From March 15, Germany will extend its border controls for another six months, including along the border with Poland. The information was provided by Germany’s Federal Minister of the Interior, Alexander Dobrindt, in an interview with the tabloid “Bild”.
Germany Extends Border Controls
The minister emphasized that border checks are “one of the elements of the reorganization of migration policy in Germany”. They will remain in force at least until mid-September.
According to “Bild”, the relevant documents were to be submitted by the government in Berlin to the European Commission. Controls within the Schengen Area are officially permitted only as an extraordinary measure, which means Dobrindt’s decision must be formally notified to the European Commission.
Random checks will therefore continue to apply to travelers, including those crossing the border to commute to work. These measures may cause delays at crossings with all nine countries neighboring Germany, including Poland. Anyone crossing the border must carry a valid identity document.
Germany has been conducting checks on its border with Poland since October 2023, officially to curb illegal migration. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that the measures introduced by Germany are temporary in nature.