Poland’s Security Threat Level Increase

The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw alerts U.S. citizens that on June 27, 2012, the Polish Prime Minister raised Poland’s security threat level from zero (0) to one (1), the second-lowest level in Poland’s terrorism threat system.  The Prime Minister cited the discovery of a raft on the Ukrainian border containing explosives and related articles as the reason for the increase in threat level.  Polish security forces continue to investigate the incident.  The Polish government announced that it will take precautionary measures to heighten security, particularly around the National Stadium and EURO 2012 Fan Zone in Warsaw.

According to the Polish government’s antiterrorism website, terrorist threat level one (1) means that the government has acquired information about the possibility of a terrorist incident or other event, but the nature and extent of the event are difficult to predict.

U.S. citizens should remain vigilant regarding potential security situations.  Polish law enforcement authorities have implemented a large number of security measures for fans to safely attend and enjoy the remainder of activities for the EURO 2012 Championship. As security precautions for any mass event, spectators should be familiar with the location of the nearest emergency exits and exit routes, and should follow the instructions of local security personnel.  For those attending with friends and/or family members, it is best to establish in advance an agreed-upon location where you can all meet safely should you become separated.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens and nationals traveling to or residing in Poland enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  Enrollment gives you access to updated information about areas abroad and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to reach you or your designated contact in case of an emergency.

You can get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where you can find the Worldwide Caution and current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.  If you don't have Internet access, you can call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  You can follow us on Twitter and Facebook as well.  You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.

The U.S Embassy in Warsaw is located at Al. Ujazdowskie 29/31 (tel. +48-22-504-2000) and is open to the public by appointment Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., excluding Polish and American holidays and one working Friday of each month.  You may also schedule appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  In the event of an emergency, you may contact the Embassy duty officer after hours at tel. +48-22-504-2000.  

If you have an emergency in Warsaw related to EURO 2012, please call our special after-hours consular EURO 2012 duty line at 602-428-714.

U.S. Consulate General Kraków is located at Ulica Stolarska 9, 31-043 Kraków (tel. +48 12 424-5100) and is open to the public from 8:30 a.m.– 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Polish and American holidays. Routine services are available by appointment only.  In the event of an emergency, you may contact the Consulate duty after hours at (48) 601-483-348.