U.S. Embassy Warsaw will send a daily update to ensure all U.S citizens in the Warsaw Consular District have the latest information about COVID-19 (coronavirus) and local conditions. If different or additional information would be useful, please email us at ACSWarsaw@state.gov.
April 28, 2020
Location: Poland
Event: Message to U.S. citizens – Update on COVID-19 and Related Restrictions
New Updates:
- As of April 28, the Polish Ministry of Health has confirmed 12,089 cases of COVID-19 and 570 related deaths in Poland.
- On April 24, the regulation barring domestic and international passenger air travel in Poland was extended through May 9. There is now an exception for small aircraft carrying 15 or fewer passengers. Currently, LOT Polish Airlines has no plans for additional passenger charter flights to the United States until commercial air restrictions are lifted. Previously announced restrictions, including on international rail travel and the mandatory 14-day quarantine for people entering Poland, are still in place. More information about movement restrictions can be found in English on the U.S. Embassy’s COVID-19 page and on the Polish Government’s COVID-19 Page.
- Also on April 24, the Polish Government announced an extension of school closures through May 24.
- Several drive-through COVID-19/coronavirus testing centers have opened up around Poland. For locations in Warsaw, Poznań, Krakow, and Łódź you can buy tests online at this website, and bring the code you receive to the test center you have selected. Note that the Życzkowski test center in Krakow only offers antibody testing, which the FDA states should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose COVID-19. The Tauron Arena test center in Krakow offers a molecular test, which the FDA has established as the standard for determining whether a person is infected. For testing in Sosnowiec, you can complete online forms at this website, then proceed to the testing location at the designated time. Neither the Polish nor the U.S. governments have implemented a requirement to be tested. The CDC website offers some factors to take into consideration when deciding whether or not to be tested.
- At this time, the United States government has no plans to charter an evacuation flight out of Poland. However, we are gathering information from people who may be interested in such an option, should it become available. If you are interested in a U.S. government-run evacuation to the United States, please fill out this form. Please note that evacuation flights operated by the U.S. Government are not free of charge for passengers and may be more expensive than regular commercial flights.
- U.S. citizens who are considering traveling via land through Germany to fly back to the United States should fill out this form. The German Federal Police have requested that the Embassy inform them about any travelers they can expect to see in transit through Germany. All travelers should be prepared for long delays at the German border, and should carry a copy of their flight confirmation and their passports with them at all times. With certain exceptions, travelers will not be readmitted to Poland if they encounter problems in Germany after crossing the border.
- If you need a passport: U.S. Embassy Warsaw is still accepting applications for passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBAs), however, the facilities that print those documents have suspended their operations. All passport and CRBA applications submitted after April 2, 2020, will be printed when the facilities reopen. If you have an urgent need for a passport, please contact the Embassy at ACSWarsaw@state.gov.
Actions to Take:
- Follow all restrictions on movement that the Polish government has announced. A full list of these restrictions, as well as frequently updated guidance, can be found in English on the S. Embassy’s COVID-19 page and on the Polish Government’s COVID-19 Page. You may be subject to a fine of up to 30,000 Polish złoty for not adhering to these restrictions.
- Visit the CDC’s website about COVID-19 for up-to-date information from the U.S. government about the virus.
- Visit the State Department’s COVID-19 page and the S. Embassy’s COVID-19 page. Both have information specifically for travelers and the U.S. Embassy page is updated regularly with information relevant for U.S. citizens in Poland.
- Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so the U.S. Embassy can contact you with updated information and in an emergency.
- Polish Government Resources:
- Visit the Polish Government’s COVID-19 Website for general health information, movement restrictions, and health tips.
- 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.
- 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 22 487-13-00.
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/
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Poland Country Information
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
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