Poland Post-Pandemic: Updates on Travel Restrictions

Covid-19 affected practically every country around the world. In an unprecedented pandemic, countless territories had to close their borders and go into lockdown for most of 2020. Even today, mid-2021, a lot of other countries remain closed, greatly affecting their tourism and, in turn, their economies. Fortunately, things are starting to look up for Europe. With the help of the vaccines, the region is on its way to getting things back to normal. Even a country like Poland is planning to reopen soon. Here are the latest updates on the country's travel restrictions.

As reported by USA Today, Poland joins its fellow EU member states in reopening its borders to vaccinated travelers. As long as those coming from outside of the EU show definitive proof that they have been vaccinated, they can enter the country without going into quarantine. However, although this decision has been announced, there has been no set date on when Poland, or the other EU countries for that matter, will actually reopen its borders. And it's important to note that each EU member state reserves the right to implement its own rules despite the unanimous decision. Poland has yet to set its own that may either follow or go against the EU.

Although, as already stated, the EU has yet to set the date on reopening its borders to travelers from outside the region, there's reason to believe that it can be as soon as next month. After all, June 2021 is the set month that the Union has decided to fully implement its Digital Green Certificates. This is a new vaccine passport system that can allow travelers, both from within and outside the EU, free travel within the member states. The 'certificates' in question are electronic documents that will serve as proof of one's vaccination, tested negative, or full recovery from Covid-19.

For now, Poland still imposes its travel restrictions on a number of countries they consider 'high-risk.' According to Reuters, they include India, Brazil, and South Africa. 'In the case of Brazil, India, and South Africa, people traveling from these locations will automatically have to go into quarantine without the possibility of getting an exception due to a test,' said Poland's Health Minister Adam Niedzielski. Forbes magazine also noted that most travelers will have to go into quarantine upon arrival as well, lasting up to ten days if they can't show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test. Meanwhile, those who can prove it don't have to follow these strict health protocols.

Although Poland has yet to lay out its plans on reopening its borders, since it's part of the EU, it may very well join the rest of the member states in welcoming vaccinated travelers coming from outside the region. As long as they show legitimate proof!