Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Millions of Brits have always looked forward to travelling Europe – visiting their favourite spots like Germany, Poland and Lithuania. But new circumstances have led the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to update its travel advice for Britons visiting these three nations. As Poland re-imposes temporary border controls with Germany and Lithuania because of continuing concerns over illegal migration, UK travellers are facing tighter security at land borders.
These changes come as part of broader efforts to combat irregular migration, particularly through the Schengen Area. While such measures are not new in Europe, they have now taken center stage, particularly as far-right groups have raised concerns, accusing Germany of facilitating the migration issue. As a result, Poland has launched a 30-day crackdown on illegal migration, introducing more stringent border checks along its borders with Germany and Lithuania.

Heightened Border Controls in Poland

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Starting from Monday, Poland introduced a significant tightening of border security, which now includes 52 border points along the Germany/Poland border and 13 points with Lithuania. Travelers should be aware that vehicles may be stopped, and documentation checked at these borders. The FCDO has advised UK visitors to stay updated on travel guidance and potential disruptions. According to the FCDO website, “Poland has introduced border checks on the Germany/Poland border. Vehicles may be stopped, and documentation checked.”
As for Lithuania, travelers should expect similar measures. “Poland has reintroduced border checks on the Lithuania/Poland border. Vehicles may be stopped, and documentation checked,” the FCDO added on its Lithuania travel advisory page.

For UK citizens planning to visit Poland, Germany, or Lithuania, these border control changes will likely lead to delays. The FCDO’s travel pages on both Poland and Lithuania provide detailed updates on the situation, with warnings about potential short-notice closures of border checkpoints and other disruptions.

Germany’s Own Border Control Measures

Germany’s strict stance on border security is not new either. The country has had temporary border controls in place since September 2024 in response to rising concerns about illegal migration, including from regions affected by the war in Ukraine. These controls have expanded to include all land borders with neighboring countries, including France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark.
The German Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community has confirmed that these measures will remain in place for at least six months, with the possibility of further extensions. “A temporary reintroduction of border controls is currently in place at Germany’s land borders,” the FCDO noted on its Germany travel page. The measures aim to curb irregular migration and protect Germany’s internal security amid rising threats such as Islamist extremist terrorism and cross-border crime.
This crackdown on illegal migration is in line with Germany’s commitment to securing its borders while continuing to support international asylum seekers. “Germany’s overall burden must be taken into account, especially the limited capacity of municipalities to provide housing, education, and integration services, after taking in 1.2 million refugees from the war in Ukraine and large numbers of asylum seekers in recent years,” the Federal Ministry of the Interior explained. This heightened security environment is essential for Germany to manage migration and ensure public safety.

Poland and Lithuania’s Reinforced Border Security

For UK visitors to Poland and Lithuania, the latest travel advice emphasizes the need for awareness of border restrictions. The FCDO’s guidance clearly states that border guards in Poland have reintroduced strict checks for those entering from Germany and Lithuania. Travelers may face unanticipated delays as these measures can be enforced at short notice. “Border checkpoints may close or impose restrictions at short notice, and other disruptions are possible,” reads the FCDO’s update on Poland’s travel page.
The FCDO also stressed that these temporary border control measures should be expected to remain in effect for at least the duration of the crackdown in Poland, which is set to last for 30 days. Additionally, Poland’s border guards have the authority to refuse entry to travelers who do not meet the necessary criteria, a policy similar to that implemented by Germany.

The Impact on UK Travelers

UK citizens visiting these countries may face disruptions as border checks become more frequent and rigorous. The FCDO urges all travelers to keep themselves informed through the official government website to avoid last-minute surprises. For example, the FCDO highlights that Germany’s Federal Police are applying mobile and stationary border policing measures, which could involve checks at any time.
With millions of UK tourists visiting Germany, Poland, and Lithuania every year, these border control measures are likely to affect the flow of travel. In 2024, Germany alone welcomed 5.3 million UK visitors, with Poland and Lithuania seeing 600,000 and 83,000 UK tourists, respectively. As a result, the FCDO is advising travelers to anticipate potential delays at checkpoints, especially for those traveling by car or bus.
The FCDO’s updated guidance underscores the importance of being prepared for these changes. Travelers should ensure they have all necessary documentation on hand, including passports, travel insurance, and any additional permits that may be required for entry into Poland or Germany. Furthermore, tourists should remain flexible with their travel plans, as last-minute disruptions at the border may lead to unforeseen delays.

Conclusion

With the reinstatement of temporary border controls in Poland and Germany, as well as heightened security measures in Lithuania, UK travelers are urged to stay informed and prepared for potential travel disruptions. The FCDO’s updated travel advice provides essential guidance on how to navigate these changes. While these measures are being implemented to address illegal migration concerns, they also serve as a reminder of the evolving security landscape in Europe.
For travelers to Germany, Poland or Lithuania, it is important to continue to monitor travel advisories while being prepared for the potential for vehicle checks or border delays. A little research and preparation will help UK travellers avoid any inconveniences and have a smoother time of it when travelling across Europe.

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Tags: European border security, FCDO advice, Germany border controls, Lithuania travel warning, Poland border checks, Uk Travel Advisory, UK travel to Europe, UK travelers Europe

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