Poland Extends Border Controls with Germany and Lithuania for Another Six Months

In a continued effort to curb illegal migration, Poland has announced a six-month extension of temporary border controls with neighboring Germany and Lithuania. The decision, reported by the Polish broadcaster TVP citing the Ministry of Interior, underscores Warsaw's ongoing commitment to national security.

Border Checkpoint Operations

The extended measures allow Polish Border Guard officers, operating with the support of local police and Territorial Defense forces, to conduct targeted inspections. Authorities are authorized to stop specific vehicles for thorough checks. These operations are currently active across multiple locations, including:

• Approximately 50 checkpoints along the border with Germany.
• 13 checkpoints on the border with Lithuania.

Legal Framework and Timeline

Poland initially introduced these temporary internal border checks in July of the previous year due to escalating concerns over irregular migration. The mandate was subsequently extended for two months, from August 6 to October 4, 2025, and later renewed for a six-month period ending April 4, 2026. This latest announcement adds another half-year to the enforcement period.

Under the Schengen Borders Code, member states are permitted to reinstate internal border controls for up to six months in the event of a serious threat to public policy or internal security. If the threat persists, these measures can be prolonged in six-month increments, up to a maximum duration of two years.

Heightened Security at the Belarusian Border

The internal Schengen checks are part of a broader Polish security strategy. In early March, the government extended a special "buffer zone" along its border with Belarus for an additional three months to facilitate enhanced security operations. Previously, Poland constructed a 5-meter-high fence equipped with advanced surveillance technology along the Belarusian frontier to effectively deter unauthorized crossings.