Message to U.S. Citizens – Update on COVID-19 and Related Restrictions – June 1, 2020

U.S. Embassy Warsaw will send updates 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.

June 1, 2020

Location: Poland

Event:  Message to U.S. Citizens – Update on COVID-19 and Related Restrictions

New Updates: 

  • On June 1, the Polish Ministry of Health confirmed 23,987 cases of COVID-19 in Poland, and 1065 related deaths. 
  • LOT Polish Airlines has advised the Embassy that they will run two more charter flights to the United States: one flight from Warsaw to New York (JFK) on Wednesday, June 3, at 2:15 PM, and one flight from Warsaw to Chicago (ORD) on Friday, June 5, at 4:40 PM.  If you would like to purchase a ticket on either of these flights, you must fill out this form once for each traveler (including small children).  This is a new form specifically for these flights.  Please fill out the form, even if you have previously filled out a different form and ensure that all information is entered correctly.  The Embassy will confirm your eligibility and forward your information to LOT.  LOT will contact you by phone or e-mail to purchase your ticket.  The airline may call at any time, including early morning or late evening.  Please have a bank card or any card that can be used to make online payments ready in order to pay for the tickets when LOT calls.  LOT will send an e-mail if they are not able to reach you by phone.  By providing this information to us, you consent to our providing it to LOT for the purpose of facilitating your return to the United States.  These are not U.S. government operated or funded flights.  Availability and cancellations are controlled by LOT.  At this time, the United States government has no plans to charter an evacuation flight out of Poland. 
  • Updates on movement restrictions announced by the Polish government: 
  • Poland’s border restrictions have been extended through June 12.  The suspension of international passenger air travel has been extended to at least June 6.  Domestic passenger flights began again today, June 1. 
  • As of May 30, face coverings are no longer required outside as long as social distancing is maintained; masks are still required inside public buildings and locations such as churches, cinemas, hair salons, restaurants, shops and public transport Up to 150 people are allowed to gather, and there are no limits on the number of people in cultural and religious institutions, restaurants, cafes, bars, or churches, as long as masks are worn and social distance is maintained. 
  • Beginning June 6, theaters, cinemas, operas, and ballets can operate again with special sanitary requirements and only 50% occupancy.  Gyms, swimming pools, amusement parks, and children’s play areas will be allowed to open.  Weddings and ceremonies of up to 150 people will be allowedNightclubs will remain closed.    
  • More information about restrictions can be found in English on the U.S. Embassy’s COVID-19 page and on the Polish Government’s COVID-19 Page. 
  • Several drive-through COVID-19/coronavirus testing centers have opened around Poland.  For locations in many cities throughout Poland you can buy tests online at this website, and bring the code you receive to the test center you have selected.  For testing in Sosnowiec, you can complete online forms at this website, then proceed to the testing location at the designated timeNeither 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, we are only able to provide notarial services to U.S. citizens in urgent cases. If you would like to request an appointment for an urgent notarial service, please send an e-mail to ACSWarsaw@state.gov with your full name, U.S. passport number, and a brief explanation of the reason for your request. 
  • If you need a passport: U.S. Embassy Warsaw is still accepting applications for passports, however, the facilities that print passports have suspended their operations.  All passport 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. 
  • At this time, the U.S. Embassy is not accepting applications for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBAs).  The facilities that print CRBAs have suspended their operations.  Applications submitted after April 2, 2020, will be printed when the facilities reopen. 

Actions to Take:   

  • Follow all restrictions that the Polish government has announced.  These restrictions have been modified several times.  A full list of current restrictions, as well as frequently updated guidance, can be found in English on the U.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 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
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