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.
May 28, 2020
Location: Poland
Event: Message to U.S. Citizens – Update on COVID-19 and Related Restrictions
New Updates:
- On May 28, the Polish Ministry of Health confirmed 22,600 cases of COVID-19 in Poland, an increase of 297 from May 27. The Ministry also reported 5 new related deaths, for a total of 1,030.
- LOT Polish Airlines has advised the Embassy that they will run one charter flight from Warsaw to Chicago (ORD) on Friday, May 29, at 4:40 PM. For this Friday flight to Chicago, Embassy staff passed the last list of interested travelers to LOT at 3:00 PM today, May 28. 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, May 29, 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. 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:
- 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 are suspended through May 31. There is an exception for small aircraft carrying 15 or fewer passengers.
- Beginning May 30, face coverings will no longer be required outside as long as social distancing is maintained; masks will still be required inside public buildings and locations such as churches, cinemas, hair salons, restaurants, and public transport. Up to 150 people will be allowed to gather, and there will be 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 open. Weddings and ceremonies of up to 150 people will be allowed. Nightclubs 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 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: 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 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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