New protest at the border: Polish carriers announce conditions and terms

Polish carriers are preparing another protest at the border with Ukraine. Find out which checkpoints will be blocked, how long the protest will last, and which checkpoints are best for crossing the border quickly

Get insurance Green Card for traveling abroad by car online in 5 minutes!

BUY

The Polish-Ukrainian border is once again under threat of closure. As previously reported by in-poland, Polish carriers have announced a new protest action that could paralyze one of the key border crossing points, Dorohusk-Yagodyn. This route is critically important for both passenger and freight transport between the two countries. The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine confirmed this information and stressed that the blockade of the checkpoint could begin today, May 12, 2025.

Reasons for the new protest at the border: what is bothering Polish carriers?

The action was initiated by the Committee for the Protection of Transport Carriers and Employers in Poland. The protest is aimed at restoring balance in the international transport market, which, according to the organizers, was disrupted after the European Union abolished mandatory permits for Ukrainian carriers to enter the EU in 2022.

Polish market participants believe that this creates unequal conditions of competition and threatens their profitability. They have repeatedly demanded the return of the permit system, but for now, the agreement between Ukraine and the EU has been extended for another year.

When and how long will the Dorohusk-Yagodin checkpoint be blocked?

According to the State Border Service of Ukraine, citing the Border Guard of the Republic of Poland, the movement of freight transport through the Yagodin-Dorohusk checkpoint may be complicated starting May 12, 2025. According to preliminary data, the protest may last up to four months.

It is reported that protesters will restrict traffic specifically for freight transport: one vehicle per hour for entry and exit. At the same time, buses, trucks with humanitarian aid, and passenger cars will be allowed to pass unhindered.

As of 12:00, freight traffic through Yagodin is operating as usual, but drivers are advised to take possible restrictions into account when planning to cross the border.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Where are the repairs and the longest queues at the border with Poland right now?

It should be noted that even before the protests actually started, the situation at the border between Poland and Ukraine was already complicated. The reason is large-scale repair work, which is ongoing at several key crossings:

● Krakivets-Korchova: the Polish side is laying new asphalt pavement until mid-June. As a result, lanes for trucks and cars are partially blocked. Traffic capacity has significantly decreased.

● Shehyni–Medyka and Ustyluh–Zosin: road works are also underway on the Ukrainian side, causing traffic jams and delays.

In the event of simultaneous protests and repairs, the situation at the checkpoints could become critical, especially during the busy summer travel period in May-June 2025.

Alternative routes: which checkpoints to choose to avoid traffic jams?

The State Border Service of Ukraine recommends that drivers use less congested crossings whenever possible:

● Smilnytsia

● Nyzhankovychi

● Rava-Ruska

● Hrushev

● Uhryniv

For up-to-date information on queues and the status of border crossing points, visit the official websites of the State Border Service of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For a complete list of border crossing points between Ukraine and Poland, as well as their opening hours, queues, and border crossing rules, follow the link.

Important reminder: to enter Poland and other EU countries by car, you must have international insurance – a “Green Card.” It can be easily purchased online on the Visit Ukraine portal, which offers current rates, quick registration, and support in Ukrainian. In case of delays at the border or an emergency situation in the EU, having insurance is not only a legal requirement but also real protection.

We remind you! In 2025, a new airline, Air 001, will begin operating in Poland, operated by the tour operator Itaka. Read about when Ukrainians will be able to travel to Turkey, Egypt, Greece, and other warm countries from Polish cities.

Photo: AFP/East News

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.