Source: European Union/Re-open EU
06.05.2021
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
No
Poland adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Poland are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map.
Is a coronavirus test required?
All travellers are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test.
The test must be taken within 48 hours prior to arrival.
Accepted tests: PCR, antigen
Is a quarantine required?
Travellers arriving in Poland by plane, bus, or other means of public transport, who do not provide a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen), are required to quarantine for 10 days, counting from the day following the day of entry.
In addition, all travellers returning from the Czech Republic and Slovakia - also those who cross the border by car - must quarantine for 10 days.
The quarantine period may be ended by taking a PCR test after arrival. If the result of this test is negative, the period of quarantine can end.
Provisions for vaccinated people
Travellers who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 are exempted from compulsory quarantine (a certificate of vaccination is needed).
Find out more:
Travel information (in Polish)
Quarantine rules from 30 March (in Polish)
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Citizens and residents of Georgia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea, Tunisia and Australia may enter Poland without additional restrictions.
Travellers from third-countries outside the EU and Schengen Area are subject to the rules described hereafter.
Is a quarantine required?
Third-country travellers arriving in Poland by plane, bus, or other means of public transport, must complete a 10-day quarantine, counting from the day following the day of entry.
The quarantine period may be shortened by taking a PCR test after arrival in Poland. If the result of this test is negative, the period of quarantine can end.
Provisions for vaccinated people
Travellers who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 are exempted from compulsory quarantine (a certificate of vaccination is needed).
People who have recovered from COVID-19 infection and present proof of hospitalisation or isolation in the past 6 months do not have to quarantine.
Is a coronavirus test required?
Travellers will be able to shorten the 10-day quarantine by taking a COVID-19 test upon arrival in Poland. If the result of this test is negative, the period of quarantine can end.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
A Passenger Locator Form and a Public Health Self Declaration are requested on flights.
May I transit this country?
Yes
As a general rule, passengers in transit in the EU+ area are exempted from temporary travel restrictions.
EU citizens entering the EU from a third country, as well as their family members, irrespective of their nationality, are exempted from the travel restrictions regardless of whether or not they are returning to their country of nationality or residence.
Passengers travelling from a non-EU country to another non-EU country may transit through the international transit area of airports located in the Schengen area. Rules regarding airport transit visa requirements continue to apply.
General measures
The measures currently in place are available at the Coronavirus Portal:
Koronawirus: informacje i zalecenia (in Polish)
Temporary limitations - Coronavirus: information and recommendations (in English)
A schedule for reopenings is available. This schedule may vary depending on the evolution of the epidemiological situation.
From 1 May:
- Uniform safety rules across the country, reopening of hair and beauty salons
- Sports in outdoor facilities limited to 50 people
- Sports in indoor facilities and swimming pools for organised groups of children and young people at maximum 50% occupancy
From 4 May:
- Reopening of art galleries and museums, with a limit of 1 person per 15 m2 and under strict sanitary regime
- Reopening of building and furniture shops and shopping malls, with a limit of 1 person per 15 m2 and under strict sanitary regime
- Religious worship: limit of 1 person per 15 m2 and recommendation to celebrate ceremonies outdoors
- full-time learning in presence for grades 1-3 of primary school, under strict sanitary regime
From 8 May:
- Reopening of hotels to guests, without exceeding 50% occupancy (restaurants and wellness areas remain closed)
From 15 May:
- Abolition of the obligation to wear masks outdoors if the infection rate falls below 15 per 100.000 people. The obligation to cover nose and mouth, indoors, with a mask will remain unchanged
- Reopening of restaurant outdoors (gardens), under strict sanitary regime (safe distance between tables and limit of persons per table)
- Reopening of cinemas and open-air theatres, at a maximum of 50% occupancy and under strict sanitary regime
- Possibility to organise events such as weddings and communions outdoors, with a limit of 25 people and under strict sanitary regime (safe distance between tables and limit of persons per table)
- Primary and secondary schools: hybrid learning for grades 4-8 of the primary schools and for grades 1-4 of the secondary schools, under strict sanitary regime
- Sports in outdoor facilities with maximum 25% of the audience
From 29 May:
- Reopening of restaurants indoors, with a maximum occupancy of 50% and under strict sanitary regime (safe distance between tables and limit of persons per table)
- Possibility to organise events such as weddings and communions indoors, with a limit of 50 people and under strict sanitary regime (safe distance between tables and limit of persons per table)
- Reopening of cinemas and theatres with a maximum occupancy of 50% of the facility and under strict sanitary regime
- Sports in indoor facilities and swimming pools accessible to everybody with a maximum occupancy up to 50% (with audience)
- Sports in gyms and fitness clubs with a limit of 1 person per 15m2 and under strict sanitary regime
- Primary and secondary schools: learning in presence for all students under strict sanitary regime
Use of facemasks
Wearing a face mask is compulsory in public places. However, the obligation is waived for people who present proof of advanced neurological, respiratory, or circulatory diseases with respiratory or circulatory failure.
Physical Distancing
A minimum distance of 1.5 metres is required between people. The following categories are excluded from this requirement:
- parents with children requiring care (up to 13 years of age);
- people living together or forming a joint household;
- people running a farm;
- people with disabilities;
- people with a certificate of need for special education and their caregivers.
Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/POL/7001
31.03.2021
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
NO
Poland adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Poland are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map.
Is a coronavirus test required?
All travellers are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test.
The test must be taken within 48 hours prior to arrival.
Accepted tests: PCR, antigen
Is a quarantine required?
Travellers arriving in Poland by plane, bus, or other means of public transport, who do not provide a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen), are required to quarantine for 10 days, counting from the day following the day of entry.
In addition, all travellers returning from the Czech Republic and Slovakia - also those who cross the border by car - must quarantine for 10 days.
The quarantine period may be ended by taking a PCR test after arrival. If the result of this test is negative, the period of quarantine can end.
Provisions for vaccinated people
Travellers who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 are exempted from compulsory quarantine (a certificate of vaccination is needed).
People who have recovered from COVID-19 infection and present proof of hospitalisation or isolation in the past 6 months do not have to quarantine.
Find out more:
Travel information (in Polish)
Quarantine rules from 30 March (in Polish)
Documents you need to travel in Europe
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Citizens and residents of Georgia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea, Tunisia and Australia may enter Poland without additional restrictions.
Travellers from third-countries outside the EU and Schengen Area are subject to the rules described hereafter.
Is a quarantine required?
Third-country travellers arriving in Poland by plane, bus, or other means of public transport, must complete a 10-day quarantine, counting from the day following the day of entry.
The quarantine period may be shortened by taking a PCR test after arrival in Poland. If the result of this test is negative, the period of quarantine can end.
Provisions for vaccinated people
Travellers who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 are exempted from compulsory quarantine (a certificate of vaccination is needed).
People who have recovered from COVID-19 infection and present proof of hospitalisation or isolation in the past 6 months do not have to quarantine.
Is a coronavirus test required?
Travellers will be able to shorten the 10-day quarantine by taking a COVID-19 test upon arrival in Poland. If the result of this test is negative, the period of quarantine can end.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
A Passenger Locator Form and a Public Health Self Declaration are requested on flights.
May I transit this country?
YES
As a general rule, passengers in transit in the EU+ area are exempted from temporary travel restrictions.
EU citizens entering the EU from a third country, as well as their family members, irrespective of their nationality, are exempted from the travel restrictions regardless of whether or not they are returning to their country of nationality or residence.
Passengers travelling from a non-EU country to another non-EU country may transit through the international transit area of airports located in the Schengen area. Rules regarding airport transit visa requirements continue to apply.
May I enter this country by road transport?
PARTIALLY
All travellers returning from the Czech Republic and Slovakia must quarantine, also those who cross the border by car, inlcuding cross-border workers. Those who are vaccinated with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine or those who tested negative are exempt. The test is valid for 48 hours from the moment of receiving the result.
Driving abroad
May I enter this country by train?
PARTIALLY
International rail traffic within the internal borders of the European Union has been restored; however, international rail travel crossing the external borders of the EU is suspended (currently foreseen until 9 April 2021).
Rail passenger rights
General measures
Multiple safety restrictions are in place. Rules and restrictions
In some provinces, the epidemic situation is particularly difficult, therefore rmeasures are tightened in these regions.Health cover for temporary stays
Use of facemasks
Wearing a face mask is compulsory in public places. However, the obligation is waived for people who present proof of advanced neurological, respiratory, or circulatory diseases with respiratory or circulatory failure.
Physical Distancing
A minimum distance of 1.5 metres is required between people. The following categories are excluded from this requirement:
- parents with children requiring care (up to 13 years of age);
- people living together or forming a joint household;
- people running a farm;
- people with disabilities;
- people with a certificate of need for special education and their caregivers.
Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/POL/7001
28.01.2021
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
No
Poland adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Poland are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map.
Is a coronavirus test required?
NO
Is a quarantine required?
All travellers arriving in Poland by plane, bus, or other means of public transport, are required to quarantine for 10 days, counting from the day following the day of entry.
Provisions for vaccinated people
Travellers who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 are exempted from compulsory quarantine (a certificate of vaccination is needed).
Mandatory Travel Documentation
A Passenger Locator Form and a Public Health Self Declaration are requested on flights.
Find out more:
General rules
Travel information (in Polish)
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Citizens and residents of Georgia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea, Tunisia and Australia may enter Poland.
A Passenger Locator Form and a Public Health Self Declaration are requested on flights.
May I transit this country?
Yes
May I enter this country by train?
Partially
International rail traffic within the internal borders of the European Union has been restored; however, the restrictions still apply to international rail travel outside the external borders of the EU.
Rail passenger rights
General measures
Until 31 January, stricter rules are in place. Rules and restrictions
Health cover for temporary stays
Use of facemasks
Wearing masks is compulsory in public places across the country. Only people who have a medical certificate or a document confirming:
- a pervasive development disorder;
- a mental disorder;
- a moderate, severe or profound intellectual disability;
- difficulties in uncovering the mouth or nose on their own;
can be exempted from this requirement.
In the following places it is not mandatory to cover mouth and nose:
- forests;
- parks;
- green squares;
- botanical gardens;
- historic gardens;
- family gardens;
- beaches;
- while travelling by private car.
Physical Distancing
A minimum distance of 1.5 metres is required between people. The following categories are excluded from this requirement:
- parents with children requiring care (up to 13 years of age);
- people living together or forming a joint household;
- people running a farm;
- people with disabilities;
- people with a certificate of need for special education and their caregivers.
23.12.2020
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
Yes
Entry Restrictions
Citizens of EU Member States + Schengen Associated countries, as well as their spouses and children, are allowed to enter Poland without restrictions.
EU's internal borders are open, while the country's borders that are also the EU's external borders remain closed.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
A Passenger Locator Form and a Public Health Self Declaration are requested on flights.
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Citizens and residents of Georgia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea, Tunisia and Australia may enter Poland.
EU's internal borders are open, while the country's borders that are also the EU's external borders remain closed. As of 09.12.2020, the following international flights shall be banned from landing: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Georgia, Jordan, Armenia, Kosovo, Serbia, North Macedonia, United States of America (except for the airports in Illinois and New York). The ban on flights does not apply to countries that notified Poland of the implementation of solutions ensuring that only passengers with a negative SARS-CoV-2 test result will be allowed to be taken on board.
A Passenger Locator Form and a Public Health Self Declaration are requested on flights.
May I transit this country?
Yes
May I enter this country by train?
Partially
International rail traffic within the internal borders of the European Union has been restored; however, the restrictions still apply to international rail travel outside the external borders of the EU.
Rail passenger rights
If I meet the entry requirements, may I enter this country without being subject to a quarantine or COVID-19 test?
Partially
The obligation to undergo quarantine is imposed on persons crossing the borders of the Republic of Poland that are also the external borders of the EU, when travelling to their place of residence or stay. Travellers crossing the internal EU borders of the Republic of Poland do not have to undergo a mandatory quarantine.
Further information is available at: Coronavirus: temporary limitations
11.09.2020
Travelling to Poland
Travelling from EU countries is allowed without restrictions.
Travelling from Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein, as well as Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City State and the Republic of San Marino, is allowed without restrictions.
Third-country nationals
Country's borders that are also the EU's external borders, remain closed. They may be crossed only by:
Polish citizens;
foreigners who are spouses or children of citizens of the Republic of Poland or remain under the constant care of citizens of the Republic of Poland;
holders of a Polish identity Card;
diplomats;
people who have the right of permanent or temporary residence in the Republic of Poland or a work permit;
in particularly justified cases, the commander of the Border Guard post, after obtaining the consent of the Commander-in-Chief of the Border Guard, may allow a foreigner to enter the territory of the Republic of Poland in accordance with the procedure specified in the Act of 12 December 2013 on foreigners (Journal of Laws of 2020, item 35);
foreigners who run a means of transport designed for the transport of goods;
citizens of European Union Member States, European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) Member States – parties to the Agreement on the European Economic Area or Switzerland and their spouses and children, when traveling through the territory of the Republic of Poland to their place of residence or stay;
foreigners with a permanent residence permit or a long-term resident's European Union residence permit, in the territory of other European Union Member States, a Member State of the European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) – parties to the agreement on the European Economic Area or Switzerland and their spouses and children, when travelling through the territory of the Republic of Poland, to their place of residence or stay.
Further information is available at: Coronavirus: information and recommendations
Travelling from Poland or returning to Poland
When deciding to leave, you must face possible difficulties in returning to the country, restrictions on air traffic, the obligation to quarantine or self-isolation, and to carry out additional medical examinations on behalf of the local authorities.
Country specific travel advice
Rules and Exceptions
EU's internal borders are open, while country's borders that are also the EU's external borders, remain closed.
International flights from airports located on the territory of a member state of the European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) - parties to the agreement on the European Economic Area, Switzerland or a member state of the European Union have been resumed, except for Spain, Malta, Luxembourg and Romania.
International rail traffic has been restored within the internal borders of the European Union. However, traveling by international trains to destinations outside the EU's external borders is still suspended.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
NO
Links to relevant national sources
https://www.gov.pl/web/coronavirus/travel
Driving abroad
Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/POL
Entry restriction to non-Polish citizens & suspension of international air & rail travel (13.03.2020)
From Sunday, 15 March, Poland will close its borders to foreigners. All Polish citizens who are presently abroad can return to their homeland. A number of exemptions exist for foreign residents. They will also undergo a compulsory 14-day home quarantine. International passenger air flights and international rail travel will be suspended.
Start date: 15.03.2020
End date: 10 days from starting date
Further information: https://www.gov.pl/web/coronavirus/travel
Temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of driving and rest times for the drivers
Poland has notified a temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of driving and rest times for the drivers involved in international freight and passenger transport. This relaxation is granted pursuant to Article 14(2) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006.
Start date: 18.03.2020
End date: 16.04.2020
Further information: https://ec.europa.eu/transport/sites/transport/files/temporary-relaxatio..