Poland reopened its border with Belarus at midnight on September 25, 2025, ending a nearly two-week closure set off by the Russian-Belarusian military drills known as Zapad-2025. The move came with a stark warning: Polish citizens in Belarus should leave immediately. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polish Embassy in Minsk urged all Poles to depart without delay, saying the security situation could worsen fast and another shutdown could happen with little or no notice.
Officials said the border closure began on September 12, the same day the Zapad-2025 exercises started, and continued through September 16. While several crossings reopened on September 25, Poland signaled that this may be a narrow window. The government stressed that passenger travel is currently only possible at Terespol–Brest, the main road link for people returning to Poland. Other reopened points handle freight only and do not serve regular travelers.
Border operations and routes
Poland announced a limited border reopening to restore some movement while keeping strict controls.
Key crossing status:
– Terespol–Brest: Open for passenger vehicles and cargo. This is the only active road route for people.
– Kukuryki–Kozlovichi: Open for freight trucks only.
– Kuznica–Grodno and Siemianowka–Svisloch: Reopened for cargo trains only.
All other border crossings remain closed. Officials said this setup allows controlled traffic for essential trade while maintaining tight watch on developments linked to Zapad-2025. The government noted that its earlier conditions for a full reopening—such as the release of detained Polish citizens and stronger border security measures—were not met by Belarus. That underscores the cautious nature of this step and the real risk of a quick reversal.
Authorities also reminded the public that the region remains tense due to Russia’s war in Ukraine and recent airspace incidents, including reports of Russian drones straying near borders. With tensions still high, any spike in risk could push Warsaw to reimpose closures at short notice. Polish citizens were told to act now rather than wait, because a sudden shutdown could make evacuation extremely difficult or impossible.
Security warnings and risks
The government’s urgent advisory is blunt: Do not travel to Belarus. If you are already there, leave immediately.
The warning highlights three main risks:
– Rising regional tensions tied to the conflict in Ukraine and military activity around Zapad-2025.
– Repeated arbitrary arrests of Polish citizens by Belarusian authorities in recent months.
– The real possibility of renewed border closures that could strand travelers.
The timing of the advisory—issued right after the border reopening—suggests Warsaw sees the opening primarily as a safety valve to help Poles exit Belarus. Officials stressed that no one should assume normal travel is back and urged citizens to use any commercial or private means available, especially the Terespol–Brest crossing, to return home.
Consular support and practical limits:
– Polish consular teams remain active but cautioned that in a fast-moving crisis, consular help can be limited.
– Travelers should expect checks or delays as freight corridors share capacity with returning passengers.
– According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the narrow set of open crossings makes planning ahead essential, especially for families, elderly travelers, and those with medical needs.
For official travel advice, Poland directs citizens to the government’s travel pages. Readers can check the latest guidance on the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Travel Advice.
Important: Authorities continue to discourage all travel to Belarus until further notice. The border reopening is limited and may be temporary.
Trade and mobility impact
The closure and partial reopening disrupted trade flows and daily life along the border. Polish authorities and industry groups reported interruptions to road freight and China–EU rail shipments, which pass through Belarus on key east–west routes. Businesses on both sides—from logistics firms to small retailers—felt the squeeze as goods piled up and delivery times stretched.
With selected points now open, freight movement has resumed but under tight constraints:
– Trucks: Kukuryki–Kozlovichi
– Cargo trains: Kuznica–Grodno and Siemianowka–Svisloch
– Passengers: Terespol–Brest only
Logistics implications:
– Supply chains will take time to recover; many companies are revising routes and spreading loads across open crossings.
– Forwarders warn that any fresh closure will disproportionately affect perishable goods and just-in-time deliveries.
– The stop-start potential will keep pressure on transport operators and businesses reliant on consistent cross-border movement.
Human impact:
– Families, students, cross-border workers, and elderly relatives face immediate consequences from restricted passenger access.
– Some Poles returned before Zapad-2025 began; others who waited now face longer lines at Terespol–Brest.
– Humanitarian concerns matter to both sides, but Warsaw has prioritized security and urged citizens to put safety first.
Polish officials emphasized that none of their preconditions for a broader reopening—notably the release of detained Poles and better cooperation on border safety—were met. That sets a cautious tone for the coming weeks: if tensions ease, more crossings could open; if they rise, closures could return quickly.
Practical advice for Polish citizens in Belarus
Recommended immediate actions:
1. Leave as soon as possible via Terespol–Brest or any safe route available.
2. Keep passports, IDs, and phones charged; carry cash and essential medicines.
3. Stay in touch with family in Poland and register contact details with consular services if needed.
4. Check official updates before travel and while in transit.
Officials also urged travelers to prepare for checks, delays, and limited consular support during a fast-moving situation.
Outlook and government stance
Poland’s message remains clear: the border reopening is limited and may be temporary. With Zapad-2025 recently concluded but its effects still playing out, Warsaw will keep a close watch on signals from Minsk and Moscow. The government has warned several times that if the security picture worsens, it will not hesitate to shut crossings again to protect public safety and national security.
For now, the Terespol–Brest crossing offers a lifeline for those who need to get home, while freight corridors at Kukuryki–Kozlovichi, Kuznica–Grodno, and Siemianowka–Svisloch support key trade but are not open to regular travelers. The public is urged to follow government channels for any change and prioritize safety over travel plans.
As Poland balances security with mobility, families, truck drivers, and business owners will be watching the border closely. The hope is for stability; the plan is for caution.
This Article in a Nutshell
Poland reopened several border points with Belarus on September 25, 2025, after closures linked to Zapad-2025 that began on September 12. The reopening is tightly constrained: Terespol–Brest is the only crossing allowing passenger vehicles, while Kukuryki–Kozlovichi serves freight trucks and Kuznica–Grodno and Siemianowka–Svisloch handle cargo trains. Polish authorities urged citizens in Belarus to leave immediately, citing heightened tensions from Russia’s war in Ukraine, drone incidents near borders, and recent arbitrary arrests of Poles. The government warned the window may be temporary and that reclosures could occur without notice. Trade flows resumed under restrictions, affecting supply chains and businesses; officials recommended using official channels for updates and preparing for checks and delays.
