Poland introduces border controls: travelers from Germany affected?

Poland introduces border controls: travelers from Germany affected?

Görlitz, Deutschland - On July 7, 2025, Poland introduced temporary border controls on the border with Germany. This is done as a direct reaction to German border controls that have existed since October 2023 and aim to stop irregular migration and combat smuggling networks. The Polish government emphasizes that the new controls are primarily directed against smugglers and illegal entry. However, no major impairments should arise for normal travelers, as rnd.de reports.

The controls are carried out at 52 border crossings to Germany and at 13 transitions to Lithuania. Particularly busy transitions such as Frankfurt (Oder) / Słubice and the Görlitz city bridge are affected. At the checkpoints, travelers must show their papers, i.e. a valid ID card or passport. Ideally, drivers should also carry an EU driver's license and the registration certificate Part I (vehicle registration certificate), adds Tagesschau.de.

response to German measures

The implementation of the border controls in Poland is limited until August 5, 2025, but can be extended if Germany maintains its own controls. The Polish border guards carry out random checks, especially for buses, minibuses and cars with several occupants or tinted windows. It is noteworthy that trucks are usually excluded from the controls in order not to hinder the traffic. However, it is pointed out that both commuters as well as pedestrians and cyclists can also be checked.

First feedback from Poland indicates that the controls have so far been running smoothly. Nevertheless, waiting times can occur at highly frequented border crossings. Business associations and politicians warn of possible megastau, should be tightened by the controls. is exhausted.

domestic aspects and international reactions

The Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has explained that border controls also have domestic motivation in order to demonstrate the government's ability to act. This is supported by the police union (GdP), which demands clear agreements between Poland and Germany to avoid problems with rejection of asylum seekers. The EU parliamentary vice president Katarina Barley even warned of a domino effect on the Schengen system when such controls become the standard.

Especially in the border region, business representatives express concern regarding the temporal delays in the controls. DIHK general manager Helena Melnikov emphasizes the importance of pragmatic solutions, such as passports for commuters. For the connection work, it is essential that the countries have a good hand.

In order to make traffic as smooth as possible, a proposal for a third lane on the A12 is discussed in Brandenburg. The Federal Foreign Office also draws attention to a ban on photography for militarily and strategically important institutions in Poland, which could influence additional aspects of travel planning. Violations of this prohibition can be punished with a confiscation of the equipment and punishments.