Poland reopened its borders for tourism to welcome select tourists from EU and EFTA nations on June 13, 2020, but with several entry restrictions in place. Today, the country still continues to keep these restrictions in place as the Covid-19 virus continues to spread in several parts of the world.
It is possible to travel to Poland during this pandemic, however, entry into the country is very limited as Polish authorities are trying to avoid the further spread of the Covid-19 virus.
If you wish to travel to Poland soon, here’s everything you need to know.
Who Can Enter Poland?
Poland has its own categorization of countries according to their risk of infection. Unlike other EU countries, they do not follow the common EU Traffic lightmap.
Travelers who came from the 26 EU Member States can enter Poland restriction-free because Polish authorities believe that they have low infection rates.
So, if you came from any of these countries below, you can enter Poland with no restrictions:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Greece
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Ireland
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Latvia
- Malta
- Germany
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- Hungary
- Italy
- Switzerland
- Iceland
- Norway
- Liechtenstein
- Turkey
Turkey may not be an EU member but it’s included in the list since the two countries have reached a mutual agreement.
Take note that travelers who came from any of the countries above will be permitted restriction-free entry into Poland if they possess an EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate. This certificate is proof that the traveler has either received full vaccination, have recovered from the virus, or tested negative for the Covid-19 a few days before entry into Poland. The certificate will be accepted if it is issued in Polish or in English and can be presented in electronic or paper format.
For those travelers who came from any of the countries stated above, but do not have an EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate, they must complete a ten-day quarantine upon entry into Poland. However, if they will undergo a COVID-19 test 48 hours after their entry and the result is negative, they can be allowed to end their quarantine.
Entry Rules for Travelers Coming from Third-Countries
Travelers who are from countries outside of the EU can only enter Poland as tourists if they came from the following countries:
- Georgia
- Japan
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Thailand
- South Korea
- Tunisia
- Australia
- Israel
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Northern Ireland
Just like with the travelers who came from the EU countries, visitors arriving from any of the third countries above will be able to enter Poland restriction-free if they possess an EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate. Again, this certificate is proof that they have been vaccinated against Covid-19, have recovered from the disease, or tested negative for Covid-19 72 hours before entry.
Those who cannot present this certificate will be subjected to a 10-day quarantine upon arrival in Poland. However, the quarantine period can be shortened if a negative COVID-19 test result is provided eight days after arrival in Poland.
Other Entry Rules For Tourists Visiting Poland
The government of Poland is asking all visitors to adhere to local health laws, abide by social distancing, and the wearing of masks in designated places.
All air passengers must complete a Passenger Locator Form.
Children under the age of 12 who are traveling with a parent or guardian who has been vaccinated, tested, or recovered from the virus can enter Poland without having to undergo testing and quarantine.
What’s Open in Poland?
Face covering is no longer mandatory in public spaces if social distancing is observed. Face covering is still mandatory in stores, public transportation, houses of worship, etc.
- Occupancy restrictions for stores, restaurants, coffee shops, markets, houses of worship, and post offices. Practicing social distancing is still in effect.
- Gatherings and outdoor concerts but up to 150 persons.
- Hotels, movies, theaters, opera houses, fitness clubs, swimming pools, tanning salons, massage parlors, event halls are open with some restrictions.
Poland on our live map.
Sources: Poland Travel | U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Poland | Government of Poland
