Poland: Authorities ease limited domestic COVID-19 restrictions April 26 /update 33

Poland eases limited domestic COVID-19 measures April 26. International entry restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities have eased limited domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of April 26 due to decreasing infection rates. In all parts of the country except Silesian, Lower Silesia, Greater Poland, Lodz, and Opole, hairdressers and beauty services are permitted to reopen, and grades 1-3 of primary schools can partially reopen for face to face teaching. All other restrictions remain in place, including:

Public gatherings of more than five people are prohibited.
Limited nonessential businesses can operate provided they adhere to capacity limits and hygiene requirements.
Catering establishments may offer takeaway services only.
Large shopping centers, entertainment and cultural venues, personal care services, and indoor fitness facilities remain closed.
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.
Individuals must wear face masks in all public places.

International Entry Restrictions
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.

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 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.

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.

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.