Message to U.S. Citizens – Update on COVID-19 and Related Restrictions – June 24, 2020

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U.S. Embassy Warsaw will send weekly 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 24, 2020

Location: Poland

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

New Updates: 

  • On June 24, the Polish Ministry of Health confirmed 32,821 cases of COVID-19 in Poland.  The Ministry also reported a total of 1396 related deaths. 
  • For U.S. citizens in Poland who wish to return to the United States: regular, commercial international flights from Poland are now available.  There are no direct flights from Poland to the United States at this time, but there are many options for connecting flights, including on Lufthansa and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.  This is not an exhaustive list of options; other airlines may also operate flights to the United States from European hubs.  Travelers may book directly with airlines and address questions about travel options to transportation companies.  The Embassy is not able to assist with making travel arrangements.  The Embassy has no plans for any further charter flights or for any evacuation flights out of Poland.  Travelers are encouraged to explore the commercial options that are now available.  
  • For U.S. citizens who wish to travel to Poland: although Poland has lifted border restrictions for EU citizens and residents, 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, are not permitted to enter Poland.  Enforcement of these restrictions will include random checks by the Polish Border Guard at land crossings.  The Embassy has no role in deciding who will be allowed to enter Poland and is unable to provide assistance to U.S. citizens who are denied entry.  U.S. citizens who attempt to circumvent Polish border restrictions may be subject to fines or other penalties.  At this time, the Embassy does not know when border restrictions will be fully lifted, but the Embassy will provide regular updates as more information becomes available.  For U.S. citizens who qualify for an exemption, regular, commercial flights to Poland are now available.  There are no direct flights from the United States to Poland at this time, but there are many options for connecting flights.  Travelers may book directly with airlines and address questions about travel options to transportation companies. 
  • The Presidential Proclamation of March 11, which suspends entry to the United States of persons present in the Schengen Area in the last 14 days, remains in effect.  U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents are exempt from the Proclamation and may travel to the United States from the Schengen Area, however, family members traveling on ESTA or a U.S. visa will not be able to travel to the United States from the Schengen Area (including transit through an airport in the Schengen Area), unless they meet one of the exemptions listed in the Proclamation.  
  • Starting today, June 24, the U.S. Embassy will now send these regular updates on a weekly basis unless we have time-sensitive information or updates for U.S. citizens living in the Warsaw consular district.   
  • Updates on movement restrictions announced by the Polish government: 
  • As of June 13, Poland’s borders are open to travel for citizens and residents of the EU, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK.  International flights to and from other European Union countries resumed on June 16.  Border restrictions for travelers who are not citizens or residents of the EU, Norway, Switzerland, or the UK 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. 
  • Most travelers who are permitted to enter to Poland (per the above restrictions) from a non-EU country must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine (for exceptions to this quarantine requirement please see the U.S. Embassy’s COVID-19 page).  Travelers admitted to Poland (per the above restrictions) from an EU country, Norway, Switzerland, or the UK are exempt from the quarantine requirement. 
  • 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. 
  • 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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By | 24 June, 2020 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens

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