No travel is without risk during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or introduce new rules in the short term, for example due to a new variant of COVID-19. Check with your travel agent or airline for transportation changes that could delay your return trip. You must also wear a face mask at all times indoors, on public transport, in taxis or in an open space where you cannot keep a distance of 1.5 metres. You are not required to wear a face mask in a private car. The police and medical inspectors have the right to fine you (approximately PLN 500) on the spot if it is determined that you are not wearing a face mask when you should. Further prosecution could result in a fine of up to PLN 30,000 if hygiene rules are not followed. The scope and time limit of the abovementioned national measures may be extended at short notice. Some regions may have stricter regulations. Here (in Polish) you can find details about regions with stricter rules. The Polish Ministry of Infrastructure has relaxed driving and rest periods from 17 April to 31 May. The facilities apply to drivers engaged in national and international road transport of goods and passengers and are as follows: Additional information:Travel information (in Polish)Quarantine rules from 30 March (in Polish) *Public spaces and services: The Polish government has strict health regulations and restrictions throughout the country.

Some regions have stricter restrictions in place until May 1. The Polish government website (in Polish) explains which regions have stricter rules. 24. In March, the Polish authorities changed the rules on mandatory quarantine: drivers carrying out cross-border road transport with vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tonnes are no longer subject to quarantine. Polish authorities will restrict truck traffic on 10 and 11 June for security reasons during a major religious event. Read the country`s information page for more information about travelling to Poland. From June 2021, a new electronic toll system will come into force on selected national roads and motorways in Poland. All the necessary information about this new system and the measures to be taken before driving on Polish roads can be found in English at etoll.gov.pl – the use of temporary derogations must not lead to a deterioration in the working conditions and the level of road safety of drivers. Travel from Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein as well as Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City State and the Republic of San Marino is permitted without restrictions. On flights, a passenger locator form and a self-declaration of public health are requested.

If you entered Poland from Ukraine and need assistance, please contact the Embassy in Warsaw here. The current official list of 300+ laboratories across Poland testing for COVID-19 can be found here. If you plan to drive in Poland, you should exercise caution. Some roads are in poor condition, driving can be dangerous and fatal car accidents are common. If you visit in winter, note that driving conditions can be strict and your car must be equipped with winter tires. We encourage all Irish citizens in Poland to register their details with the embassy and monitor our social media channels for the latest updates. On 30th April the Polish Prime Minister announced a relaxation of working conditions for commuters at border crossing points. From May 4, Polish citizens working or studying in Germany will no longer have to spend 14 days in quarantine when returning to Poland, corresponding regulations have been agreed with neighboring countries. Public gatherings are limited to 5 people, excluding households with more than 5 members and workplaces. Private gatherings cannot exceed 5 people, excluding household members. Outdoor gatherings, celebrations and events are planned from May 15 for up to 25 people, and from May 29, outdoor and indoor events for up to 50 people. There are restrictions on the number of people attending services and funerals, and you should contact religious venues for more information.

Gyms, fitness clubs and saunas plan to reopen on May 28, with a cap on the number of people at a time. Hair and beauty salons will be open in all regions from May 1. Travel from EU countries is allowed without restrictions. The country`s borders, which are also the EU`s external borders, remain closed. From now on, at the Polish border, these drivers must present an appropriate certificate or a copy of the employment contract, a driving licence (or a driving licence with code 95) and the driver qualification card or driving licence certificate. As an Irish resident, you are entitled to healthcare through the public system of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if you become ill or injured while temporarily in that country. Make sure you get or renew your EHIC (the new name for E111) before you go, and remember that you`ll need it for everyone travelling in your group. – National bus, air and rail services are operating normally.

International flights from airports located in the territory of a Member State of the European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) – Contracting Parties to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, Switzerland or a Member State of the European Union have resumed, with the exception of Spain, Malta, Luxembourg and Romania. Otherwise, consider calling taxis for service instead of using parked or passing taxis, which can charge a lot more. Taxi companies that offer telephone service are usually fast and reliable. Taxi apps are available in Poland and are widely used. – the drivers referred to above shall indicate the exceptional cases on the back of the record sheet of the analogue tachograph or the digital printing of the tachograph, The currency in Poland is the zloty. This is available from foreign exchange providers in Poland called “kantor”. ATMs are available in all major cities and towns. Visitors can also pay by credit or debit card at most shops, bars and restaurants. The alcohol limit in Poland is 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, which is lower than in Ireland (50 milligrams). Housing, shops, services and administrative offices are open. If you test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, neither you nor the people you live with are required by law to self-isolate or quarantine. From 23 April, drivers working in Poland will have to wear a protective mask outside their cab.

If there are two people in the cabin, both must wear face masks while driving. Polish summers can be hot, with temperatures above 35°C. It is important to wear appropriate clothing, including head coverings, and to use sunscreen during the summer months. If you are a victim of crime in Poland, report it immediately to the local police. You can contact the embassy if you need help. Sports facilities and outdoor courts can accommodate up to 25 people and are expected to accommodate up to 50 people from May 1. Children and teenagers can participate in the sports activities offered by the sports clubs. The indoor sports facilities (including swimming pools) are reserved for professionals only and will open from May 1st only to children and teenagers in organized groups (maximum 50% capacity). The indoor pools will be open to all from May 29 (up to 50% of their capacity).