Poland extends border checks with Germany and Lithuania

Poland will extend the checks along its borders with fellow European Union members Germany and Lithuania by six months until March 30, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday, a move it said would curb illegal migration and strengthen Poland’s security.

Poland introduced temporary checks in July 2025, mirroring several other EU governments, and then extended them until October 1, 2026.

Since border checks were reintroduced, entry to the country has been denied to nearly 1,300 people at the Lithuanian border and nearly 1,200 at the German border, the ministry said in a statement.

“Border checks are an effective tool for curbing illegal migration. Their extension will make it possible to manage migration pressure and strengthen border security,” the statement said.