Poland introduces temporary border controls with Germany and Lithuania: what travelers need to know

Poland is temporarily reinstating border controls with Lithuania and Germany due to the threat of illegal migration. Find out what documents you need to have, what to expect when crossing the border, and how to prepare for your trip

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From July 7, 2025, Poland will resume temporary passport controls at its borders with Germany and Lithuania. This decision was made by the Polish government amid a growing number of illegal migrants trying to enter the European Union by crossing its eastern borders.

According to Polsat News, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the new measures during a government meeting. He stressed that the goal is to increase security, especially in border regions where there is a growing risk of uncontrolled border crossings.

What exactly will change at the Polish borders from July 2025?

Although the borders will remain open, border checks will resume at all checkpoints — road, rail, and air — from July 7. Controls will be random, but travelers should be prepared for delays.

Particular attention should be paid to border towns, which will be under increased surveillance. Polish special services, border guards, the military, and the gendarmerie will jointly control the movement of people.

What to keep in mind:

● possible queues at the border, especially on weekends;

● delays during border checks;

● mandatory presentation of documents — even in areas where checks were not previously carried out.

Read also: Which Schengen countries will introduce border controls in 2025?

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What documents do you need to have with you to cross the Polish border?

To avoid problems when crossing the border, all citizens should have with them:

● a valid foreign passport;

● a residence card, visa, or other documents confirming the right to legally stay in the EU.

Without one of these documents, entry into Poland may be denied.

For Ukrainians traveling through Poland in transit or temporarily staying in the EU, having medical insurance and a Green Card for your car is also an important condition for unhindered entry. You can quickly and securely obtain these documents on the Visit Ukraine platform.

How exactly will the checks be carried out?

Controls will be carried out at designated checkpoints, where temporary stationary border service posts will be set up in special containers. In addition, mobile patrols will be operating to stop selected vehicles for inspection.

This means that not every car or person will be thoroughly inspected — checks will be random. Border guards will decide who to check based on behavior, license plate numbers, or other signs.

How long will the restrictions at the Polish border last?

According to in-poland, the government press secretary said that this is a temporary decision for 30 days. However, the authorities reserve the right to continue or cancel the measures depending on the security situation on the EU's eastern border. The decision on whether to extend the checks will be made by the Polish Minister of Internal Affairs.

How to prepare for a trip through Poland?

When planning a trip through Poland or within the European Union, Ukrainians should take care not only of their documents but also of their legal security. If you have any doubts about the rules of entry and stay, document processing, or other issues, please contact the immigration lawyers at Visit Ukraine.

Our specialists will help you avoid mistakes when submitting applications, explain the legal nuances of crossing the border, and provide comprehensive support for those who are abroad.

Also, don't forget: medical insurance is a mandatory requirement for most EU countries. And for drivers traveling by car, a Green Card is a mandatory civil liability insurance policy. Both policies can be quickly obtained online at Visit Ukraine.

We remind you! As of 2025, Ukrainian citizens can visit 149 countries around the world without a visa or with a visa upon arrival. Read about the current visa-free travel rules, the list of required documents, requirements for traveling with children, and customs restrictions when crossing the Ukrainian border in our previous article.

Photo: Wojciech Olkusnik/East News

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