The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a new travel advisory for tourists visiting Poland, Germany, and Lithuania, following Poland’s reintroduction of temporary border controls effective July 7 through August 5, 2025. The measure, aimed at addressing a spike in irregular migration and rising domestic pressure over border security, is expected to cause delays and potential disruptions at border checkpoints.
Travelers planning to cross into Poland from Germany or Lithuania during the peak European summer travel season are strongly advised to prepare for enhanced scrutiny, longer wait times, and even unannounced border closures.
Why Border Controls Are Being Reinstated
The Polish government has enacted the temporary controls in response to mounting tensions over irregular migration, especially from non-EU countries. Political pressure has grown inside Poland, led by right-wing parties and civil society groups, accusing Germany of returning migrants to Poland who did not originally enter via Polish territory.
Polish authorities have dismissed these actions as violations of EU migration protocols, while German officials have rejected such claims, maintaining that all migrant return procedures follow EU law.
This move by Warsaw rekindles debate around the Schengen Agreement, the European Union’s framework for passport-free travel across member states, raising concerns about the long-term future of open borders within the bloc.
What This Means for Travelers
From July 7 to August 5, 2025, travelers entering Poland via 52 crossings from Germany and 13 crossings from Lithuania will be subject to random document checks. According to the Polish Ministry of the Interior, hundreds of police officers and military personnel have been deployed to support local border patrols.
The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance, stating:
“Travelers entering Poland by car, train, or bus from Germany or Lithuania must be prepared for temporary border checks. All travelers are required to carry valid identification, and delays should be expected.”
The Polish Border Guard has clarified that while routine checks may not occur at every crossing, random inspections will be enforced to manage high-volume traffic and monitor undocumented migration.
Possible Impacts on Summer Travel Plans
Given the surge in summer holiday travel, particularly in July and August, tourists heading to Poland for events, festivals, or transit to the Baltic region should factor in extended travel times. The border checks may also affect rail and bus routes, with passengers subject to checks en route or upon arrival at their destination.
UK travelers, along with EU and third-country nationals, are advised to:
- Ensure all passports, visas, and documentation are valid and accessible.
- Monitor real-time travel alerts through the UK Foreign Office website.
- Remain flexible with travel schedules and plan for contingencies such as detours or alternative border crossings.
- Use official transport apps and local government websites to receive border queue updates and guidance.
Political and Regional Implications
The decision by Poland to reinstate border controls has reignited a broader EU-level discussion on migration, sovereignty, and security. While the Schengen Borders Code allows for temporary controls during extraordinary circumstances, such actions risk setting a precedent for more frequent disruptions across the continent.
According to data from Frontex, the EU’s border and coast guard agency, irregular border crossings into the Schengen Area have seen a notable increase in 2025, particularly along Eastern European corridors.
In response, the European Commission has emphasized the importance of maintaining open borders where possible, while allowing for targeted security measures under exceptional conditions.
Geo-tagged Travel Advisory
- Poland: Warsaw, Terespol, Świecko (major border crossings)
- Germany: Frankfurt (Oder), Görlitz, Berlin (frequent departure hubs for Poland)
- Lithuania: Vilnius, Kaunas, Kalvarija-Budzisko (key entry points into Poland)
Final Travel Tips for Summer Visitors
With the summer travel rush underway, the Foreign Office underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness. Travelers should expect possible wait times of 1–3 hours at certain crossings, particularly during weekends and national holidays.
In addition to carrying physical documents, digital backups (on secure cloud platforms or apps) are also recommended. Moreover, travel insurance policies should be checked to confirm they cover delays related to government-imposed controls.
Poland’s move is temporary, but it highlights the volatile intersection of migration policy and tourism mobility in modern Europe. For travelers to Poland, Germany, or Lithuania, staying informed and planning ahead remains the best course to avoid holiday disruption.
