COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Poland (25 November Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens are allowed to enter. Residents are allowed to enter if they have the right of permanent, a temporary residence in Poland, or a work permit.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• Foreign nationals are not allowed to enter Poland, except for individuals in the categories below:

• Foreigners who are spouses or children of citizens of Poland or remain under the constant care of citizens of Poland;

• Holders of a Pole’s Card, heads of diplomatic missions and members of the mission’s diplomatic and consular staff, i.e. persons having a diplomatic rank and members of their families;

• If consent is given by the Commander-in-Chief of the Border Guard to those with particular justification for entering;

• Foreigners, such as drivers, whose transit takes place as part of their professional work consisting of the transport of goods or persons;

• Citizens of Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland;and their spouses and children;

• Citizens and residents of Georgia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea, Tunisia, and Australia;

• Students studying in Poland.

• More details can be found here.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• Travellers may be required to quarantine for 10 days. List of quarantine exemptions can be found here.

• UK, European Union or EFTA nationals are not required to quarantine.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Poland has banned international flights from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Georgia, Jordan, Armenia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia and the United States (except for airports in Illinois and New York) until at least 8 December.

• LOT Polish Airlines suspended flights between Warsaw and Skopje, Podgorica, Dubrovnik until 28 March 2021. Its Ljubljana service is cancelled until 1 December.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• The government has placed entry checks on the land borders with Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

• Land, sea, and air borders are closed, except for those travellers exempted above.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• All of Poland will be considered a red zone. As a result, strict public health rules and restrictions are in place.

• Poland is currently under a state of emergency until further notice.

Social distancing restrictions

• Significant

• The Government has decided to impose additional restrictions in Poland from 7 November until 29 November as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. The restrictions are:

• Closure of all cultural institutions;

• Closing of all shops in shopping centres (except grocery stores, chemists, hardware stores, pet stores, newsstands);

• Limit of 1 person per 10 square metres in retail outlets up to 100 square metres;

• Hotels will only be open to those travelling for work purposes.

• All children up to the age of 16 must remain at home between 08:00 to 16:00, unless accompanied by an adult.

• Seniors age 70 and over have been requested to stay at home, leaving only for work or necessities.

• Poland has decided to reopen trade centres and shops across the country starting 28 November.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Public transport is operating with reduced capacity.

• Domestic rail travel is operating.

• Masks are required.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Some shops are open but customer numbers may be limited. All shops in shopping malls are to close from 7 November until at least 29 November. This excludes supermarkets, pharmacies, drugstores, pet supply stores, newsagents, DIY stores, and services such as hairdressers.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels are open but must follow public health guidelines. Social distancing must be maintained.

Restaurants open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Restaurants can only provide takeaway and delivery services.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Cafes and pubs can only provide takeaway and delivery services.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• Beaches, national forests, and parks are open.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• No

• Cultural institutions, such as museums, theatres, cinemas, and cultural centers will be closed from 7 November until at least 29 November.

Personal care services open?

• Yes

• Indoor play centres, tanning salons, massage salons, and tattoo parlours remain open, with strict hygiene rules in place including limits on numbers of people.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Religious sites are open with limited capacity and social distancing measures.

Events allowed?

• Yes with exceptions

• All cultural events have been suspended from 7 November until at least 29 November.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Masks must be worn in all public indoor space and in public open spaces where social distancing of 1.5 meters is not possible.

Other

• Swimming pools, gyms, sanatoriums and aqua parks will be closed nationwide.

Advice

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.

To reduce the risk of infection by this virus if travelling in or from affected areas:

• Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.

• Wearing a mask (face covering) is recommended in public places and when social distancing is not possible.

• Wash hands frequently, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Travellers with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands).

• Older travellers and those with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to affected areas with their healthcare provider.

• Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop after visiting affected areas where transmission is occurring