fellow travelers, have the passports ready as you cross the Europe borders. Big line of cars behind me so you want to be prepared

bilboburgler

Pretty normal, I've been stopped high the hills between Austria and Slovenia just a few miles back from the border. This is a major route for people smugglers and you will find the border even closes between Italy and France on occasion

mike1728

Thanks Mr Bilbo. It was no issue, just thought the border checks were done with. And I’m glad our passports were handy and not in the travel bag in the back seat or trunk. As I said I was first in the line but at least 15 vehicles behind me were lined up. Last time I had a border check was Croatia into Bosnia.

hetismij2

Lesson is always keep your passport handy. You never know when you may be asked for it.
Even on trains between Germany and the Netherlands they do spot checks.

rialtogrl

Were they checking on the highway or in the traditional buildings like before Croatia entered Schengen? I would have been surprised too.

they would not stamp documents, just look at them.

mike1728

Traditional border crossing buildings. This was enroute to Austria from Slovenia at the Sentilj Border Crossing Station. Lot of police, we were fortunate as we breezed thru in a few minutes. But in reading a few comments about the station, it appears that it can get quite congested with back up traffic.

rialtogrl

So it was Slovenia to Austria, nothing to do with Croatia? The border between Croatia and Slovenia was open?

mike1728

Yes, sorry Rialtogrl,
it was 🇸🇮 into 🇦🇹. It’s been 3 countries in 5 days. Getting confused.

rialtogrl

I get it

I crossed the border between Italy and Slovenia a few times in the past week. No border check but once there were a couple of Guarda di Finanza guys.. they waved us through. One of the old border kiosks has been turned into a craft beer bar!

Travel_Nerd

What a fantastic (and dangerous!) business idea, and great use of space!

rialtogrl

dangerous?

All the tables and seats were outside. Place was packed on a Sunday afternoon..

And_Cof

Seems that it's a normal practice in Austria. Once I was crossing the border between Hungary and Austria, by car. Didn't get my documents checked, but people in some other cars were definitely asked to show their passports. Anyway, that was still very fast. No stamps, just a quick check, so the line was moving quickly. However, that was the only case I remember for the Schengen area. Once traveled from Poland to Denmark (via Germany), and there were no checks at all.

bilboburgler

Northern Europe less a problem (see note about people smuggling)