Border controls on the Oder: Commuters now have to wait longer!

Border controls on the Oder: Commuters now have to wait longer!

Since Monday, July 9, 2025, Poland has introduced additional controls at the border with Germany. This new chapter in the German-Polish border history is particularly evident in the “border bridge” between Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice, which, with a length of 252 meters, is not only an important traffic junction, but also a symbol of exchange between the two countries. The controls, which are seen as a response to the German measures from October 2023, are already causing slight traffic jams and dissatisfaction among commuters. Commuter Lyana Pavlitzki describes this as “unpleasant”, expressing a feeling that many of those affected share.

Khaled, another commuter, has experienced the need to carry passports for himself and his son in order to pass through checkpoints easily. On the German side, random checks of traffic coming from Poland have been carried out since October 2023. Polish police officers are now checking not only cars and buses, but also cyclists and pedestrians, leading to a noticeable increase in surveillance pressure. The measures are primarily intended to combat illegal migration, as the Polish government emphasizes.

First reactions and outlook

The picture on the city bridge between Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice, where several European flags are flying, shows that part of the population understands the new measures. However, Brandenburg's Interior Minister Wilke has warned of the consequences of these controls for commuters and transport and pointed out the inconveniences they could cause. According to reports from daily news A small rally was organized on the German side on Monday, at which local politicians and smaller organizations drew attention to the problem.

Sabine Fischbach from the Green Party in Frankfurt (Oder) also expresses concerns about the possible effects of border controls. The Polish government plans to maintain these measures until August 5 unless Germany ends its controls. The current situation is not only a challenge for commuters and travelers, but also raises questions about the future close cooperation between Germany and Poland.

Practical advice for travelers

Travelers now have to be prepared for longer waiting times of 15 to 30 minutes, especially at peak times. Furthermore, recommendations were made that it is necessary to take a valid identification document with you, be it an ID card or passport. On social media, the new border control policy is being discussed with both understanding and frustration. This also raises concerns about maintaining freedom of travel in the Schengen area, as experts warn and point out the danger of a gradual dismantling.

Given that the controls are formally covered by the Schengen Internal Borders Code and can initially be in place for 30 days, with an extension of up to six months possible, the question arises as to what impact this will have on freight transport and the local economy. Delays and higher transport costs could be possible consequences, which could also reduce customers in shopping centers near the border. The developments on the German-Polish border could therefore have far-reaching consequences that not only affect commuters, but also the entire region.

For Sara, a seller at the border, the new rules may mean a drop in customer traffic, while her colleague in Słubice sees the opportunities that the controls could offer for increased cooperation between neighboring towns. In this difficult situation, the municipalities agree: a solution is needed to promote the fluid exchange between cultures and the everyday life of commuters.