Legal definition of Closed border

A closed border refers to a boundary that is not open to the movement of people or goods. It typically takes the form of physical barriers such as fences, walls, or strict checkpoints. The objective of implementing a closed border is to severely restrict cross-border movement to prevent individuals from entering or leaving one country to another. Even when gates or crossing points exist, their opening is rare and subject to strict criteria or exceptional circumstances.

Closed borders often reflect governmental policies of the country implementing them towards its neighbor. This can result from political tensions, regional conflicts, protection of natural resources, or humanitarian crises. In this context, barriers serve to prevent immigration, protect national security, or contain the spread of communicable diseases.

Regardless of the reasons behind a closed border, it can have significant economic, social, and cultural repercussions for all parties involved. It can isolate cross-border communities and impede international cooperation by preventing trade, migration flows, and family ties.

Etymology of Closed border

The term “closed” derives from the Latin word “clausus,” which means “closed” or “locked,” while “border” comes from the Latin “borda,” which originally referred to an “edge,” and evolved to mean “border” or “boundary” in a geographic context. Literally, the expression “closed border” thus emphasizes the idea of restriction or closure, denoting strict control over the movement of people across national borders. Specifically, it refers to a border that is closed or locked, aiming to prevent free passage from one geographical area to another.