Poland extends buffer zone on Belarus border for another 90 days

Poland has extended the buffer zone along its border with Belarus for another 90 days, the country’s Interior Ministry announced on March 5, as Warsaw continues efforts to manage migration pressure and strengthen border security.

“The Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration has extended the buffer zone on the Polish-Belarusian border for another three months. The measures will take effect on March 5,” the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a statement, Caliber.Az reports via Belarusian media.

Poland first introduced the buffer zone in June 2024 for a period of 90 days, citing the need to control irregular migration and maintain security along the frontier. Authorities have since prolonged the measure several times.

The restricted zone covers a 60.67-kilometer section of the border, within the operational areas of border guard posts in Narewka, Belovezh, Dubice-Cerkiewne, and Cheremcha.

Along most of the stretch — about 44.55 kilometers — the buffer zone extends 200 meters from the border line. On a 16.12-kilometer section that runs through protected nature reserves, the zone reaches a depth of roughly 2 kilometers.

The buffer zone limits public access to designated border areas and allows Polish authorities to tighten monitoring and security operations along the frontier.

By Sabina Mammadli