Germany begins border controls in lead up to G20 summit

Germany is imposing border controls ahead of the Group of 20 summit in Hamburg next month.

The Interior Ministry says the checks that started Monday will be conducted in a "flexible" manner along Germany's land, air and sea borders.

Under the rules of Europe's passport-free travel zone, known as Schengen and of which Germany is a member, border controls can be conducted if security concerns warrant it.

The ministry said in a statement that the measures are designed to prevent people planning violence from entering the country.

Protests are expected for the July 7-8 summit in Hamburg that will see Donald Trump's first visit to Germany as U.S. president. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are also among the G-20 leaders.