Ukrainian refugees in Germany complain about problems entering the European Union.

Ukrainian refugees in Germany are posting on social media about encountering difficulties with entry into the European Union.

The reason for this is that as of March 4th, which is tomorrow, the plastic residency permit (Aufenthaltstitel) of all Ukrainians living in Germany will expire. German authorities previously extended its validity for another year, but without issuing new plastic cards, stating that the current document would remain valid.

However, Ukrainians on social media report facing difficulties when entering Germany and the EU. Border guards have begun to demand evidence that refugees have the right to continue staying in Germany.

“Yesterday, a friend in Istanbul was not allowed on a plane to Munich because of an expired plastic card with such a note,” said one of the users.

Another user reports that upon arrival in Germany at Frankfurt Airport, employees demanded proof that their residency permit does not need to be renewed.

“Here, the staff had no idea that our residency permit had been extended. They took a long time to figure it out, about 20 minutes of discussion, but they eventually let us in,” writes another woman.

According to her, there were also problems when boarding the plane at the departure point.

Additionally, other users report encountering issues at the Polish-German border.

“I just encountered such a situation. I am traveling from Poland to Germany and the EU by bus. At the border crossing, police officers board the bus and check passports. My passport is valid until March 4th, and there were many questions. I even had to show the rental contract for my apartment. But they let me through, so keep in mind that they are checking everything,” wrote a Ukrainian.

They also say that Polish border guards have started asking questions upon entry from Ukraine. According to Ukrainians, they claim they ‘haven’t heard anything about automatic extension’.”

Users also advise printing out the application to the Schengen Code on border control, where on page 19 it states that the plastic Aufenthaltstitel is valid for paragraph 24 (temporary protection) until March 2025.