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 16, 2020
Location: Poland
Event: Message to U.S. Citizens – Update on COVID-19 and Related Restrictions
New Updates:
- On June 16, the Polish Ministry of Health confirmed 30,195 cases of COVID-19 in Poland, an increase of 407 from June 15. The Ministry also reported 16 new related deaths, for a total of 1,272.
- LOT Polish Airlines has advised the Embassy that it will run a direct charter flight from Warsaw to New York (JFK) on Wednesday, June 17, at 2:15 PM. For this flight to New York, Embassy staff passed the last list of interested travelers to LOT today, June 16, at 3 PM. If you are interested in this flight and did not purchase a ticket in advance, you may consider traveling to Warsaw Chopin airport on Wednesday, June 17, 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 2:15 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. This is not a U.S. government operated or funded flight. 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:
- As of June 13, Poland’s borders are open to travel for EU citizens and residents. The suspension of international passenger air travel will be lifted today, June 16, for flights to and from other European Union countries. Border restrictions for travelers who are not EU citizens or residents remain unchanged. U.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 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.
- 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 open. Weddings and ceremonies of up to 150 people are allowed. Nightclubs 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 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 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: The U.S. Embassy is still accepting applications for passports, however, the facilities that print passports only recently reopened with limited operations. All passport applications submitted after April 2, 2020, are subject to printing delays. 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 only recently reopened with limited operations. All CRBA applications submitted after April 2, 2020, are subject to printing delays.
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 State Department’s COVID-19 page and the U.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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