German tourists fined 1,200 zł for breaching Polish‑Russian border zone near Węgorzewo

German tourists ignored a B‑1 no‑go sign in the 15‑metre border strip along the Polish‑Russian frontier near the town of Węgorzewo. They approached the border line and photographed the Russian side despite warnings from the Polish Border Guard (Straż Graniczna).

Border officers intervened and issued a combined fine of 1,200 zł to the visitors. The fine reflects multiple violations of the restricted zone, which is enforced to protect security in this external EU border adjacent to the Russian Kaliningrad region, especially in the context of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

Polish authorities reiterate that the border zone rules apply to all persons on Polish territory, regardless of nationality, and that similar penalties can reach up to 500 zł per infraction.