Poland: Health officials ease certain coronavirus disease-related domestic restrictions from Feb. 12 /update 25

Poland eases certain COVID-19-related domestic restrictions from Feb. 12. International entry restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Poland eased certain COVID-19-related restrictions from Feb. 12 due to a decrease in infection rates. Hotels, ski slopes, cinemas, theaters, and swimming pools have been permitted to reopen. The following domestic restrictions will remain in place until at least Feb. 28.

Various types of entertainment, leisure, and fitness establishments remain closed.
Public gatherings of more than five people are prohibited.
Bars are closed and restaurants are limited to takeout services only.
Capacity limits remain in place on public transport; individuals must wear protective face coverings in all public places.

International Entry Restrictions
Health officials in Poland are also maintaining international entry restrictions as of Feb. 12. Citizens and residents of EEA member states, as well as those from Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, and Tunisia, are permitted to enter Poland without restriction. Individuals entering the country from elsewhere by any form of public air, sea, or vehicular transport, as well as anyone who has been in close contact with an individual infected with COVID-19 must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. Additionally, anyone cohabitating with a person who is in quarantine must also self-isolate. Individuals who can present a negative COVID-19 test no older than 48 hours upon arrival, as well travelers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, will be exempt from self-isolation.

Entry restrictions for most foreign nationals remain in place, with the following exceptions:

Spouses, children, or dependents of Polish or EEA citizens
Foreigners who hold Polish identity cards (Karta Polaka) or valid work visas
Foreigners who are permanent or temporary residents of Poland
Students enrolled in Polish educational institutions
Scientists who are conducting research or developmental work in Poland

Poland has banned international flights connecting with several countries experiencing high COVID-19 activity. The list of such locations includes Armenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and the US (other than connections to airports in the states of Illinois and New York). Entry restrictions remain in force on the land borders with Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine; however, some border crossings remain open.

Restrictions could be extended, reimposed, or otherwise amended based on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.