Germany, Poland, and Lithuania Tighten Border Security – What UK Tourists Need to Know Before Traveling

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Amid increasing migration fears, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has altered its travel advice for UK holidaymakers heading to Germany, Poland and Lithuania. The new guidance follows a tightening of the screws, as Poland introduced temporary border checks with both Germany and Lithuania to stymie illegal migration. As you say, not only is this bad news, it could be bad news for British holidaymakers, with the ramping up of security in these key European countries potentially causing a hassle-free travel experience for Brits.

Stricter border checks activated by Germany, Poland and Lithuania have been a result of an increase in numbers of illegal migrants entering the continent. Poland announced a 30-day crackdown, and more intensive border checks at 52 points across it front with Germany and 13 additional ones along the border with Lithuania. It followed the crackdown launched on July 7,2025, with British holidaymakers now at risk of being delayed while they face vehicle stops and paperwork checks upon entering these countries.

Why the Crackdown?

The renewed scrutiny of the border is being fueled by fears of illegal migration and divisions within the European Union. Germany has also been condemned by far-right groups for supposedly organizing migration to Poland and stoking the emergency. This political pressure has led to Poland strengthening its security to counter the migration issue. The Polish government has stressed the necessity of these temporary border controls to decrease irregular migration and protect the country’s security from the inside.

The FCO’s fresh guidance stresses that the border checks could last longer, and be introduced with little notice. Travelers bound for Germany, Poland or Lithuania are meanwhile advised to get ready for higher levels of scrutiny, especially at the land borders. British nationals should have their passports on them at all times, as checks could increase.

Business and Leisure Travel Effects

The reductions in border security could disrupt both businesses and the holiday travel season. These enhanced border measures will mean unexpected delays especially for business travelers attending meetings, conferences or events across the countries. Travellers through Germany, which welcomes about 5.3 million UK visitors every year, will be most hit by the reintroduction of border controls, with the threat of long lines at crossings. The FCO has also cautioned that border checkpoints may close with little warning, leading to severe travel disruption.

And for travelers who visit these areas, the experience will also be affected. Travellers heading to Germany’s cultural centres or Poland’s historical towns, or to enjoy Lithuania’s natural beauty, will need to factor in extra time for border inspections.” About 83,000 British tourists visit Lithuania each year and 600,000 make an annual trip to Poland. These figures could temporarily fall as travelers look for alternatives in response to the security measures.

New Border Banning Rules: What Travelers Need to Know

The enhanced border checks are now in place on Poland’s land borders with Germany and Lithuania, according to the updated travel guidance on the FCO website. The checks will include vehicle stops and may include document reviews. A similar message appears on the Lithuanian travel page with a warning for travelers on potential vehicle stops at the Lithuania-Poland border.

Germany’s temporary border controls in effect since 14 September 2024, were re-established on grounds of migratory following the irregular flows of refugees between 2015-2016 and Germany’s need to cope with durable housing, education and integration demand posed by the asylum seekers. As the EU searches for a solution to the migration crisis, such measures are likely to persist until more comprehensive measures are reached.

The FCO has warned all UK holidaymakers who are set to travel to Germany, Poland and Lithuania to check the government’s updates regularly and prepare for any potential travel delays. Delays are ongoing as Poland and Germany aim to secure their borders. For travelers, that could also mean greater scrutiny on buses, trains and even planes, as border enforcement gets ratcheted up across all modes of transportation.

Fast Travel Tips For those of you from UK visiting.

Check Your Passport: Make sure your passport is valid and available for inspection at border controls. Make it easily available so there are no delays at checkpoints.

Give Yourself More Time to Travel: Consider allowing for longer travel times for processes at borders or airports. Add in the fact wait times can be long.

Keep Up With: This is a developing situation, and things could change rapidly. Stay up to date with the FCO’s latest advice and the advice of your national government, to ensure you don’t miss any crucial announcements.

Be Ready for Interruptions: Be prepared for interruptions, such as the temporary closing of borders, or for delays out of the blue. If you are a business traveler, think about the extra time buffer you might need between appointments and getting to places.

Carry Local Currency: You never know if border control delays will impact digital payments, so it might not hurt to carry some cash in euros for small purchases while you wait.

What This Means for Your Travel Plans and Future Travel:

The FCO travel advice sets out the need to remain flexible and adaptable. British nationals should determine whether travel to Germany, Poland or Lithuania is absolutely necessary during a period of increased border security. Travelers may have to consider other routes or even reschedule their trip to spend less time at border posts.

As long as the controversy over irregular migration is ongoing, much may change. If you have yet to visit, you may want to check with your airline, train or travel operator about entry to the border for border delays.

Conclusion: Moving Across Europe’s Shifting Frontiers

The strengthened border checks introduced by Poland, Germany and Lithuania may be inconvenient for some, but are justified in view of the security of all travellers and the new migratory challenge. By keeping themselves informed and ready, UK tourists can have fun in their travels, albeit with an extra knowledge about travel precautions. Watching the FCO’s website for travel information is as key as ever.