Poland Border Controls Extended Amid Migration Pressure
Apr 10, 2026
Category: Border and Security Germany Lithuania News Poland
Poland has extended temporary border controls with Germany and Lithuania for another six months, with the measures now set to remain in place until 1 October 2026.
The government said that the decision is aimed at limiting irregular migration and maintaining internal security, as pressure continues along routes leading from Eastern to Western Europe.
The controls, first introduced in July, were due to expire in early April.
Authorities chose to prolong them as migration flows remain a concern, particularly along corridors used by people travelling through Belarus and Lithuania towards Germany and other western European countries.
Migration controls extended
The Interior Ministry confirmed the extension, stating that it was necessary due to “the need to counteract illegal migration and ensure internal security.” The measures apply to selected crossings on Poland’s western and north-eastern borders.
Officials have framed the policy as part of a broader effort to manage movement across the country. Deputy Interior Minister Czesław Mroczek previously said that the goal was to maintain “control over the east-to-west migration traffic” across Poland.
The extension continues a policy that has been renewed several times since its introduction. Each renewal has followed a six-month cycle, in line with EU rules that allow temporary border checks during periods of heightened security concern.
Border checks in place
Border officers are authorised to stop vehicles and request identity documents at designated crossing points. Controls are currently in force at 52 locations along the German border and 13 along the Lithuanian frontier.
Major crossings affected include Świecko, Olszyna and Kołbaskowo in the west, as well as Budzisko and Ogrodniki in the north-east. The checks are selective, meaning that not every vehicle is stopped, though authorities can intervene when they deem it necessary.
Images from border areas show long lines of lorries waiting to cross, with queues stretching along major routes. The congestion reflects the scale of traffic moving through these crossings each day.
Delays hit transport sector
Transport operators have reported delays of more than an hour at some crossings. Haulage firms and business groups say the checks are slowing both road and rail traffic, particularly during peak travel times.
Freight vehicles appear to be the most affected, as they form a large share of cross-border traffic. Industry representatives have raised concerns that continued delays could disrupt supply chains and increase costs.
The government has acknowledged the disruptions but maintains that the controls are necessary. Officials have not indicated any plans to ease the checks before the new October deadline.
Migration routes under pressure
Poland has pointed to migration flows originating from outside the EU as a key factor behind the decision. Authorities say many migrants enter through Belarus and Lithuania before moving westward.
The government has accused Belarus and Russia of encouraging this movement since 2021 by directing migrants towards the EU borders. Both countries have denied these claims.
Polish leaders argue that controlling these routes is essential to managing migration within the EU. The country’s position along a major east-to-west corridor has placed it at the centre of the issue.
Tensions with Germany
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has linked the situation to policies in neighbouring countries. He has argued that Germany’s border approach has led to migrants being sent back into Poland, adding pressure on the frontier.
Germany has maintained its own border controls with Poland since 2023 and recently extended them for another six months. This has created a situation where both countries are enforcing checks along the same border.
The overlapping measures have added to delays and raised questions about coordination between EU member states. Despite this, both governments continue to defend their respective policies.
Schengen rules tested
The continued use of internal border checks marks a shift from the usual operation of the Schengen Area, which allows passport-free travel across much of Europe.
Under the Schengen Code, member states can temporarily reintroduce border controls if there is a serious threat to public order or internal security. These measures can be renewed in six-month periods.
Several EU countries have taken similar steps in recent years in response to migration concerns. Poland’s extension reflects this wider trend of tightening controls within the bloc.
Security and mobility balance
The current situation highlights the challenge of balancing free movement with national security priorities. While the checks are designed to manage migration, they also affect everyday travel and trade.
For Poland, the decision signals a continued focus on controlling migration routes through its territory. For businesses and travellers, the impact is seen in longer waiting times and more frequent checks at border crossings.
Border checks remain in force
Poland’s extension of border controls until October keeps the measures in place for at least another six months, with no immediate sign of a change in policy. Authorities continue to emphasise security concerns as the main reason for the decision.
The situation leaves cross-border travel subject to ongoing checks, while broader debates over migration and border management continue across the European Union.