Poland starts strict border controls: what that means for travelers!

Poland starts strict border controls: what that means for travelers!

Poland has expanded border controls on the border with Germany with effect from July 6, 2025. This measure is based on the random checks in Germany that have been carried out since October 2023. How NDR reports, the Polish government is reacting to the demand for intensified German border controls. Alexander Dobrindt, who was recently appointed Federal Minister of the Interior, had already ordered in May 2025 that asylum seekers could be turned back at the border.

There is already a lot of activity at the Linken border crossing, as almost every vehicle is checked by the Polish police and border guards. Fortunately, there have been no traffic jams so far, which should please travelers. The controls at other crossings, such as B. Blankensee, start at midnight, while no precise information is yet available for Pomellen.

Impact on travelers and commuters

If you want to cross the border soon, you should expect longer waiting times. Polish authorities have announced that they will increasingly inspect buses, minibuses and cars with many passengers, with a particular focus on vehicles with tinted windows. Although there are no physical barriers, there are plans to narrow lanes and put up signs to encourage slow driving. An identity card is sufficient to enter Poland - a passport is not required.

In order to enable commuters to get through quickly, care is taken to ensure that they can pass through as quickly as possible. The checks are tentatively scheduled until August 5, 2025, but could be extended if the situation requires it. It is often emphasized that Poland would waive border controls if Germany ended its practices.

Political situation and migration balance

Last year there was a significant decline in illegal entries into Germany - around a third less than the previous year. But in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania there is an increase in illegal entries. Municipalities and the Union responded to this by demanding stricter measures. In Germany, however, there is also a lot of discussion about asylum law and migration. South Germans highlights that Dobrindt is strengthening border controls, also to curb irregular migration, while critics complain about uncoordinated measures.

The balance of border controls shows that 739 people were turned back in the first week after the tightening, including 51 asylum seekers. The 1,535 increase in asylum applications filed in Germany after the introduction of the new regulations is also striking. How ZDF reported, the number of illegal entries has recently decreased, from 130,000 in 2023 to around 80,000 in 2024. The measures at the borders appear to be having an effect, but the political and economic costs remain high.