Message to U.S. Citizens – Update on COVID-19 and Related Restrictions – June 11, 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 11, 2020 
 
Location: Poland
 
Event:  Message to U.S. Citizens – Update on COVID-19 and Related Restrictions 
 
New Updates: 

  • On June 11, the Polish Ministry of Health confirmed28,201 cases of COVID-19 in Poland, an increase of 533 from June 10. The Ministry also reported 24 new related deaths, for a total of 1215. 
  • LOT Polish Airlines has advised the Embassy that they will runthe following charter flights to the United States:  Warsaw to Chicago (ORD) on Friday, June 12, at 4:40 PM; Warsaw to Chicago (ORD) on Tuesday, June 16 at 4:40 PM; Warsaw to New York (JFK) on Wednesday, June 17 at 2:15 PM.  These are not U.S. government operated or funded   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. 
  • Friday, June 12 Travelers to Chicago:  For this Friday’sflight to Chicago, Embassy staff passed the last list of interested travelers to LOT yesterday, June 10.  If you are interested in this flight and did not purchase a ticket in advance, you may consider traveling to Warsaw Chopin airport on Friday, June 12, to buy a ticket in person at the ticket office (kasa biletowa) located in Area E (Strefa E) near LOT’s business class check-in area.  Please arrive at the airport early enough to purchase a ticket and complete check-in, security, and immigration screening before the flight (which departs at 4:40 PM) closes.  This option is only available for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders).  If you intend to buy tickets at the airport on the day of the flight, you are not guaranteed a ticket. 
  • June 16 Travelers to Chicago and June 17 Travelers to New York:If you would like to purchase a ticket for one 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.  It may take up to 48 hours for the airline to contact you after you have submitted your information. Please wait at least 48 hours after submitting your name on this form before you contact the Embassy with questions. 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.  
  • Updates on movement restrictions announced by the Polish government:
  • On June 10, the Polish government announced that,as of June 13, Poland’s borders will be open to travel for EU citizens from other European Union countries.   The suspension of international passenger air travel will lift on June 16, for travel to and from other European Union countries.  Border restrictions for non-EU citizens remain unchanged. S. citizens who do not meet one of the existing exemptions, which can be found on the U.S. Embassy’s COVID-19 page, will not be permitted to enter Poland.  Domestic passenger flights began again on June 1.   
  • As ofMay 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 maintain 
  • As of June 6, theaters, cinemas, operas,and ballets are permitted to operate again with special sanitary requirements and only 50% occupancy.  Gyms, swimming pools, amusement parks, and children’s play areas are also allowed to  Weddings and ceremonies of up to 150 people are allowed.  Nightclubs remain closed. 
  • More information about restrictions can be found in English on the S. Embassy’s COVID-19 pageand on the Polish Government’s COVID-19 Page. 
  • Several drive-through COVID-19/coronavirus testing centers have opened around Poland.  For locations in manycities 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 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, 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 ane-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 passportapplications 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 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 websiteabout COVID-19 for up-to-date information from the U.S. government about the virus. 
  • Visit the State Department’s COVID-19page 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 Websitefor 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 assistancein 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
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