Last updated: 10/6/22
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Please see Entry and Exit Requirements paragraph for the current travel restrictions.
The Department of State has issued a Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions Advisory for Poland.
*** As of 12:01 a.m. EDT June 12, 2022, the CDC order requiring all persons aged two and above to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States, is rescinded. Starting at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 12, 2022, the CDC will no longer order air passengers to show a negative COVID-19 test result, or show documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the United States.
The CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.
Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
Country-Specific Information:
- The Department of State has issued a Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions Advisory for Poland.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
- Are there COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens? No
- U.S. Citizens who are traveling from Russia or Belarus to Poland must qualify for one of the following entry exemptions:
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- Foreigners who are spouses or children of Polish citizens or remain under the constant care of Polish citizens
- Foreigners holding a Karta Polaka (ID card for those with a claim to Polish heritage through ancestry)
- Foreigners who have the right of permanent or temporary residence in Poland
- Foreigners who are authorized to take up employment under the same rules as Polish citizens, who perform work in Poland, or will present documents showing that they will take up employment immediately after entering Poland, and who are in possession of one of the following:
- Work permit
- Certification of registration to perform seasonal work
- Work contract or statement entrusting a performance of work to a foreigner
- Pupils, students, graduate students, and postgraduate students enrolled in Polish educational institutions
- Scientists conducting research or developmental work in Poland
- Foreigners participating in international sports competitions as a competitor, member of the training staff, doctor, physiotherapist, judge, or accredited journalist
- Foreigners who drive a vehicle used to transport goods
- Persons with diplomatic status in Poland and members of their families
- More information about the exemptions is available at https://strazgraniczna.pl/pl/aktualnosci/informacje-dla-podrozny/9837,Koronawirus-wjazd-do-Polski-granica-zewnetrzna.html
- Other particularly justified cases, including exceptions for humanitarian reasons, may be considered, but entry must be granted with the permission of the Chief of the Border Guard: https://www.strazgraniczna.pl/pl/kontakt/1946,Komenda-Glowna-Strazy-Granicznej.html
- Poland has indicated to the U.S. government that U.S. citizens may enter Poland through the land border with Ukraine. No advanced approval is required.
- The Polish Border Guard determines who is allowed to enter Poland, and the U.S. Embassy has no control over this process. For questions regarding whether your situation qualifies for an exemption to enter Poland or whether your specific itinerary will allow you to transit, please contact the Border Guard by e-mail at zdsc.kg@strazgraniczna.pl or by phone at +48 22 500 4068, +48 22 500 4568, or +48 22 500 5468.
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- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? No
- Legal status in Poland: The Polish government declared an Epidemic State of Emergency on March 14, 2020. Visas, temporary resident permits, and work permits that expire during the State of Emergency will be extended until 30 days after the conclusion of the State of Emergency. At this time, we do not know when the State of Emergency will end, but the Embassy will provide updated information as it becomes available.
- Scammers Posing as Polish Government Employees: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is warning against fraudsters, claiming to be Ministry employees, who are trying to extort money from foreigners living in Poland by phone. The fraudsters are spoofing the MFA’s phone number and accusing foreigners of failing to complete their visa process correctly. They threaten deportation and demand payment via international money transfer. Anyone who has received a similar phone call should report it to the local police. Please also inform the MFA at rzecznik@msz.gov.pl and American Citizens Services at ACSWarsaw@state.gov or KrakowACS@state.gov.
- For dual national Polish-American citizens who enter Poland on their Polish passports: Persons who enter Poland on a Polish passport must provide a valid, unexpired Polish passport upon departure. This is a Polish government requirement, and the U.S. Embassy does not have the authority to waive this requirement for dual national Polish-American citizens who wish to depart on their U.S. passport instead of their Polish passport.
Quarantine Information:
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No
- 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 these hospitals can be found here. If you are COVID positive and need assistance finding a quarantine location, you may contact the COVID information hotline for assistance locating a facility and information on gaining admission. More information about the steps the Polish government is taking to address the outbreak can be found at their website here.
- Polish social service agencies provide assistance in obtaining food and medicine to those who are under home quarantine due to COVID-19. These services are available to both Polish citizens and foreigners. In Krakow, call +48 887 202 946 or +48 887 202 947 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. or email kontakt@mops.krakow.pl after hours. In Warsaw, call +48 22 487 1300.
COVID-19 Testing
- Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Poland? Yes
- If so, are test results reliably available within one calendar day? Yes
- The Polish government provides COVID-19 testing, but only for people who display possible symptoms of COVID-19, visit a doctor, and receive a prescription for a test.
- Private COVID-19 testing is available at laboratories and medical facilities throughout Poland. Results are available within 24 hours, and the average cost of a PCR test is approximately $85 USD. For drive-through testing center options, you can buy tests online at this website and take the code you receive to the testing center you have selected. This website is another option in Warsaw that provides drive-through and in-home testing. This website offers an in-home testing option in Krakow.
- Rapid tests are available at several airports in Poland for passengers who are traveling to or transiting countries that require a test result within four hours of flight departure. For more information about the type of tests offered, cost, and hours of operation, please contact the airport or visit the following websites:
COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
- Has the government of Poland approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes
- Are vaccines available in Poland for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes
- Which vaccines are available in Poland? The Polish government has signed contracts for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer BioNtech, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Novavax.
- The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
- The Polish government has announced that a COVID-19 vaccine will be provided to everyone who legally resides in Poland and is old enough to receive an approved vaccine. For more information and to register your interest in receiving a vaccine, please visit the Ministry of Health website.
- A person is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after taking two doses of a two-dose vaccine or after taking one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Effective February 1, 2022, COVID certificates are valid for 270 days (9 months) from the date of the last vaccination for fully vaccinated people. More information (in Polish) about the validity of the EU COVID certificate in Poland is available on the Polish government website at https://www.gov.pl/web/szczepimysie/twoj-unijny-certyfikat-covid-bedzie-wazny-270-dni.
- Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
- Citizens of Poland and foreigners entitled to participate in the National Immunization Program who received a vaccine authorized by the European Union in another country may be eligible for issuance of the EU COVID-19 certificate. Details can be found here: https://www.gov.pl/web/zdrowie/komunikat-nr-13-ministra-zdrowia-w-sprawie-uznania-szczepienia-przeciwko-covid-19-wykonanego-poza-granicami-rzeczpospolitej-polskiej-oraz-wydania-unijnego-certyfikatu-covid-19-ucc.
Local Resources:
- https://gis.gov.pl/en/homepage/
- https://gis.gov.pl/kategoria/aktualnosci/
- https://www.gov.pl/web/coronavirus
- Other links:
Movement Restrictions:
- Is a curfew in place? No
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No
- Effective March 28, 2022 face covering is only required at medical facilities and pharmacies.
- Face coverings must be cloth or medical-type masks. Face shields, visors, scarves, or other types of face coverings are not permitted as substitutes for masks.
- For more information and a complete list of the restrictions, please visit the Polish Government’s COVID-19 Page.
Fines for Non-Compliance:
- You may be fined up to 30,000 PLN for violating any health or movement restrictions.
Transportation Options:
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- For U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States: Regular, commercial international flights from Poland are available. Travelers may book directly with airlines and address questions about travel options to transportation companies. The Embassy is not able to assist with making travel arrangements. Travelers are encouraged to explore the commercial options that are now available. Travelers returning to the United States are urged to stay at home for seven days, and some cities and states may have stricter quarantine regulations. Please review information on returning to the United States from the Centers for Disease Control and the Health Department of the state to which you plan to travel.
- For U.S. citizens who are traveling to Poland on an international flight: Regular, commercial flights to Poland are available. Travelers may book directly with airlines and address questions about travel options to transportation companies.
- Is public transportation operating? Yes
Consular Operations:
- Appointments for passport applications, and notarial services can be scheduled at the appointments page on our website. To schedule an appointment for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad please email acswarsaw@state.gov or krakowacs@state.gov.
- Visa services at the Embassy are available. More information can be found here.
U.S. Treasury Economic Impact Payments:
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is responsible for processing Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks), which were previously granted during the COVID pandemic. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate do not have a role in processing these payments. For more information, including eligibility, forms of payment, or status of a pending payment, please contact the IRS or visit the IRS website. For questions about how to cash a check in Poland, please contact your local bank.
