Poland in South Africa

COVID-19 measures

From 25th February, 2022, under a special regulation, COVID-19 entry restrictions on Polish-Ukrainian border will be temporarily suspended due to military conflict in Ukraine. Tests and proofs of vaccination / convalescence will not be required and there will be no obligation to undergo quarantine.

Entering Poland – important notice

As of 19 February 2022 the Regulation of the Ministry of Interior and Administration on the temporary suspension or restriction of border traffic at certain border crossing points is no longer applicable to travellers arriving in Poland via land border crossing points with Ukraine or by air regardless of their citizenship.

Please note that the rules still apply to border traffic at land border crossing points with Belarus and Russia, airport crossing points in terms of flight connections with Belarus and Russia as well as sea border crossing points.

What if a person has no valid travel documents?

According to the Article 6 paragraph 5 point c of the Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) third-country nationals not fulfilling one or more conditions indicated in the paragraph 1, can obtain permission to enter Member State because of the humanitarian reasons, national interest or international obligations.

On the basis of  Article 32 paragraph 1 of the Act on Aliens of  12 December 2013 in case mentioned in Article 6 paragraph 5 point c of the Schengen Borders Code, commander of the Border Guard post after receiving consent of the Commander-in-Chief of the Border Guard can allow entrance into the Republic of Poland to a foreigner for the period of time no longer than 15 days.

Entry into the territory of the Republic of Poland for those without valid travel documents is possible only by using the above-mentioned special procedure. 

Will there be any special requirements for third-country nationals entering in their personal vehicles? Will they need the vehicle title or proof of ownership? 

According to the Article 38 paragraph 2 of the Traffic Code of 20 June 1997 a person driving a vehicle registered abroad participating in the traffic in the territory of the Republic of Poland is obliged to possess documents:
- relevant for the given vehicle or driver confirming the right to drive a vehicle (driving license);
- confirming vehicle approval for traffic – a document which confirms admission of the vehicle to the traffic is a registration or a temporary permission;
- confirming the conclusion of a compulsory third party civil liability insurance contract or proof of premium payment for this insurance.

According to the Article 71 paragraph 5a of the Traffic Code in case when a vehicle is registered abroad and it is not clearly stated in the document that the driver has a right to use the vehicle,  the driver is obliged to have a document certifying that right. It is recommended to present a document in the form of a notarial act or other officially certified document. It is advisable to present a certified translation of this document.