On the West German side of the border a person underwent the routine paperwork checks associated with normal cross border movements. On the East German side a traveler received close scrutiny. Customs officials inquired about Western publications, weapons,  as well as radios the traveler might be carrying.  Also, bumper stickers were examined for any political content. Throughout the control and inspection area of the crossing point were numerous automated barricades  that could be activated if a vehicle attempted to make a run for the border. 

In addition to the security provided by the East German Customs, a Grenztruppen Security Platoon or Company provided security in the adjacent areas of the crossing point.

Although the Entry Points allowed travel between the two countries, most of the travelers were West Germans visiting family in the East. For a West German traveling to the East there were numerous restrictions. West German Deutsch Marks had to be exchanged on a 1:1 ratio for East German Ost Marks although the market rate was much more favorable for the Deutsch Mark. Furthermore, a minimum of 25 Marks per day per person had to be exchanged for the duration of the trip and the money had to strictly accounted for. Exchanging currency outside of official exchange offices was strictly prohibited. 

East German Border Crossing Point Meiningen

West German Border Crossing Point Eussenhausen 

Travelers were also not allowed to photograph border fortifications, bridges, military installations, and bridges. Due to consumer shortages and security concerns in the East, certain consumer goods were also not allowed to be taken out of East Germany. Some of these items included maps, technical drawings, cameras, and even porcelain produced in state-owned factories.  In a bizarre twist for a nation steeped in a militaristic culture, toys of a militaristic character were not allowed to be brought into the country. 

 When an East German was allowed to travel to the West a family member was usually required to stay behind to ensure the return of the traveling party. The elderly and the infirm were more apt to be granted immigration and travel privileges since their usefulness to the regime was of limited value.

"Traveling in the DDR" - A West German pamphlet outlining the rules of traveling in East Germany.