Poland: Health officials tighten COVID-19 entry restrictions for certain travelers Feb. 27; extend domestic restrictions until at least March 14 /update 26

Poland tightens some COVID-19-related entry restrictions from Feb. 27 and extends domestic restrictions until March 14.

Event

Authorities in Poland have issued orders tightening COVID-19-related entry restrictions for certain travelers. Effective Feb. 27, all passengers arriving from the Czech Republic and Slovakia are subject to Poland's 10-day self-isolation rule upon arrival.

With regard to other international travel measures, 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. Individuals entering the country 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. Persons arriving by car, as well as aircraft cabin crew, crew members of sea-vessels, freight transporters, and train crew are exempt from the self-isolation period. 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, are exempt from self-isolation.

Entry restrictions for most other 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

Entry restrictions remain in force on the land borders with Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine; however, some border crossings are open. 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, and North Macedonia.

Domestic restrictions
The government of Poland has also extended domestic restrictions until at least March 14. These included the following:

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 face masks in all public places.

Authorities have also tightened restrictions in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship due to an increase in COVID-19 infection rates. Effective Feb. 27, hotels, shopping malls, cinemas, theaters, museums, art galleries, swimming pools, and tennis courts will be closed in the region.

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.