The fresh regulations amazed the Germans – without the paper you will not enter Poland, even for a walk

From Monday, fresh rules for entering Poland from Germany apply. Polish border services, supported by the Polish Army, conduct identity checks at border crossing points. Tourists turned around, even if they were only planning a short trip. Local markets are empty and German politicians are criticizing Polish decision.

Without papers there is no passage – even on foot

Under the fresh rules, any individual crossing the border must carry a valid identity document. Tourists from Lower Saxonywho tried walk from German Ahlbeck to Polish Świnoujście. Although the journey was recreational, they were detained by a border patrol and forced to return due to deficiency of ID – they had only a hotel card.

A akin destiny family from Leipzigwhose children had no documents. Although parents had passports, the deficiency of recognition with the youngest resulted in refusal to enter. Polish services make it clear that new rules apply to all – regardless of age.

New recipes since July 15. Reason? consequence to German Actions

The fresh rules apply from Monday, July 15, 2025 and are temporary. Poland decided to introduce them between 7 July and 5 August, including 52 border crossing points. This is response to extended German border controlswhich are applicable from October 2023 as a means of combating illegal migration.

Controls are presently active About 5,000 soldiers of the Polish Armywho support actions Border Guard. Although patrols are being carried out randomOfficers check the travel papers carefully. How He Admits German national Police, cooperation runs smoothly and traffic at border crossing points is carried out without major congestion.

Market without customers. Traders number losses

Local traders presently operating on the alleged ‘responsible market’ endure the biggest losses. Polenmärkten In Porcupines and surrounding towns. delicate decrease in the number of German tourists translate straight into lower rotations, especially in sales seasonal fruittextiles or cosmetics.

Entrepreneurs fear that if the checks are extended, losses may be irreversible. The situation is peculiarly hard for tiny retailers addicted to regular purchases made by German customers coming from border towns.

Political conflict over the border. Criticism from Berlin and Saxony

Warsaw's decision did not go unnoticed in German politics. Knut Abraham (CDU), national Government Plenipotentiary for Relations with Poland, described the situation as “a bad day for Polish-German relations”. In turn Dirk Panther (SPD), Minister for the Economy of Saxony, warns against long-term economical impactswhich may consequence from the regulation of the free movement of persons and goods in the border region.

The temporary actions of Poland, although they are preventive, received in Germany as an unfriendly gesture and can aid cool bilateral relations.

What's next? Possible further changes

However, for now, the checks are to apply to August 5, 2025, much depends on political developments and safety at the border. Both Poland and Germany declare their willingness to cooperate, but at the same time defend their interests in the protection of Schengen borders.

For travellers, this means 1 thing – the request to have up-to-date identity papers at each border crossing, even for short trips, buying or household trips. Failure to comply with this work entails a hazard immediate withdrawal in Germany.