Border checkpoint Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Home
/ Dictionary
/ Border checkpoint

🛂

Add to dictionary

border checkpoint

[ˈbɔːdər ˈʧɛkˌpɔɪnt ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

security control

A border checkpoint is a designated location where government officials check people, vehicles, and goods entering or leaving a country to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

Synonyms

border control point, border crossing, customs checkpoint.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
border checkpoint	A designated place on a border where travelers are checked for identification and goods are inspected before entering a country. Upon reaching the border checkpoint, they had to show their passports. There was a long queue at the border checkpoint due to rigorous security checks.
border crossing	The actual act or location where people or goods pass from one country to another; can refer both to designated points and the action of crossing. They reached the border crossing at dawn. Border crossings are especially busy during holiday seasons.
customs checkpoint	Specifically referring to a place where customs officials inspect goods and travelers' belongings to enforce import and export regulations. The customs checkpoint was strict about food imports. She was stopped at the customs checkpoint for a thorough baggage inspection.
border control point	A general term that can refer to any location at a border where controls are enforced, including security and immigration checks. The border control point was well-staffed to handle the influx of travelers. He had to stop at the border control point to declare his belongings.

Examples of usage

The border checkpoint was heavily guarded to prevent illegal crossings.
All vehicles had to stop at the border checkpoint for inspection.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The concept of border checkpoints began to take shape in the 19th century as countries sought to regulate trade and immigration.
Early checkpoints were often informal and located where roads met national borders, but over time they became more structured.

Geopolitics

Border checkpoints play a crucial role in national security, protecting countries from illegal activities and ensuring legitimate travel.
Tensions at border checkpoints can arise due to political disputes, affecting international relations and community sentiments.

Technology

Modern border checkpoints utilize advanced technologies such as automated surveillance, biometric scanning, and electronic documentation to streamline processes.
Some countries have adopted electronic gates that allow travelers to pass through without manual inspection, improving efficiency.

Cultural Impact

Border checkpoints can serve as cultural crossroads, where diverse groups of people encounter each other's traditions and languages.
Art installations and expressions often arise around border checkpoints, reflecting the emotions and experiences tied to crossing borders.

Travel and Tourism

For many travelers, border checkpoints are the first experiences of a new country, shaping their perceptions and cultural encounters.
Certain checkpoints become tourist attractions in their own right, known for their unique architecture or historical significance.

Origin of 'border checkpoint'

The concept of border checkpoints dates back to ancient times when various empires and kingdoms established control points at their borders to regulate the movement of people and goods. Over the centuries, border checkpoints have evolved in response to changing security threats and geopolitical dynamics. Modern border checkpoints play a crucial role in maintaining national security and facilitating international trade and travel.