Poland: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related international entry restrictions from March 30 /update 30

Poland tightens COVID-19 international entry restrictions from March 30. Domestic restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Poland have tightened the nation's COVID-19-related international entry restrictions effective March 30. Under the new directive, all travelers arriving from the Schengen area must present a negative COVID-19 test result dated no more than 48 hours prior to arrival; results from either a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or an antigen test are acceptable. Those who do not possess a negative test will be required to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. All travelers arriving from outside of the Schengen area must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival; travelers may end their quarantine by providing a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours after arrival. Travelers who have been issued a certificate of vaccination with a vaccine that has been authorized in the European Union are exempt from quarantine.

Incoming travel is permitted from EU and Schengen Area countries, as well as from Australia, Belarus, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, and the UK. Most travel from other countries is prohibited with certain exceptions in place for students and essential workers, among other groups.

Entry checks remain in place on land borders with Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. The border with Russia can be crossed only at the Bezledy and Grzechotki border crossings. The border with Belarus may be crossed at the Kuznica, Bobrowniki, and Terespol crossings, while the border with Ukraine may be crossed at the Dorohusk, Korczowa, Hrebenne, Medyka, and Budomierz crossings.

Domestic restrictions
Authorities have imposed temporary restrictions over the upcoming Easter holiday period in order to reduce the potential for increased COVID-19 activity. The following restrictions are in effect through April 9:

Nurseries and kindergartens are closed, as are hairdressing, beauty and cosmetics salons.
Occupancy at places of worship is limited to one person per 20 square meters (215 square feet).
Hotels (except for workers' hotels and accommodations for business travelers) are closed.
Shopping malls (with the exception of grocery stores, pharmacies and drugstores, newsstands, bookstores, pet stores, and DIY stores located in malls) are closed.
Authorities are advising residents to limit their contacts to immediate family members during the Easter holidays.
Theaters, museums, art galleries, and cinemas, as well as swimming pools, fitness clubs and gyms, and sports facilities are closed.

Outside of the temporary measures, the following existing restrictions remain in place:

Public gatherings of more than five people are prohibited.
Bars are closed, and restaurants are limited to takeout services only.
Certain nonessential businesses 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.

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.