Checks at the borders with Germany and Lithuania have been in place since 7 July 2025, in response to migration pressure instigated by Belarus. During this period, more than 3 million people and more than 1.5 million vehicles have been checked. The checks have been extended to run from 5 April 2026 to 1 October 2026.

The checks enhance Poland’s security

Since border checks were reinstated on the border with Lithuania, around 700 people have been refused entry to our country, of whom nearly 200 since January 2026. More than 270 foreign nationals attempting to cross the border illegally have been detained. More than 50 smugglers have been arrested.

Around 550 people have been refused entry at the border with Germany, including more than 130 since January 2026. More than 190 foreign nationals attempting to cross the border illegally and around 40 people-smugglers have been detained. Around 90 people who had previously crossed the border with Lithuania illegally have also been apprehended, as have been more than 120 people who had crossed the border with Belarus illegally.

Minister Marcin Kierwiński emphasised that the temporary checks are yielding tangible results in the fight against human trafficking. The activities of organised smuggling groups have also been curtailed.

We have decided to extend the temporary checks on the borders with Germany and Lithuania, as we can see that they are proving effective in tackling various types of smugglers and people involved in human trafficking. We will continue to do this until we are certain that our borders are secure

– said Marcin Kierwiński, Minister of Interior and Administration.

Border checks are an effective tool for curbing illegal migration. Extending them will help to keep migration pressures under control and strengthen border security.