Poland has officially announced an extension of its border controls with Germany and Lithuania until April 4, 2026, citing ongoing concerns about illegal migration and regional security.
The temporary checks, first introduced in July 2025, were originally planned to last for a month. However, after multiple extensions, the Polish Interior Ministry confirmed that the controls will now remain in effect for another 18 months.
According to Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński, the decision aims to monitor and manage a major migration route running from the Baltic states through Poland to Western Europe.
“We are extending border controls with Germany and Lithuania to monitor the migration route leading from the Baltic states, through Poland, to Western Europe. We are catching individuals who illegally attempt to smuggle migrants to the West,” he said.
Poland has been dealing with what it calls a “migrant crisis orchestrated by Belarus and Russia” since 2021 — an accusation both countries deny. Authorities say that in the first eight months of 2025 alone:
- Nearly 25,000 attempted illegal crossings were recorded at the Polish-Belarusian border,
- Around 500 people were detained crossing illegally from Lithuania into Poland, and
- Over 2,100 individuals were stopped while trying to enter Germany from Poland, including 550 migrants who had previously crossed from Belarus.
What This Means for Travelers and Migrants
For travelers within the Schengen Zone, these extended checks mean longer wait times at certain border points, especially for those crossing by road or train. While tourism and business travel are still allowed, visitors should carry valid travel documents (passports or national IDs) and allow extra time for border inspections.
For migrants and asylum seekers, the extension signals a tougher stance on irregular migration routes through Central and Eastern Europe. Poland’s move reflects a broader trend across the European Union, where several countries have temporarily reintroduced internal border controls to curb illegal migration and enhance national security.
Final Thought
If you’re planning to travel through or migrate to Poland, stay updated on the latest border control measures and ensure you have the necessary documentation. The extended border checks are expected to remain in place until April 4, 2026.
