From July 7 to August 5, 2025, Poland has temporarily reinstated border controls with both Germany and Lithuania. While this may seem like standard immigration tightening, for many foreigners living in Poland and waiting for their Temporary Residence Card (TRC), this change could result in serious complications.
In this article, we’ll explain:
- Why the controls were introduced
- Who is affected
- What happens if you cross the border with just a TRC stamp
- Real risks of being denied entry
- What you should do instead
Let’s dive in.
🚨 Why Is Poland Reintroducing Border Controls?
Poland’s government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, issued an official decree mandating temporary border checks at crossings with Germany and Lithuania starting July 7. This decision was prompted by:
- A sharp increase in illegal migration, especially through Belarus → Lithuania → Poland → Germany routes
- Over 15,000 illegal attempts to cross from Belarus into Poland from January to June 2025
- Germany’s recent policy change (since May 8, 2025) to reject asylum applications from migrants entering via another EU country
- Rising pressure from both domestic political groups and EU-level security alerts
In short: Poland is sealing its internal borders temporarily to stem the tide of unauthorized migration and to control who is entering—and returning—across its frontiers.
🛂 What Exactly Is Changing at the Border?
If you’re planning to travel in or out of Poland through Germany or Lithuania:
- Expect passport and ID checks, even within the Schengen Zone
- Prepare for random inspections, longer waiting times, and visible presence of Border Guard (Straż Graniczna), police, and military patrols
- 13 checkpoints were activated on the Lithuanian side, and over 50 with Germany
The Polish RCB Alert (Government Security Center Alert) has officially informed all residents about the new measures. This is not a theoretical situation—it’s active, and enforcement is already happening.
🤔 What If You’re Waiting for Your TRC with Only a Stamp?
Here’s the core issue:
Many foreigners apply for a Temporary Residence Card (karta pobytu czasowego) while legally in Poland. Once they apply, they receive a stamp in their passport confirming submission. This stamp allows them to stay legally in Poland, even if their previous visa or residence permit expires.
BUT — and it’s a big but — this stamp does not authorize re-entry into Poland once you leave.
Let’s make it crystal clear:
You HaveCan You Leave and Return?
Valid Visa or Residence Card - ✅ Yes
TRC Stamp Only (Application Pending) - ❌ No
So if you’re in the TRC process and:
- You leave Poland for a weekend trip to Berlin
- Try to come back with just your passport and stamp
➡️ You can be denied entry, especially under heightened border control.
🚫 Real Risks at the Border Now
Border officers now have more freedom to:
- Verify your documents in detail
- Cross-reference your immigration history
- Detain or turn back individuals with incomplete residence documentation
Even if you’ve been in Poland for months legally, if you don’t carry a valid entry document, border guards may:
- Refuse your entry into Poland
- Treat you as if you’ve overstayed in the Schengen Zone
- Impose fines or start administrative procedures
- Delay or question your application for residence
Even if you entered legally and applied correctly, crossing the border during the TRC waiting period is now a high-risk move.
✈️ Can I Travel Within Schengen With My TRC Stamp?
Unfortunately, no.
While the Schengen Zone allows free movement, you must carry a valid visa or residence permit to cross internal borders. The TRC stamp is not recognized by other Schengen states as proof of legal stay.
So traveling to:
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Lithuania
…is now problematic unless you:
- Have a valid visa/residence card, or
- Are a citizen of a visa-free country AND still within your 90 days
✅ What You Should Do Instead
If you’re currently waiting for your TRC to be issued and you only have a stamp in your passport:
Stay in Poland. Do not leave the country unless you’re willing to risk being denied re-entry.
If you absolutely must leave:
- Visit your local Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) and ask about re-entry rights
- Request a return visa (if eligible)
- Carry full documentation: TRC application receipt, stamp, decision notice (if any), and prior visa
Also:
- Check GOV.pl, MSWiA, or RCB websites daily for updates
- Avoid weekend crossings where border checks may be stricter
🧾 Summary for Foreigners in Poland (TRC Pending)
TRC stamp only, visa expired - ❌ No (High risk of border denial)
TRC + valid visa - ✅ Yes
Travel with both documents - ✅ Yes
📣 Final Word: Stay Safe, Stay Legal
With increased controls and tighter scrutiny, Poland is making it clear: do not test the system. Even accidental missteps—like crossing with an expired visa and a TRC stamp—can land you in legal trouble.
If you’re unsure about your rights, consult an immigration lawyer, your employer’s HR department, or your local Urząd Wojewódzki.
Your safest bet right now? Wait it out in Poland until your TRC is physically issued.
