Poland introduces border controls to Germany - what does that mean for travelers?

Poland introduces border controls to Germany - what does that mean for travelers?

From Monday, July 7, 2025, Poland will introduce temporary border controls on the border with Germany. These measures last until September 5, 2025 and are to be understood as a direct reaction to the existing German controls to combat irregular migration. Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk canceled this decision after a cabinet session and emphasized the need for these measures, which, however, will affect people's freedom of movement.  rbb24 Swiecko and the A4 at the Ludwigsdorf border crossing.

The federal police in Germany have checked migration since October 2023, and Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt issued an order to intensify these controls in May 2025. Asylum seekers can now be rejected at the border, which is legally controversial. The federal government has also extended the border controls to Poland and is aiming to limit the migrant current. ZDF informs about the comprehensive controls that apply to passenger and freight transport around the clock.

reactions and political dimension

The introduction of Polish border controls was considered necessary by Tusk to react to the German measures. However, he made it clear that the abolition of these controls depends on the German federal government. Chancellor Friedrich Merz underlined the close exchange with the Polish government, but said that there would be no returns to Poland in Germany. Tagesschau emphasizes that Birgit Sippel (SPD )'s negative effects on the Schengen-area and European perception considerable concerns cause.

The controls must be registered and approved by the EU Commission in accordance with the EU Commission. So far, however, there is no official registration in Poland. However, informal contacts with Polish authorities indicate that registration is imminent. Under certain conditions, the Schengen area allows fixed-term stationary controls that are planned from now on in Poland and other countries.

• The border controls can be introduced in certain cases for a maximum of 30 days.
• Elf of the 29 Schengen countries currently use temporary exceptions.
• Poland would be the twelfth country with announced controls.

The discussion about the effects of border controls will continue. While some politicians emphasize the right of Poland on exceptional regulations, others fear that the new federal government endangers the idea of ​​an open Europe with its extended control.