Ukrainian Traveler Denied Entry at Polish Border Crossing
A Ukrainian woman named Lyubov Antonova has recounted being forced to return from the Polish border after enduring extensive delays and inspections. Her entire trip—including travel time and border procedures—lasted nearly 24 hours. The reason for the denial was a 3,000 złoty fine imposed on the transport company for failing to complete a mandatory weight check. As a result, all passengers were sent back to Ukraine, where they had to start the crossing process again on a different bus.
Antonova was traveling to Poland via a shuttle service. She initially spent about six to seven hours at the border before authorities directed the vehicle to an additional inspection that lasted roughly an hour and a half. Border guards examined every piece of luggage, and one passenger drew scrutiny over a camera valued at approximately 2,000 euros. As Antonova described:
“At the inspection pit, they checked all of us, every bag, every suitcase.”
The transport company’s 3,000 złoty fine was the trigger for the passengers being sent back into Ukraine.
“The company got a 3,000 złoty fine, and they sent us back to Ukraine,”she emphasized. After returning, the group had to undergo the border crossing process a second time, this time aboard a different large bus.
Other Travelers Share Similar Ordeals
Social media users have also been sharing their own border-crossing challenges. One commenter described a 2023 trip where she was turned back to Ukraine because her green card was stored on her phone rather than printed out. Another user recalled waiting eight hours at the border two years ago, followed by an additional six-hour wait.
It is worth noting that the vehicle in Antonova’s case failed the weight inspection, and the time spent at the border totaled 6–7 hours, plus 1.5 hours for the extra check. The overall journey time was nearly 24 hours, and the camera that raised suspicion was valued at roughly 2,000 euros.
This incident at the Polish border highlights the difficulties Ukrainian passengers encounter when crossing, especially amid heightened scrutiny. It underscores the need to comply with all rules and requirements, which can shift depending on circumstances. Accounts from other travelers suggest such problems are not uncommon, urging passengers to remain vigilant when crossing the border.
While the situation faced by Lyubov Antonova at the Polish border highlights the challenges travelers can encounter, it is not an isolated incident. Recently, authorities discovered a radioactive banknote in the luggage of another Ukrainian traveler, raising concerns about security measures and the complexities of border crossings. Such cases underline the need for travelers to be well-prepared and informed before embarking on their journeys.