Alert – Travel Information for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Embassy Warsaw, Poland (April 3, 2020)
Location: Poland
Event: The April 4 LOT Polish Airlines flight is the last flight out of Poland to the United States. U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States should immediately email WarsawUSCitizen@state.gov for instructions on how to arrange a flight unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. The U.S. government does not anticipate arranging repatriation flights in Poland at this time.
Below please find information on how to book on this last remaining LOT flight to Chicago and an update regarding the Polish government’s extension of the length of time visa holders can stay in Poland.
We strongly urge all U.S. citizens to enroll in our Smart Travelers Enrollment Program at step.state.gov to receive alerts and ensure you can be located in an emergency.
LAST CALL — CHARTER FLIGHT PROCEDURE: The U.S. Mission to Poland is assisting LOT Polish Airlines with verifying eligibility for U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents who wish to return to the United States on the last charter flight offered by LOT on Saturday April 4. This is not a U.S. government operated or funded flight. Availability and cancellations are controlled by LOT. At this time, this is the only direct way to travel between Poland and the United States. The U.S. government is not evacuating U.S. citizens from Poland.
LOT’s last scheduled flight from Warsaw to Chicago is on Saturday, April 4.
This flight is the last flight to the United States until commercial flights resume.
In order to secure seats on the final LOT flight, you MUST send an email to WarsawUSCitizen@state.gov with the subject line: LOT Charter Information [Your Last Name]
- Your email message should include the following information for EACH traveler (even small children):
- Full name as spelled in your passport
- Information that we and LOT Polish Airlines can use to contact you now – please include a current phone number and email address. Please double check the information you provide for accuracy. You must diligently monitor both your incoming calls and e-mail messages in order to book a seat on one of these flights. The airline may call at any time, including early morning or late evening, in order to arrange booking.
- Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
- Passport number, and its date of issuance and expiration. If it is not a U.S. passport, please note the country that issued it. Please also note any non-U.S. citizen immediate family members traveling with you.
- Please note your current location (city) and any special needs you may have, such as medical issues.
PLEASE NOTE: By providing this information to us, you give your consent to our providing it to travel service providers for the purpose of facilitating your return to the United States.
WARSAW AIRPORT INFORMATION: You may be screened for visible symptoms and fever before being allowed to board this LOT-operated flight. Passengers exhibiting any symptoms, including fevers, may not be allowed to board. Restaurants and shops in the Warsaw airport are closed and food service on the flights is minimal. Please consider bringing your own snacks to the airport.
CHICAGO AIRPORT INFORMATION: Although the situation is subject to change, we have received reports that upon arrival in Chicago, travelers are screened for symptoms. Travelers without symptoms have been able to catch connecting flights and asked to self-quarantine at home for 14 days. Travelers with symptoms may not be permitted to board a domestic onward flight.
STATUS IN POLAND: The Polish government announced on April 2 that visas, temporary resident permits, and work permits which would have expired during the Epidemic State of Emergency will be extended until 30 days after the conclusion of the Epidemic State of Emergency.
IF YOU FEEL ILL: The Polish government has set up a national informational hotline for COVID-19 health-related inquiries. To reach this hotline, dial +48 800 190 590 and press 6 for an English-speaking operator. For emergency services, dial 112.
The government has designated certain hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients. A list of those hospitals can be found here: https://www.gov.pl/web/coronavirus/hospitals.
More information about the steps the Polish government is taking to address the outbreak can be found at the following website: https://www.gov.pl/web/coronavirus/. This website includes health suggestions and explains the travel and movement restrictions the Polish government has put into place.
April 2 UPDATE TO MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS IN POLAND: On March 24, the Polish authorities announced new restrictions on public movement. On March 31, these restrictions were tightened, effective April 1. On April 1, these restrictions were clarified. All public gatherings, events, and reunions are banned, and places of public recreation, such as parks will be closed. No gatherings of more than two people are allowed in public, except for family groups (for example: two parents and two children walking together would be allowed), and space of at least 2 meters (approximately 6 feet) must be maintained, except with respect to young children and disabled people. Minors (under age 18) are not allowed outside without a parent or guardian. Public transport will continue to operate, with limited capacity. The number of people who may be inside those shops that remain open, as well as at open air markets, will be strictly limited. Special shopping hours from 10 am – 12 pm will be reserved for persons over age 65. Shoppers will be required to use disposable gloves. Hotels and hostels will be closed effective April 2, however any guest who checked-in prior to March 31 will be allowed to stay. You may be fined up to 30,000 PLN for violating these restrictions.
The following activities are permitted, subject to the restrictions on numbers and distancing described above:
- Commuting to and from work.
- Traveling to purchase goods or perform services connected to your employment.
- Essential activities of daily life, such as shopping for food and medicine (for your family or for others under quarantine), seeing a doctor, taking care of relatives, walking your dog or taking a short stroll.
- Religious events may include up to five people, but the government recommends participating in religious services online or via radio or TV.
- With the exception of food stores and pharmacies, almost all shops will remain closed. Restaurants and bars remain closed, except for take-out and delivery. All entertainment and cultural venues, such as theaters and museums, and all schools and universities remain closed.
ENTRANCE RESTRICTIONS: On March 15, Poland instituted strict border entry requirements. All travelers seeking to enter Poland are subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine.
Only the following categories of travelers are allowed to enter Poland. The U.S. Embassy cannot insist that Polish authorities allow a traveler into the country in violation of Polish regulations.
- Polish citizens
- Spouses or children of Polish citizens
- Foreigners holding a Karta Polaka (a Polish-Government-issued Certification of Polish Heritage)
- Persons with diplomatic status and members of their families
- Foreigners who have the right of permanent or temporary residence in Poland
- Foreigners who have the right to work in Poland or who have a work permit
- Foreigners who drive a vehicle used to transport goods
- Other particularly justified cases may be considered, but entry must be granted with the permission of the Commander in Chief of the Polish Border Guard Agency.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy, Warsaw, Poland
Piękna 12
00-030, Warsaw
+48 22 504 2784 (business hours)
+48 22 504 2000 (after hours emergencies involving U.S. citizens)
ACSWarsaw@state.gov
https://pl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Poland Country Information
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