Poland’s Interior Ministry is seeking to extend border controls with Germany and Lithuania, citing continued threats from illegal migration, through April 2026.
New Crossings Under Control
Following repairs, the Park Mużakowski – English Bridge between Łęknica and Bad Muskau will return to the list of controlled Polish-German crossings. This location is important for tourism, pedestrians, cyclists, and cross-border events within the park.
Serious Threats Justify Extensions
According to the Schengen Border Code, member states can reinstate border controls on internal borders for up to six months in the face of a serious and foreseeable threat to public order or internal security. Extensions are possible for up to two years, requiring notification to relevant European bodies.
The Ministry of Interior and Administration (MSWiA) states the continued need for temporary border controls with Germany and Lithuania due to the ongoing serious threat of illegal migration along both borders.
Border Control Results
The Border Guard, supported by police and Territorial Defence Force soldiers, can stop vehicles for inspection. Controls on the German border will be conducted in approximately 50 locations, and on the Lithuanian border in 13.
Migration Trends and Pressures
From January 1st to February 22nd, 2026, 59 attempts to illegally cross the border from Belarus were recorded, compared to 662 during the same period last year. Authors attribute this decrease to low temperatures and snowfall, but anticipate increased migration pressure with the arrival of spring.
Nearly 30,000 such attempts were recorded in all of 2025, and 30,475 in 2024. The MSWiA emphasizes that pressure on the Belarusian border directly translates to increased attempts to illegally cross the Polish-Lithuanian and Polish-German borders, necessitating security measures.
Detentions and Turnbacks
From July 7th, 2025, to February 22nd, 2026, the Border Guard detained 261 foreign nationals who illegally entered Poland from Lithuania. Entry was denied to 595 individuals, and 281 were returned to Lithuania.
In 2025, 330 individuals were detained after illegally crossing the border from Lithuania and traveling further, including towards the German border. 85 individuals were also detained near the Lithuanian border on suspicion of organizing these operations.
German Border Activity
From January 1st, 2025, to February 22nd, 2026, 428 foreign nationals who illegally entered Poland were detained on the German border, and 3,926 attempting to cross into Germany were stopped. Germany has maintained temporary controls on this border since October 16th, 2023, scheduled to remain in effect until September 15th, 2026.