Poland closed borders with the EU until October 1, 2026 due to Belarus

Poland has extended temporary border control with EU countries, including Germany and Lithuania, until October 1, 2026. The reason given is the threat of a hybrid migration attack from Russia and Belarus. This is reported by RBK-Ukraine.

Border control Poland 2026: what restrictions are in place

The decision was made by the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration. It provides for an extension of checks for another six months, which effectively means restrictions on the usual Schengen zone regime.

Checks will be carried out by:

• border guard
• police
• territorial defense units.

Checks will cover:

• 50 points at the border with Germany
• 13 points at the border with Lithuania.

The list also includes some tourist areas, notably Muzhakovsky Park, to prevent illegal entry through pedestrian routes.

Poland's border with the EU: what will change for travelers

From April 5, 2026, transportation at entry and exit may be selectively stopped for checks. This may affect border crossing times.

Travelers are advised to:

• carry original documents
• plan trips considering possible delays
• account for increased checks in popular tourist areas.

In Warsaw, it is emphasized that these measures are aimed at countering illegal migration, which is seen as a tool of pressure from the regimes of Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko.

Poland has also informed the European Commission and the European Parliament about its actions. According to Schengen zone rules, such restrictions are allowed in the case of serious threats to security.

The authorities emphasize that the control is temporary but necessary to protect the EU's borders amid an ongoing migration crisis.

It is noted that border checks on the trains of Ukrzaliznytsia running to Poland are gradually being transferred to a document check format during movement.