Border Checks Return Between Poland, Germany, and Lithuania

Charlie Poland 3 July 2025 | Updated On July 7, 2025 | 0

Starting 7 July 2025, Poland will temporarily reintroduce border controls with Germany and Lithuania in response to what it calls an “uncontrolled flow of migrants.” Prime Minister Donald Tusk made the announcement amid mounting pressure over Germany’s ongoing policy of sending migrants back to Poland.

Although Poland, Germany, and Lithuania are all part of the Schengen Area, which normally allows people to cross borders freely without checks, Schengen rules do permit countries to temporarily bring back controls during emergencies. This includes public health threats, security risks, or—as in this case—irregular migration.

Prime Minister Tusk stressed that Poland still supports free movement in Europe, but only if neighboring countries act together and fairly to manage migration. He accused Germany of failing to do this and warned that Poland’s patience was running out.

What Sparked the Decision?

Germany has been returning thousands of migrants to Poland, many of them Ukrainians and others from Asia and Africa, on the basis that they first entered the EU through Poland. Some had applied for asylum in Poland, while others simply passed through.

Tusk said it’s becoming increasingly difficult to verify whether those being returned actually have legal grounds to be sent back to Poland, and he has raised this issue multiple times with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

He also revealed that similar controls will likely be introduced on Poland’s border with Lithuania, where migrants entering from Belarus are said to be traveling westward through Polish territory.

Domestically, the Polish government has faced criticism from right-wing opposition parties, who accuse it of not standing up to Germany. Some activists have even formed “citizen patrols” to block migrant returns along the border—an action Tusk called “shameful” and disruptive to official border operations.

Impact on Travellers and the EU

Reinstating border controls could mean longer wait times for travellers and commercial traffic, especially those crossing by road. However, authorities say these checks will be temporary and designed to cause as little disruption as possible.

Still, the move adds to growing concern about the future of the Schengen Area, one of the EU’s core achievements. Other EU countries, including Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Austria, have also brought back border checks in recent years due to migration or security issues.

Leaders like Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden have warned that while illegal immigration must be addressed, it shouldn’t come at the expense of EU cooperation. He proposed stronger cross-border police coordination as an alternative to full border checks.

These destinations are part of the Schengen Area, which means you’ll need a Schengen visa if you’re from a country that requires one. Don’t worry—IaM is here to help! Our team makes the visa process simple and stress-free, so you can focus on planning your perfect escape.

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About
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Charlie

Travel and Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager at IaM (Immigration and Migration)

Charlie is IaM’s resident Travel & Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager. They craft clear, engaging guides that demystify complex visa and migration rules - and then personally supports each client through every step of their journey.

Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".

When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.