Following an unauthorized drive to Morskie Oko in a sports car, a Ukrainian influencer faces a five-year entry ban to Poland and the Schengen Area, sparking swift government intervention.
Five-Year Schengen Entry Ban
Following a police request, the Ukrainian national who drove his car to Morskie Oko has been barred from entering Poland and other Schengen Area countries for five years, as announced on Sunday (May 24) by Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk.
Andrij Gawryliw addressed the “Ukrainian and Polish nations” on social media, claiming he followed navigation which led him into the reserve. He argued that a barrier at the entrance was raised, preventing him from realizing he had entered a restricted zone, and took responsibility for failing to notice the “no entry” signs.
Gawryliw stated he has already returned to Ukraine, rendering deportation impossible. He dismissed the five-year ban as “baseless,” noting that he caused no damage or harm, and confirmed he is currently in Lviv, intending to continue assisting his country’s defenders.
Enforcement and Border Protocols
Major Bogumił Strojny, spokesperson for the Carpathian Border Guard Unit, explained that authorities can request the expulsion of foreigners who notoriously violate the law. The decision, which can be issued immediately by the Office for Foreigners, serves as a formal entry ban if the individual has already left the country.
The Border Guard confirmed that such a decision results in a five-year ban from Poland and the Schengen zone, with the information recorded in border control systems. Police are currently gathering further evidence, including surveillance footage, while the Tatra National Park (TPN) is preparing its own documentation regarding nature protection violations.
Government Response and Initial Penalties
Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed the incident on Saturday, stating that the “raid” on the road to Morskie Oko caused understandable outrage and requested the Interior Ministry to determine all details and impose severe consequences. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński confirmed the perpetrator would be held accountable and placed on a list of undesirable persons.
The influencer was initially fined 100 PLN and received eight penalty points after misleading officers by claiming he only turned around after passing a barrier. Although the legal maximum fine for such an offense is 5,000 PLN, police issued a lower penalty, as the barrier was currently dismantled due to ongoing road repairs.
