The new year brings changes for Polish citizens in Berlin. The Polish Embassy has returned to the central part of Germany's capital, and the flags of Poland and the European Union have just been raised above its new location at Unter den Linden 70-72 – confirmed by diplomats.
On the other hand, Poles in Russia will have to accept the closure of the Polish consulate in St. Petersburg. A ceremonial closure of the consulate took place today.
As explained by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this is a so-called retaliation for the decision of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to close the Russian Consulate in Poznań following the discovery of Russian sabotage activities in Poland.
New Polish-German border cooperation unit
Since the beginning of 2025, a new Polish-German border agency launched in Tuplice, in the western part of Poland, will enable more effective fighting against international crime, illegal migration, and various cross-border threats.
Polish border guards and German federal services have begun joint operations, including planned patrols.
Apart from the unit in Tuplice, which will be officially launched on Thursday, January 9, other locations for Polish-German cooperation are in Pomellen (near Szczecin), Świecko (in western Poland), and Ludwigsdorf (in Germany, close to the border).
New ETA requirement for Poles traveling to the UK
Alterations are also expected when crossing the British border. Starting April 2, Poles will need to obtain a £10 Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling to the United Kingdom (as of January 9, citizens of 48 countries, including the USA, Canada, and Australia, will also need it).
The ETA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple trips to the United Kingdom, but it does not permit longer stays or work in the country. Applications can be submitted online, and the document will be linked to a valid passport.
Source:PAP/X/@MSZ_RP/@PLinDeutschland/@TravelGov
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