Poland: Authorities continue to gradually ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions, as of May 25 /update 35

Poland continues to gradually ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions, as of May 25. International entry restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities continue to gradually ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions amid declining infection rates. As of May 25, most nonessential businesses are permitted to reopen subject to strict social distancing requirements, catering establishments are permitted to serve customers in outdoor areas, and facemasks are no longer required in outdoor public areas. From May 28, authorities will permit catering establishments to serve customers in indoor areas and permit indoor sports and leisure facilities to reopen. Private gatherings remain limited to 25 people indoors and will increase to 50 people outdoors from May 28. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces.

International Entry Restrictions
Incoming travel is permitted from EU and Schengen Area countries and 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 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 before 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, as will all travelers arriving from outside the Schengen Area. Travelers may end their quarantine by providing a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours after arrival except for travelers from Brazil, India, and South Africa who can test out of self-isolation no sooner than seven days after arrival. Travelers who have been issued a certificate of vaccination indicating inoculation with a European Union-approved vaccine or who can prove they have recovered from COVID-19 in the previous six months are exempt from quarantine.

Entry checks remain in place on land borders with Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

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.