Border checkpoint
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A border checkpoint is, as its name suggests, a place on the border between two states where the travellers and / or goods are inspected. Historically all borders had checkpoints (unless they were completely closed to travellers), and these were usually the only places at which it was legal to cross the border, but in modern times checkpoints have been reduced on some borders due to international treaties (see Schengen Treaty).
Checkpoints generally serve two purposes:
- To prevent the passage of individuals seen as either a criminal or potential threat or otherwise undesirable.
- To prevent the passage of good 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 guards) that answers to the national government. Individuals frequently attempt to escape or evade these controls by the use of smuggling, bribes or forged papers.
[edit] In popular culture
Checkpoints feature especially in political stories and spy novels as the place where one officially changes from one jurisdiction to another, frequently from friend or neutral to enemy. Borders can also represent a large contrast between the culture, political system and-or wealth on either side of the border. Also, when attempting to cross boundaries illegally, the checkpoint is seen as the last and frequently most difficult challenge immediately preceding the other country.
It's also popularly associated with the phrase "Your papers...".
[edit] Schengen Treaty Definition
The EU's Schengen Treaty makes the following definitions :
- Border crossing point shall mean any crossing point authorized by the competent authorities for the crossing of external borders;
- Border control shall mean a check made at a border in response solely to an intention to cross that border, regardless of any other consideration.
