The European Commission’s updated register of temporary internal-border controls, published on 14 September, shows that Poland will keep checks on its land frontiers with Germany and Lithuania until at least 1 October 2026. Warsaw cites “persistent migratory pressure” and cross-border crime as justification. Under Article 25 of the Schengen Borders Code, such controls should be exceptional and time-limited, but Poland has rolled them over in six-month blocks since April 2024. Travellers have reported spot passport checks on Berlin-bound trains and vehicle inspections on the Via Baltica. Air borders remain unaffected. Corporate mobility teams should budget extra time for coach and rail journeys and remind staff to carry physical passports, as national ID cards may be insufficient if deeper identity verification is requested. EU lawmakers are expected to debate stricter oversight of long-running controls at the Schengen Working Party later this year.
Source: European Commission – DG HOME
