Poland COVID-19, 2021 Entry Requirements Travellers Need To Know

This page is updated on 05/04/2021

Are you planning a tour to Poland in April 2021? Well, the bad news is Poland has entered the third wave of infections and the country that was thinking to open up to travellers from around the world has now tightened up or in other words, go in for a temporary lockdown.

This page will be regularly updated every week so that travellers planning to tour Poland will get the latest details on Poland’s Covid-19 outbreak information, current travel restrictions, flights, accommodations and tips on safe travel in Poland.

Current Situation in Poland

• Lockdown has been imposed in Poland beginning March 20th, 2021, and continuing till at least April 24th 2021, and all tourists’ activities have been suspended.
• In cities across Poland, the lockdown restrictions were eased on February 14th 2021, but since then the new daily cases of Covid-19 have begun to rise. The daily steady rise along with the third wave of the virus has made things worse.
• Travellers planning a Polish Tour are advised not to book their travels until their governments have confirmed the date of lifting travel bans. For example The earliest travel dates for British tourists to visit Poland will be May 17th 2021.
• Currently, flight schedules to Poland are subject to change. Travellers are advised to check with their airlines.
• Rail services from other countries into Poland have been temporarily suspended.
• Currently travelling into Poland by sea and road from other European Union countries is possible, but only for those with a valid reason for example business or work. These travellers can cross the border by boat or car.
• All historical sites and monuments are currently closed to the public. So travellers are advised to check ahead and book their tour to Poland.
• Hotels are only allowed to provide accommodation to business travellers.

 

Current Restrictions in Poland

Poland is again under lockdown and travel restrictions are in effect until 9th April. Therefore, the following rules now apply.

• During this time travel into Poland or taking a Poland tour is not advisable as you may have to be quarantined for 10 days on arrival.
• People are advised to stay indoors and venture out only for essentials.
• Restaurants, bars and cafes across Poland are now closed and offer only take away services.
• All nightclubs are closed.
• Gymnasiums, pools and water-parks are closed.
• Most malls are closed. Larger departmental stores have to limit the number of customers entering their store at one time. While smaller shops can only allow one person at a time.
• Public events are not permitted, for example, weddings, parties and get-togethers.
• All museums, cultural spaces, theatres and art galleries are closed to the public.
• Health resorts and spas are closed.
• The use of hand sanitisers while entering departmental stores and other buildings is mandatory.
• While moving in public spaces it is mandatory to cover your nose and mouth with a face mask. Failing to do so, a heavy fine is being imposed.
• Strictly maintain a social distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet).
• Public transport is allowed to carry only 30 per cent of its usual capacity.

 

Visas and Travel Restrictions

If you are planning a trip to Poland you can enter from any country within the Schengen area. This still includes travellers coming in from the United Kingdom. This also applies to flights coming in from countries like Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Georgia, Thailand, South Korea and Tunisia. Currently, flights coming from other countries are not permitted to land in Poland.

Please refer to the Schengen area for full details of which countries need a visa to visit Poland.
If you are permitted to enter Poland then you may be required to quarantine for 10 days, unless you fall into one of the exemption categories.

• If you have a vaccination certificate you may be exempted from quarantine.
• If you’re arriving from within the Schengen area, and are able to present a less than 48 hours negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or antigen), then you won’t need to quarantine.
• If you’re entering from outside the Schengen area, you’ll need to quarantine but may be released from quarantine early after testing negative once you’re in Poland.
• Before travelling into Poland you are requested to book your return flights just in case the virus outbreak goes out of hand.
• Also, you are advised to book only those accommodations that allow cancellations.
• Please refer to the Government of Poland’s official website for complete coronavirus information and recommendations.

Flights to Poland

As we have mentioned in the previous section that international flights from certain countries are being permitted to Poland. Yet there are many flight services that are being cancelled depending on the ground situation or as events taking place.

Currently, budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair are flying between important European cities. But again their availability depends on demand and the policies (quarantine) of individual countries. Air services across the world have been reduced keeping in mind the record number of infection levels. All-in-all plan your Poland tour carefully, especially while booking your flight tickets as you would not like to get stuck in a foreign land for days.

Accommodation in Poland

Hotels across Poland are now subject to strict rules of hygiene and cleanliness. While booking your accommodation please check if your hotel has an in-house restaurant or is providing food delivery to your room. As currently, you cannot dine at public restaurants or cafes.

It is mandatory for all hotels to ensure that guests maintain at 1.5 meters (5 feet) distance and all hotel staff is wearing gloves and masks at all times.

Social Hygiene in Poland

Poland has always maintained high standards of hygiene and cleanliness. In the current scenario, there is an increased hygiene regulation in all public places.

Before you enter any public building you must apply a hand sanitiser. It is mandatory to cover your nose and mouth with a surgical mask in public places. Heavy fines have been introduced for those caught violating the rules.

Poland Vaccination Drive

The vaccination programme is underway in Poland, but it will take a few months before the entire population of Poland is vaccinated.

Please refer to Covid-19 Tracker Poland and also refer to the world-o-meters Poland coronavirus page.

 

Tips for Travellers visiting Poland

• Travellers on a Poland tour face a moderate risk of exposure to the virus, so they must consult a doctor before travelling. If you have any symptoms of the virus before you leave or are at risk, then avoid travel. Please refer to the guidelines of the COVID-19 Travel Risk Assessment.
• In case you begin to feel sick while exploring Poland, get in touch with the Polish National Health Fund on 24-hour information line (+48) 800 190 590. Press 6 for English language advice and the steps to take if you feel you may have come in contact with the virus. In case of emergency, call 112.
• Wear a surgical face mask while travelling on public transport or while sharing indoor spaces. Even if you are outdoors, it is advisable to keep the face mask on. Wearing only scarves and plastic visors is not acceptable. Masks are easily available in pharmacies, supermarkets and with other vendors in Poland.
• Carry your own hand sanitisers while travelling on public transport or visiting public buildings.
• Always maintain a social distancing rule of 1.5 meters (5 feet), else you may have to pay a heavy fine.
• If the places you are visiting in Poland happen to be at a walkable distance then consider exploring on foot, instead of using a tram or bus.
• If you follow the rules mentioned above then you have a lesser chance of coming in contact with the virus. Further, you can also buy travel insurance to cover your trip.