It’s already clear that the government is unlikely to decide to standardize the date of winter holidays for the whole country, so families with school-age children with can plan vacations during previously announced periods.
The safest and easiest in terms of organization is to book accommodation in Poland, but that doesn’t mean that foreign trips should be avoided. You just have to reckon with the possible need for PCR tests before departure and upon return, and in some cases quarantine.
Winter holidays
is an opportunity for family vacations. This year, once again due to the coronavirus pandemic, this vacation is somewhat hampered. While those planning a vacation in Poland are unlikely to have to worry that the restrictions being put in place will thwart their plans, those who wanted to travel outside the country should keep a close eye on the global situation.
The next discovered variants of COVID-19 – Delta and Omikron, which it turns out can combine into a combination called Delmikron – are causing problems for travel to some countries. The persistently high number of infections makes it necessary to expect antigenic smear tests or RT-PCR, as well as quarantine either upon return or locally depending on current restrictions.
Winter holiday dates in 2024
Regarding the dates for the winter holidays in the 2023/2024 school year, until recently there was a risk that the government, due to the restrictions being implemented, would again decide to set a single date for the entire country. At the moment, however, there is no indication of this.
In accordance with the decrees of the Minister of Education and Sports of April 18, 2002 and August 11, 2017 on the organization of the school year, the Minister of Education has announced the following dates for the start and end of the winter holidays:
- from January 17 to 30, 2024, the holidays are in effect in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Lubuskie, Małopolskie, Świętokrzyskie and Wielkopolskie provinces
- from January 24 to February 6, 2024, holidays are in effect in Podlaskie and Warmian-Masurian provinces
- from January 31 to February 13, 2024, winter break is scheduled for the Lower Silesian, Mazovian, Opole and West Pomeranian provinces
- from February 14 to February 27, 2024, holidays are scheduled for the provinces of Lublin, Łódź, Podkarpacie, Pomerania and Silesia.
Winter holidays 2023/24
As holidays usually mean going skiing, the most popular destinations chosen by Poles for winter vacation so far have included Italy, Austria, France and Switzerland. Currently – as of 11.01.2024. – when entering Italy, it is required to present a covid passport and a negative test result for COVID-19. Italians accept both an antigen test performed up to 24 h before crossing the border into their country or a PCR test – up to 48 h. Anyone entering must additionally fill out a localization form. As for unvaccinated persons, they should additionally undergo a 5-day quarantine.
When entering Austria, fully vaccinated persons must present a negative PCR test conducted up to 72 h after crossing the border. Those who have taken a booster dose are exempt from this requirement. As for the quarantine, those fully vaccinated but without a booster dose who do not take a PCR test beforehand are automatically placed under quarantine. The quarantine is in effect until a negative result is obtained. Unvaccinated persons must undergo a 10-day quarantine in each case. Its earlier termination – after five days of arrival – is possible upon presentation of a negative test result.
Where can you take pre-departure tests?
You are welcome to visit our facilities. We perform both smear tests and antibody tests. We work not only Monday through Friday, but also on Saturdays, and in some locations also on Sundays and holidays.
Holiday travel vs. COVID vaccination
The cited examples of requirements for travel to Italy and Austria show the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for other European countries. Currently EU digital COVID vaccination certificate, the so-called covid passport, in most cases exempts you from quarantine and, in many places, from testing. For example, if you are entering Poland from countries in the European Union, Schengen zone or Turkey and have a valid covid passport, you do not have to quarantine.
For those traveling from other countries (outside the European Union, Turkey or the Schengen zone), a quarantine is required, which can only be completed after 8 days, provided you get a negative COVID test. In addition, those arriving from outside the Schengen zone must present a COVID-19 test taken within 24 h before crossing the border. This time is counted from the time of the test result. Vaccination in this case does not exempt you from this obligation.
Note: as restrictions and requirements for travelers are constantly changing, we recommend checking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for up-to-date information before departure.
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