Poland: Authorities amend certain COVID-19-related international travel restrictions as of Feb. 5 /update 49

Event

As of Feb. 5, the government of Poland is enforcing certain changes that have been made to the nation's COVID-19-related international entry restrictions. Those travelers arriving from within the EU, Schengen Area, or Turkey who are subject to a 10-day self-isolation upon entry due to lack of required health documents may now exit quarantine early by testing negative for COVID-19 at least 48 hours after entering the country. Moreover, authorities have lifted a ban on travel from certain southern African nations, which had been imposed earlier due to concerns over the spread of the Omicron virus variant. Nevertheless, persons arriving from the countries in question are subject to a strict 14-day quarantine.

Poland's pandemic-related domestic controls remain unchanged.

Domestic Measures
Most nonessential businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to social distancing requirements and capacity limits. Capacity limits are reduced for individuals with a certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19, or a recent negative COVID-19 test. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces. Authorities are maintaining capacity limits on various businesses, facilities, and events, including churches, restaurants, hotels, weddings, and meetings.

International Travel Restrictions
Nonessential travel is permitted from EU and Schengen Area countries in addition to the UK, Georgia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea, Tunisia, Australia, Israel, US, Turkey, Belarus, and Ukraine. Travel from other locations is generally restricted to limited essential purposes only.

All travelers arriving from the EU, Schengen Area, or Turkey must present either proof of vaccination or recovery, or a negative PCR or rapid antigen test result dated no more than 48 hours before arrival. Travelers arriving without any of these documents must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. However, individuals who are subject to the self-isolation period may leave quarantine early by testing negative for COVID-19 at least 48 hours after crossing the border into Poland; PCR and antigen tests performed by laboratories are acceptable for this purpose with the testing being at the traveler's expense.

All travelers arriving from countries outside the EU, Schengen Area, or Turkey must present a negative PCR or antigen test result taken no more than 24 hours before arrival, regardless of vaccination status; the result must be in English or Polish. Arrivals without such a result must self-isolate for 14 days; travelers may end the quarantine period on day eight by providing a negative PCR test result. However, all individuals whose travel began in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe must complete the full 14 days of isolation with no option for early exit due to testing.

Travelers are able to test at some Polish airports before the border passport control.

All travelers arriving via air must fill out a passenger locator form before entry; to download a copy of the form, click here.

Authorities could extend, reimpose, or otherwise amend restrictions 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.

Resources

COVID-19 Information and Recommendations
Vaccines Authorized by European Union