Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy, Warsaw (November 9, 2023)
Location: Poland – Downtown Warsaw
Event: Polish Independence Day celebrations – conducted Saturday, November 11 — will include many demonstrations, rallies, and marches in downtown Warsaw. Embassy Warsaw has 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, Embassy Warsaw advises all people to exercise caution and avoid areas where demonstrations take place.
Embassy Warsaw does 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 significant traffic disruptions throughout Warsaw on Saturday. In prior years, approximately 100,000 people have participated in demonstrations, marches, and rallies. Anyone planning to travel downtown Saturday should expect road closures, parking difficulties, and prolonged congestion. The earliest events will commence by 8 a.m., and some may continue until 10 p.m.
Unexpected public events of different sizes may occur alongside larger happenings discussed below.
Independence Run
The 33rd Independence Run will begin and end on Jana Pawla II Avenue at ul. Stawki. Runners will follow the course toward Aleja Niepodleglosci, turning at ul. Rakowiecka. The race begins at 10 a.m.
Military Parade
This celebration begins at 12 p.m. at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and is part of the Polish Government’s official celebration.
Polish National Anthem
The Polish national anthem will be sung at the Royal Castle Square at 12 p.m.
Independence March
This event normally begins at 2 p.m. at Dmowski Roundabout. The typical route follows Jerozolimskie, across the Poniatowski Bridge, through ul. Wal Miedzeszynski to the National Stadium. The march will arrive at the stadium at approximately 4:30 p.m. At 5 p.m., a post-march concert will begin. Typically, this event ends at 7 p.m.
Additionally, a group of environmental activists will lead a march that passes by Embassy Warsaw, going from Plac Konstytucji down ul. Piekna and ending at Plac 3 Krzyzy. This march will begin at Pl. Unii Lubelskiej at 2 p.m. and will conclude at 5 p.m.
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:
· Monitor local media for updates.
· Be aware of your surroundings.
· Expect road closures and significant transportation delays.
· Plan for business closures and large crowds in public spaces.
· Report suspicious activity to the police.
· Never carry large sums of cash on your person.
· Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches.
· Avoid demonstrations.
· When possible, travel in small groups. Generally, there is safety in numbers.
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. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
