Location: Poland – Central Krakow Area
Event: Polish Independence Day celebrations – conducted on Saturday, November 11 — will include many demonstrations, rallies, and marches in central Krakow. Embassy Warsaw and Consulate General Krakow have no information about specific threats or dangers. However, it is important to be aware that violent incidents have occurred in previous years during these demonstrations.
Accordingly, U.S. Consulate General Krakow advises all people to exercise caution and avoid areas where demonstrations take place.
Embassy Warsaw and U.S. Consulate Krakow do not believe prior violent acts have been motivated by anti-Americanism. Nonetheless, there are other bases that may cause people to receive negative comments or actions in these settings, including race.
We expect traffic disruptions throughout central Krakow on Saturday. Anyone planning to travel in central Krakow on Saturday should expect road closures, parking difficulties, and prolonged congestion. The earliest events will commence by 10:00 a.m., and some may continue until 2:00 p.m.
Unexpected public events of different sizes may occur alongside larger happenings discussed below.
Independence Day Events
The official events celebrating Independence Day in Krakow will commence at 10:00 a.m. with a mass at Wawel Cathedral. At 11:00 a.m., a procession to Katyn Cross will begin followed by a procession through the Krakow Main Square to Matejko Square at 11:45 a.m. From 11:50 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., there will be a series of official events at Matejko Square.
“Solidarity with Gaza” Demonstration
A demonstration protesting Israeli military operations in Gaza will take place Sunday, November 12, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Due to the potential size of the crowds, traffic congestion may occur in the Krakow Main Square area.
Participants will gather at the Krakow Main Square and march to and past the U.S. Consulate General. (Mickiewicza – Sienna – Stolarska – Plac Dominikański – Grodzka – Rynek Główny).
Additionally, social, and cultural events like picnics and concerts will occur to commemorate Polish Independence Day. Most offices and shops are closed.
We encourage U.S. citizens to review our Worldwide Caution. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness when traveling abroad especially during holiday festivals or public events.
Actions to Take
- Avoid crowds and demonstrations.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Keep a low profile.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
Assistance
U.S. Embassy, Warsaw, Poland
AlejeUjazdowskie 29/31, Piękna 12
00-539, 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/
U.S. Consulate General, Krakow, Poland
Ul. Stolarska 9
31-043 Krakow, Poland
+48 12 424 5100 (business hours)
+48 22 504 2000 (after-hours emergencies involving U.S. Citizens)
KrakowACS@state.gov
https://pl.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulate/krakow/
U.S. Consular Agency, Poznan, Poland
Ul. Paderewskiego 8 room 06, 61-770 Poznan
Tel: +48 61 851 8516
ConsularAgencyPoznan@state.gov
https://pl.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulate/consular-agency-poznan/
State Department – Consular Affairs
+1 (888) 407-4747 or +1 (202) 501-4444
Poland Country Information
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
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