Poland extends “second filter” border controls with Germany, Lithuania

Polish authorities will continue enhanced border checks at crossings with Germany and Lithuania at least until October 2026, according to RMF24, citing the Ministry of Interior and Administration.

Since the measures were introduced in July last year, nearly 1.3 million people have been screened. The controls have already resulted in almost 1,000 denied entries, primarily affecting citizens of Ukraine, India, Uzbekistan, Belarus, and Russia due to missing visas or documents.

Additionally, 29 individuals were declared undesirable in the Schengen zone, including those with criminal records, wanted persons, and suspects in car theft and document forgery, according to Anna Sobieska-Tekień, spokesperson for the Polish Border Guard.

Authorities emphasised that the operation, though resource-intensive, has already delivered “tangible results” against human traffickers and smugglers. The checks also serve as a “second filter” against illegal migration routes through Belarus and have strategic importance in limiting migrant returns amid Germany’s stricter migration policies.