Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Warsaw, Poland (14 December 2021)
Location: Poland, countrywide
Event: Message to U.S. Citizens – Update on COVID-19 and Related Restrictions
New testing requirement:
- Starting December 15, 2021, every person arriving in Poland from outside the Schengen area will have to present a negative test result from a PCR or antigen COVID-19 test to enter the country. The test must be performed no earlier than 24 hours before crossing the border into Poland. Vaccination does not exempt an individual from the obligation to test. For further information and official updates on travel restrictions from the Government of Poland, please visit the Polish Government’s COVID-19 Page.
Updates on health and movement-related restrictions announced by the Polish government:
- The following changes will be implemented on December 15, 2021:
- Cinemas, theaters, and sports and religious facilities will be open at 30% capacity.
- Public transportation will operate at maximum 75% capacity.
- Restaurants, bars, and hotels will be open at maximum 30% occupancy.
- Vaccinated people are excluded from capacity limits (but vaccination status must be verified with a COVID-19 certificate).
- Cinema patrons will be forbidden from eating and drinking during films.
- From December 20, 2021, to January 9, 2022, all primary and secondary school students will be learning remotely (nursery schools and kindergartens will operate as normal).
- Clubs and discos will be closed until further notice. New Year’s Eve will be an exception. On that night, events will be allowed to take place with a maximum of 100 people.
- Current continuing restrictions include the following:
- In shopping malls, fitness centers, gyms, art galleries, and museums one person is allowed for every 15 square meters.
- Outdoor sporting activities with up to 250 athletes are allowed.
- Gatherings and celebrations including weddings are limited to 100 people.
- Face coverings are not required outdoors. Masks are still required in indoor public spaces and on public transportation.
- 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. Masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces and on public transportation.
- Seniors, especially people over age 70, are advised to limit their movements in public spaces, apart from their professional activities, fulfilling daily needs, or attending religious services. A helpline for seniors has been established at +48 22 505 1111.
- Many travelers entering Poland are subject to a 10-day quarantine. For the most recent quarantine information, please visit the Polish Government’s COVID-19 Page
- For more information and a complete list of restrictions, please visit the Polish Government’s COVID-19 Page.
- Starting July 17, 2021, any person crossing the border of the Republic of Poland by plane must fill out an electronic Passenger Locator Form before checking in, and if this is not possible, fill out a paper Passenger Locator Form provided by the cabin crew.
- The authorities have announced that the police will strictly enforce health and movement related restrictions. Offenders could be fined up to 30,000 PLN for any violations.
- COVID-19 Vaccine: The Polish government has announced that a COVID-19 vaccine will be provided to everyone who is legally resident 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. The United States Government is not providing COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas.
Actions to Take:
- Visit the Polish Government’s COVID-19 Page for updates on travel restrictions in Poland.
- Visit the S. Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Poland.
- For information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the State Department’s COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for country-specific information related to COVID-19.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions, including potential COVID vaccine or testing requirements for countries you are transiting through.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy, Warsaw, Poland
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)
+48 601 483 348 (after-hours emergencies involving U.S. Citizens)
KrakowACS@state.gov
https://pl.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulate/krakow/
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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