Border controls on Usedom: Holidaymakers must comply with strict ID requirements!

Border controls on Usedom: Holidaymakers must comply with strict ID requirements!

The situation on the German-Polish border remains tense. Since July 7, 2023, the Polish authorities have introduced strict controls for holidaymakers wishing to travel from Usedom to Poland. The controls initially apply for 30 days and were initiated in response to tighter German border controls under Chancellor Merz. The move has sparked anger among holidaymakers who are being denied access to the popular Polish market if they cannot show ID. In fact, some travelers have had to turn back due to lack of documentation, further fueling already mounting frustration.

The mayor of Usedom, Laura Isabelle Marisken, commented on the importance of free border traffic for the region. According to her, this transport is of utmost importance for the local economy and the needs of residents. Despite the new controls, it should be mentioned that all crossings on Usedom, be they streets, beaches or promenades, are still passable. The traffic situation at the border crossings in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is at least currently stable, without any major restrictions.

Random checks in Poland

The Polish controls that were introduced by the federal government on the border with Poland two years ago have become even more stringent. Since July 7, 2025, random checks have been carried out at 52 border crossings with Germany and 13 with Lithuania. Travelers should expect waiting times, especially on weekends. However, the focus is mainly on buses, minibuses and cars with many occupants as well as vehicles with tinted windows. No barrier will be erected, but the roadways will be narrowed and additional traffic signs will be installed. During checks, identification documents and the contents of the trunk are checked.

Commuters have also had to expect German controls since 2023, with Polish controls now being added. Around 13,000 people commute from Poland to Saxony and over 14,000 to Brandenburg every day. It is clear that the Polish authorities are also keen to allow commuters to pass through without major delays in order to avoid unnecessarily burdening traffic.

Economic impact of border controls

The IHK in Brandenburg has already warned of economic losses due to potential traffic jams and delays. Poland is considered the most important foreign trade partner for Brandenburg, with exports worth 4.1 billion euros. The issue of migrants and possible asylum procedures is also on the agenda, as the controls are also intended to curb irregular migration. Polish vigilante groups now also patrol the border crossings and check vehicles. This has reignited the discussion about the legal limits of these measures, while at the same time the Polish government announced that it would take action against presumption and insults to officials.

In summary, these restrictive measures on the border with Poland will have both local and supra-regional impacts. The normalization of the situation largely depends on the rules of the Common European Asylum System. While the Schengen area has historically stood for its open borders, the current situation shows how sensitive and challenging migration management has become. Given the challenges since 2015 and the associated political reactions, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop.

Readers can find further information about the current border controls on the border with Poland at GOOD MORNING, daily news and European Parliament.