RESTRICTIONS CONCERNING MOVEMENT

1.5 METER – MINIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN PEDESTRIANS

It is mandatory that a distance of least 1.5 meters be maintained between pedestrians.

The following persons are exempt from the restriction:

• parents with children who require care (younger than 13),
• persons who live in one household or run a household together,
• disabled persons, persons incapable of moving on their own, persons with a special educational needs statement and their carers.

COVERING YOUR MOUTH AND NOSE ONLY WITH A MASK IN PUBLIC SPACES

It is mandatory to cover your mouth and nose in such places as:

• in buses, trams and trains,
• in shops, malls, banks, markets and post offices
• in cinemas and theatres,
• at physician's offices, in outpatient clinics and hospitals, in massage and tattoo parlours
• in churches, at schools and universities,
• In government offices (when going there to take care of certain matters) and other civic centres.

Where is it not mandatory to cover your mouth and nose? In forests, parks, green squares, botanical gardens, historic gardens, family community gardens and on beaches as well as while travelling by private car.

Important! Exemption from the obligation to cover the mouth and nose is limited only to persons who have a medical certificate or a document confirming:

• a pervasive developmental disorder,
• a mental disorder,
• moderate, severe or profound intellectual disability,
• difficulties in uncovering the mouth or nose on their own.

Covering the mouth and nose in public spaces is obligatory throughout the entire country.

QUARANTINE

NATIONWIDE RULES:

The restriction applies to persons who:

• are crossing the border of the Republic of Poland which constitutes the external border of the EU*,
• are crossing the Polish border from the Schengen zone,
• had contact with persons infected with the coronavirus, or are living with an infected (isolated) person,
• have been referred for a COVID-19 test by a primary or night care physician.

* The external border is defined by the provisions of Article 2(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (OJ EU L 77 of 23 March 2016, p. 1, as amended).

Rules for travellers from the EU Member States, Schengen Area, and Turkey arriving in Poland

Regardless of the means of transport used (collective, individual, or when crossing the border on foot), travellers are subject to a 10-day quarantine upon entry, unless they meet one of the following conditions:

• they are fully vaccinated with all vaccine doses required and 14 days have passed since their final dose was administered (counting from the day following the last vaccination date). The vaccination must be certified by the EU digital COVID certificate or another document, in Polish or English, confirming vaccination with a vaccine that has been authorised in the European Union,
• they had been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (so-called convalescents), no later than 6 months before the day of crossing the Polish border. Convalescents must present a document confirming that they had indeed been infected, issued in Polish or English; acceptable documents include the EU digital COVID certificate,
• they present a negative COVID-19 test result, confirmed with an EU COVID certificate or another document in Polish or English. Such a test must be performed no earlier than 48 hours before crossing the border.
• they are children under 12 years of age who are travelling under the supervision of adults vaccinated against COVID19 or have a negative COVID-19 test result,
• they are subject to other exemptions listed in Art. 3 of the Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 6 May 2021 on the establishment of certain restrictions, orders, and prohibitions in connection with the occurrence of an epidemic.

Travellers who have been quarantined may perform a test within 48 hours of crossing the border, with a negative test result releasing them from quarantine:

• Test type: RT-PCR or antigen.
• The tests are not publicly funded.

The above rules apply to travellers from:

• European Union Member States: 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, and Italy,
• 4 non-EU countries that are part of the Schengen Area – Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein,
• from Turkey, with which a special agreement has been concluded.

Rules for travellers from outside the European Union, Schengen Area, and Turkey arriving in Poland

Regardless of the means of transport used (collective, individual, or when crossing the border on foot), travellers are subject to a 10-day quarantine upon entry, unless they meet one of the following conditions:

• they are fully vaccinated with all vaccine doses required and 14 days have passed since their final dose was administered (counting from the day following the last vaccination date), and their vaccination is certified by the EU digital COVID certificate or another document, in Polish or English, confirming vaccination with a vaccine that has been authorised in the European Union,
• they are children under 12 years of age who are travelling under the supervision of adults vaccinated against COVID19,
• they had been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (so-called convalescents), no later than 6 months before the day of crossing the Polish border. Convalescents must present a document confirming that they had indeed been infected, issued in Polish or English; acceptable documents include the EU digital COVID certificate,
• they are subject to exemptions listed in Art. 3 of the Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 6 May 2021 on the establishment of certain restrictions, orders, and prohibitions in connection with the occurrence of an epidemic.

Travellers who have been quarantined in Poland may perform a test – on the 8^th day at the earliest, counting from the day after crossing the border – with a negative result releasing them from quarantine. When calculating the 7-day quarantine period, the expiry of which entitles travellers to have a diagnostic test performed on the eighth day, the day of crossing the Polish border is not taken into account).

Example: If you cross the Polish border on 1 July, then you will be eligible to have a diagnostic test performed on 9 July, with a negative result releasing you from quarantine.

• Test type: RT-PCR or antigen.
• The tests are not publicly funded.

Note: Individuals who stay within the territory of the Republic of Poland for no more than 24 hours and have a ticket confirming their departure abroad within this period are not subject to quarantine.

Passenger Locator Forms

Starting from 17 July, any person crossing the state border of the Republic of Poland by plane must fill out an electronic Passenger Locator Form via the ICT system before checking in, and if this is not possible, fill out a paper Passenger Locator Form provided by the cabin crew.

The data controller is the State District Sanitary Inspector competent for the place of residence or stay of the traveller.

EU digital COVID certificate

The EU digital COVID certificate is issued by the Ministry of Health. Vaccination certificates are issued as follows:

1. in electronic form,
2. in paper form,

• by entities providing vaccination against COVID-19,
• by a primary health care physician or primary care nurse.

More details about the EU COVID Certificate

Check the Border Guard website to see who is exempt from quarantine after crossing the Polish border.

What does it involve?

Rules concerning:

• quarantine (keeping a healthy person away from others due to exposure to infection)
• isolation (keeping a person or group of people suffering from SARS-CoV-2 – as confirmed by a positive SARS-CoV-2 test – away from others to prevent further transmission)

Isolation:

If the patient has not developed symptoms of COVID-19, home isolation lasts 10 days.

Isolation ends as follows:

1. once 24 hours have passed without fever – without the use of antipyretic drugs and with clinical improvement – but no earlier than 10 days from the day of symptom onset – in the case of patients exhibiting clinical symptoms in:

• hospital isolation or an isolation unit unless the physician responsible for the patient extends the isolation period,
• home isolation unless the primary health care physician, who provided consultation via phone or at home no earlier than on the eighth day the isolation, extends the isolation period;

1. after 10 days from the date of obtaining the first positive SARS-CoV-2 test result – in the case of patients not exhibiting clinical symptoms unless the primary health care physician, who provided consultation via phone or at home no earlier than on the eighth day the isolation, extends the isolation period.

Quarantine:

The obligation to undergo compulsory quarantine does not apply to persons vaccinated against COVID-19 as well as those who had been subjected to isolation, hospitalisation or home isolation due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, but no later than 6 months from the day on which such persons, as mentioned in section 6, received a positive SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test result.

During this time:

• you may not leave your home,
• you may not walk your dog, go shopping or go visit a physician,
• should you experience symptoms of the disease (feeling unwell, fever, coughing, shortness of breath), you should call to doctor.

Important! As part of their regular patrols, police officers visit quarantined persons and make sure that they are staying at their place of residence. Regulations provide for a fine of up to PLN 30 thousand for breaking the quarantine. The decision concerning the actual amount of the fine is always made on a case-by-case basis.

Attention! The quarantine is suspended for the duration of the test you have been referred for by a primary or night care physician (the way to the swab collection site and return home). From 28 November quarantine or isolation is suspended, when you need to see a doctor. Under the above circumstances, reporting to a sanitary and epidemiological station is not required.

SOCIAL LIFE

CULTURAL EVENTS - RESTRICTIONS

Museums and art galleries

Museums and art galleries are open and can operate under a strict sanitary regime. A limit of 1 person per 10 m² is in effect.

Cinemas

Cinemas have resumed both outdoor and indoor activities. They operate under a strict sanitary regime at no more than 75% occupancy. Wearing masks covering both mouth and nose is mandatory.

Theatres, operas, and philharmonics

Outdoors:

Theaters, operas and philharmonic halls have resumed their activities in the open air. They operate under a strict sanitary regime at no more than 75% occupancy. No more than 250 attendees are allowed.

This number does not include persons vaccinated against COVID-19.

Indoors:

Theaters, operas and philharmonic halls have resumed their indoor activity. They operate under a strict sanitary regime at no more than 75% occupancy. Event organisers must ensure that the limit of 1 person per 10 m² is observed. Wearing masks covering both mouth and nose is mandatory.

Cultural and community centres

Cultural and community centres may conduct activities both outdoors and indoors, provided that the number of attendees does not exceed 15 people and a distance of 1.5 m between them is maintained, and that participants comply with the requirement to cover mouth and nose.

Concerts and circus shows

Indoor concert activities have been resumed under the following conditions:

• no more than 75% of seats may be made available to viewers or listeners,
• a distance of 1.5 m between viewers or listeners must be maintained, and if no designated seats are available, a limit of 1 person per 10 metres squared must be observed,
• ensuring that viewers or listeners comply with the requirement to cover mouth and nose.

Concerts and circus performances can be organised outdoors under the following conditions:

• no more than 75% of seats may be made available to viewers or listeners,
• a distance of 1.5 m between viewers or listeners must be maintained, and if no designated seats are available, a limit of 1 person per 15 metres squared must be observed; additionally, no more than 250 attendees are allowed. Persons vaccinated against Covid-19 shall not count towards the limit.
• ensuring that viewers or listeners comply with the requirement to cover mouth and nose.

Entertainment – Outdoor amusement parks

Outdoor amusement parks can resume operations at up to 75% occupancy.

Libraries

Libraries may make their collections available to readers provided that the limit of 1 person per 10 m² of space is observed; librarians shall not count towards this limit. Information on the limit of persons allowed into the library shall be posted at the library's entrance.

Public and research libraries may organise indoor meetings and events provided that the following criteria are met:

• no more than 15 attendees are allowed, with each of them maintaining a distance of 1.5 m from other persons;
• ensuring that attendees comply with the requirement to cover mouth and nose.

Valid until 31 August

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Public transport vehicles may be boarded by a limited number of persons.

All means of public transport across Poland may only make up to 100% of seats available to passengers

Valid until 31 August

RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES

We also recommend that all ceremonies be held outdoors.Tthere is a limit in places of religious worship - a max. 75% of full capacity.

Important! In churches and places of worship it is mandatory to cover your mouth and nose.

The limit shall not apply to persons fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

GATHERINGS AND MEETINGS

GATHERINGS

Up to 150 people may participate in a public gathering at the same time. Participants are required to maintain a distance of 1.5 m from others. Additionally, the distance between individual gatherings must be at least 100 m.

MEETINGS

Up to 150 people may participate in events and meetings, either outdoors, indoors or in designated gastronomic areas. A distance between individual tables must be maintained (only every other table may be occupied, with a 1.5 m distance between tables – unless there is a screen between them with a height of at least 1 m, counting from the table's surface).

This number does not include persons vaccinated against COVID-19.

Valid until 31 August

WEDDINGS, COMMUNIONS, FUNERAL RECEPTIONS AND OTHER CELEBRATIONS

Special events may be organised outdoors and indoors alike (e.g. inside restaurants). A limit of 150 attendees is in effect. Such events may only take place under a strict sanitary regime. A distance between individual tables must be maintained (only every other table may be occupied, with a 1.5 m distance between tables – unless there is a screen between them with a height of at least 1 m, counting from the table's surface).

This number does not include persons vaccinated against COVID-19.

Valid until 31 August

NIGHT CLUBS, DISCOS AND OTHER PLACES FOR DANCING

Night clubs, discos and other dancing venues resumed their activities. The limit of max. 150 people will apply.

This number does not include persons vaccinated against COVID-19.

Valid until 31 August

FAIRS, EXHIBITIONS, CONGRESSES AND CONFERENCES

Trade fairs, congresses and conferences can be organised provided that the limit of 1 person per 10 m² is complied with.

Valid until 31 August

EDUCATION

From 31 May, all students will return to stationary learning.

Valid until further notice

NURSERIES AND KINDERGARTENS

From 19 April 2021, nurseries and kindergartens in the entire country will be open, providing care for all children.

Valid until further notice

BORDERS AND INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC

INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY TRAFFIC

International passenger transport by rail that crosses the Polish border is suspended.

Valid until 31 August

ECONOMY

SHOPPING CENTRES AND LARGE-FORMAT STORES

Shopping malls, DIY and furniture shops are open. They are allow to operate under a strict sanitary regime, with a limit of 1 person per 10 m².

Valid until 31 August

GASTRONOMY

Gastronomic establishments operate under a strict sanitary regime at no more than 75% occupancy. A distance between individual tables must be maintained.

Valid until 31 August

Hotel restaurants

Hotel restaurants operate under a strict sanitary regime at no more than 75% occupancy. A distance between individual tables must be maintained.

Valid until 31 August

HAIR AND BEAUTY SALONS, TATTOO PARLORS

Hair and beauty salons across the country are open. They are allow to operate under a strict sanitary regime.

Valid until 31 August

HOTELS

Hotels have resumed operations. A 75% occupancy limit is in effect.

The limit shall not apply to persons fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and organised groups of children and adolescents under 12 years of age.

Valid until 31 August

SPORT AND LEISURE

GYMS, FITNESS CLUBS AND CENTRES, SWIMMING POOLS AND AQUAPARKS

Gyms, fitness clubs and solariums operate under a sanitary regime. A limit of 1 person per 10 m² is in effect.

Swimming pools, water parks and closed sports facilities are open as well, subject to a limit of up to 75% occupancy. Audience members may occupy no more than 50% of seats – every other seat with only every other row occupied – and if no designated seats are available, audience members must maintain a distance of 1.5 m between each other.

Sports classes and events held outside sports facilities shall be subject to a limit of 500 persons.

This number does not include persons vaccinated against COVID-19.

Playing sports in indoor sports facilities is allowed at no more than 50% occupancy (including the audience).

Sports events in open-air sporting venues are held with audiences not exceeding 50% of the venue's total capacity.

Valid until 31 August

EXEMPTION OF PARTICIPANTS OF INTERNATIONAL SPORTS COMPETITIONS FROM OBLIGATORY QUARANTINE

The exemption of people from outside of the EU from obligatory quarantine concerns:

• competitors,
• coaching staff members,
• doctors, physiotherapists,
• umpires,
• accredited journalists.

The exemption applies to persons who are participating in competitions organised by:

• an international sports federation of an Olympic or Paralympic sport, or another organisation recognised by the International Olympics Committee,
• an international continental sports organisation belonging to a sports federation,
• Polish sports association.

Note! Persons crossing the Polish border must present the Border Guard with a letter issued by the organiser of the sports competition. It may also be a document – certified by a Polish sports association competent in a given sport – containing data concerning the fact of organisation of the sports competitions, its date as well as the nature of that person's participation.

Valid until 31 August

SANATORIUMS, HEALTH RESORTS AND REHABILITATION

As of 11 March 2021, health resorts resume their operations. As of 15 March 2021, the condition to begin inpatient rehabilitation in a rehabilitation centre or a therapeutic-preventive stay will be a negative result of a diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2. The material must be collected no earlier than 4 days before the start of the rehabilitation stay. You will not have to pay for the tests.

Valid until further notice