Exactly six months after Poland reinstated temporary checks on its western frontier, the Border Guard has released performance data. Between July 2025 and December 2025, officers screened 558 000 travellers and 261 000 vehicles, refusing entry to 352 foreign nationals and arresting 165 people attempting irregular crossings into Germany. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-11/pl/six-month-data-show-polands-border-checks-with-germany-refused-352-entrants-and-made-165-arrests/))
The inspections were introduced after Berlin tightened its side of the border amid secondary asylum flows. Although EU partners initially criticised the move, Polish officials argue that the numbers vindicate targeted, intelligence-led checks. Freight traffic has remained largely unaffected because the focus is on passenger cars and minibuses. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-11/pl/six-month-data-show-polands-border-checks-with-germany-refused-352-entrants-and-made-165-arrests/))
![Six-month report: Poland’s German-border checks refused 352 entrants and made 165 arrests]()
Anyone unsure what documents border guards might now request can run a quick eligibility check on VisaHQ’s Poland portal (https://www.visahq.com/poland/), which offers real-time guidance by nationality, assists with visa or residence-card applications, and even arranges courier delivery of approved paperwork—useful peace of mind when spot controls are becoming the norm.
For cross-border commuters the practical impact is sporadic 20-minute stops. Employers are advising staff to carry passports even on routine intra-Schengen trips, keep Polish residence cards handy and allow extra buffer time for client visits across the Oder River. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-11/pl/six-month-data-show-polands-border-checks-with-germany-refused-352-entrants-and-made-165-arrests/))
The current mandate expires in early April 2026, but Warsaw has not ruled out another extension. Companies running shuttle services between Lower Silesia or Lubuskie and Berlin should track announcements closely and adjust timetables if inspections intensify. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-11/pl/six-month-data-show-polands-border-checks-with-germany-refused-352-entrants-and-made-165-arrests/))
The inspections were introduced after Berlin tightened its side of the border amid secondary asylum flows. Although EU partners initially criticised the move, Polish officials argue that the numbers vindicate targeted, intelligence-led checks. Freight traffic has remained largely unaffected because the focus is on passenger cars and minibuses. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-11/pl/six-month-data-show-polands-border-checks-with-germany-refused-352-entrants-and-made-165-arrests/))
Anyone unsure what documents border guards might now request can run a quick eligibility check on VisaHQ’s Poland portal (https://www.visahq.com/poland/), which offers real-time guidance by nationality, assists with visa or residence-card applications, and even arranges courier delivery of approved paperwork—useful peace of mind when spot controls are becoming the norm.
For cross-border commuters the practical impact is sporadic 20-minute stops. Employers are advising staff to carry passports even on routine intra-Schengen trips, keep Polish residence cards handy and allow extra buffer time for client visits across the Oder River. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-11/pl/six-month-data-show-polands-border-checks-with-germany-refused-352-entrants-and-made-165-arrests/))
The current mandate expires in early April 2026, but Warsaw has not ruled out another extension. Companies running shuttle services between Lower Silesia or Lubuskie and Berlin should track announcements closely and adjust timetables if inspections intensify. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-11/pl/six-month-data-show-polands-border-checks-with-germany-refused-352-entrants-and-made-165-arrests/))
