Poland: Authorities extend domestic COVID-19 restrictions until March 28 while tightening measures in some regions /update 27

Poland extends domestic COVID-19 restrictions until March 28, tightens measures in some regions. International entry restrictions remain.

Event

Authorities in Poland have extended restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 until at least March 28. These include the following:

Public gatherings of more than five people are prohibited.
Bars are closed, and restaurants are limited to takeout services only.
Gyms and leisure facilities are closed.
Certain nonessential businesses, including some entertainment and cultural venues, can operate provided they adhere to capacity limits and hygiene requirements.
Capacity limits remain in place on public transport.
Individuals must wear face masks in all public places.

Additionally, tighter restrictions are in place in Warmia and Mazury Voivodeships and will be in place in the voivodeships of Pomerania from March 13 and Mazowsze and Lubuskie from March 15. In these regions, most nonessential businesses that are permitted to remain open in other parts of the country must close. These tighter restrictions are also in place until March 28.

International Entry Restrictions
Travel is permitted from EU and Schengen Area countries, as well as from Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, and the UK. Most travel from other countries is prohibited, with exceptions in place for citizens and residents of countries permitted for travel and their immediate families, students, and essential workers. All permitted travelers arriving via public transport must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival; travelers arriving from the Czech Republic and Slovakia via private transport must also self-isolate for 10 days. 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 the self-isolation requirement.

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.