With international travel restrictions diversification, MrShuttle has prepared this new hub of vital information and advice to support those heading off on their long-awaited abroad vacations or any purpose-related holiday in Poland. W

Latest updates on the COVID-19 situation

The world is currently confronting the fourth wave of a pandemic caused by a coronavirus. Unfortunately, continuous mutations of the virus, including the latest variant Omicron, are forcing countries’ authorities to take immediate and drastic measures to protect the health of their citizens.

The world reacted very quickly to the emergence of Omicron. Some countries closed their borders, others tightened entry rules, and new restrictions were introduced. At the end of November, the world heard about a new variant of the coronavirus, Omicron. The variant has been considered as ‘worrying’ and described as a super-variant with the highest number of mutations to date.

Belgium was the first country of the old continent to detect Omicron infection. The presence of the super-variant has also been confirmed in the UK, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Spain and the Czech Republic, among others. So far, only a few cases have been confirmed in Poland (15 in 2021).

 

Coronavirus in the world – the safety measures taken in Poland

Nationwide rules:

Since December 2020, when the Covid-19 vaccination began in Poland, over 40 doses of vaccine have already been administered (nearly 60 % of the total population), which means that every second person is vaccinated. With the current epidemiological situation and the tightening of restrictions abroad due to the emergence of a new mutation of the coronavirus, the government is also introducing such restrictions on Polish territory.

New restrictions came into force in Poland on 15 December 2021. This is a response of the Ministry of Health to the still high number of infections and the appearance of a new variant of Omicron in the world. The number of people who are allowed to stay in public facilities, such as restaurants or hotels, is lower, and such changes also apply to travellers coming to Poland.

From 15 December, 30% occupancy limits have been introduced for restaurants, bars and hotels. Discos, clubs and facilities providing dancing space will be closed. The increase in the limit will only be for vaccinated individuals verified by the business owners/employees.

The restrictions include:

– limit on public transport to 75 % occupancy

– lowering the limit to 30 % occupancy in restaurants, bars and hotels; the increase can only be for vaccinated persons verified by the operator

– lowering the limit to 30 per cent occupancy in cinemas, theatres, sports venues, sacred places; the increase in this limit can only be for vaccinated persons verified by the operator

– closure of discos, clubs and establishments providing dancing facilities 

– compulsory testing for home-dwellers of COVID-19 sufferers regardless of covid certificate held

– compulsory testing for COVID-19 sufferers regardless of covid certification. 

– 31 December and 1 January limitation of numbers in enclosed premises to a maximum of 100 persons excluding vaccinated 

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 listed on the official Website of the Republic of Poland. This covers complete vaccination (certified in Polish or English), convalescent (no later than 6 months before the day crossing the Polish border), negative COVID-19 test result, or any exceptions listed on the governmental website. 

Ongoing restrictions in Poland:

Here you can find the list of the current restrictions in Poland:

  • Restrictions concerning movement (1.5-meter distance between pedestrians)

The following persons are excluded 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 careers.
  • Covering mouth and nose with a mask (only in public, closed spaces): buses, trams, trains, 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, government offices, and other civic centres.

Travelling opportunities in Poland

In order to slow down the spread of the coronavirus and protect the health and quality of life of all residents and tourists, certain travel restrictions are necessary. Poland makes every effort to enable people to meet friends and family, travel for work or enjoy tourism, and to ensure the free movement of citizens, goods and services – with full respect for safety and hygiene measures.

Pleasant and safe travel is possible, and many interesting places are waiting for you and your beloved ones! Check out our local tours and discover Poland during the autumn and winter season.

More information regarding the temporary restrictions in Poland can be found on the official Website of the Republic of Poland.