Border checkpoint

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The San Ysidro border crossing between San Diego-Tijuana is the busiest border crossing in the world.

A border checkpoint is a place, generally between two countries, where travellers or goods are inspected. Authorization often is required to enter a country through its borders. Access-controlled borders often have a limited number of checkpoints where they can be crossed without legal sanctions. Arrangements may be formed to allow or mandate less restrained crossings (e.g. Schengen Agreement). Land border checkpoints (land ports of entry) can be contrasted with the customs and immigration facilities at seaports, international airports, and other ports of entry.

Checkpoints generally serve two purposes:

  • To prevent entrance of goods that are illegal, subject to restriction or to collect tariffs.

Checkpoints are usually manned by a uniformed service (sometimes referred to as customs service or border Patrol Agents).

In some countries (e.g. China, Japan), there are border checkpoints when both entering and exiting the country; while in others (e.g. U.S., Canada), there are border checkpoints only when entering the country. (There are also United States Border Patrol interior checkpoints.)

Definitions in European Union (Schengen) law[edit]

Italy-Swiss border post - now that Switzerland has joined the Schengen Agreement, this checkpoint is solely for customs formalities







See also[edit]