Germany denies entry to Ukrainians: who and why are they deployed at the border

Germany remains one of the key host countries for Ukrainians, but is now tightening control over secondary migration within the EU. Find out in which cases Ukrainian citizens may be refused entry

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Since the outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine, Germany has become one of the main reception centres for Ukrainian refugees. Recently, however, there have been increasing reports of Ukrainian citizens being denied entry at the German border. According to Deutsche Welle, German federal police officers have begun to turn back Ukrainians trying to enter the country. What is the reason for these decisions and who are they affecting?

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New restrictions on entry to Germany

According to the rules of the visa-free regime, Ukrainian citizens holding a biometric passport can enter Germany and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within 180 days. Recently, however, German border guards have become more strict in their control of Ukrainians, especially those who have already been granted temporary protection in other EU countries.

The German government's response to a request from members of the Left Party states that from July to December 2024, almost 20% of illegal migrants detained at the border were Ukrainian citizens. This is second only to Syrians.

Why does Germany refuse entry to Ukrainians?

After 2022, Ukrainians could automatically receive temporary protection in EU countries without having to apply for refugee status. Germany has accepted more than a million Ukrainian refugees, but, as the German Ministry of the Interior notes, the country's resources are limited.

Now Germany can refuse entry to those Ukrainians who have already received temporary protection in other EU countries and are trying to move to Germany. This is due to the provisions of EU Directive 2001/55/EC, according to which refugees can move between EU countries only with the consent of the authorities.

Thus, if a Ukrainian resides, for example, in France or Poland and wants to move to Germany, he or she needs to officially apply for a visa and residence permit. Without this, they may not be allowed to enter the country.

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Can Ukrainians travel to Germany for tourist purposes?

Yes, short-term trips are still possible. Ukrainians who have temporary protection status in other EU countries can visit Germany as tourists, as temporary protection documents allow them to move freely within the Schengen area.

However, at the border, the question may arise: is the person really coming as a tourist, or is he or she planning to stay in Germany illegally?

The German Ministry of the Interior states that everyone who enters is obliged to confirm the purpose and duration of their stay. If the border guards suspect that a Ukrainian is trying to illegally move to Germany under the guise of a tourist, they may refuse entry.

What should I do if I need to move to Germany?

If a Ukrainian has been living in one of the EU countries for a long time and wants to move to Germany legally, he or she must:

- Apply for a visa and residence permit at a German consulate.

- Agree with the authorities of their current country of residence on a possible move.

It is important to understand that Germany has tightened control over border crossings to prevent illegal migration and better manage refugee flows.

Are there any workarounds?

Some Ukrainians are trying to get to Germany by air from other EU countries, as German airports do not have border controls for passengers from the Schengen area. However, the German authorities warn that random checks may be carried out at airports, and if a person does not have convincing evidence of a short-term trip, he or she may be sent back.

Remember that an immigration lawyer is a specialist who helps citizens resolve any issues related to departure and relocation, paperwork, as well as the rules, opportunities and requirements that exist for temporary stay or residence abroad.

We remind you! Ukrainian refugees have started to leave three European countries - Denmark, Italy and France. We told you why this trend is happening and in which countries, on the contrary, the number of Ukrainians is growing.

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