Фото: Straż Graniczna
The buffer zone on the Polish-Belarusian border has been extended until November 29, 2026. The relevant regulation was signed by Poland’s Minister of the Interior and Administration.
“This decision is driven by the need to maintain maximum operational readiness and a high level of effectiveness in protecting the border with Belarus,” the Ministry of the Interior and Administration said.
The ministry noted that although border guards recorded only 335 attempts to illegally cross the border from the beginning of the year through August 2 — 98% fewer than during the same period in 2025 — this does not mean that the crisis is over.
“Belarus — as a state displaying aggression toward the EU and NATO and supporting the Russian Federation — has changed its tactics, redirecting activity to the borders with Lithuania and Latvia. Maintaining the buffer zone in Poland is crucial because most attempts to cross the border this year occurred precisely in the sections covered by the ban on presence,” the ministry said.
The buffer zone was established on June 13, 2024. It prohibits people from being present in the designated border area. The zone covers a 78.29-kilometer section of the border within the territorial jurisdiction of Border Guard units in Michałowo, Narewka, Białowieża, Dubicze Cerkiewne and Czeremcha. Along a 59.24-kilometer section, the zone extends 200 meters from the border line. Along a 15.26-kilometer section in the area of nature reserves, the zone is wider, extending about 2 kilometers, while along a section of approximately 3.79 kilometers, it extends about 4 kilometers into the country.
The zone is extended every 90 days.