COVID-19 Vaccine Needed for Americans Fleeing Ukraine Into Poland: State Department

A flag waves in the wind at the U.S. embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Jan. 24, 2022. (Gleb Garanich/Reuters)

The U.S. State Department said U.S. citizens who are trying to flee Ukraine into Poland amid escalating tensions with Russia have to present proof they’ve been vaccinated for COVID-19.

“Poland has indicated to the U.S. government that U.S. citizens may now enter Poland through the land border with Ukraine. No advanced approval is required,” said the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine’s website on Feb 12.

“We encourage those traveling into Poland by land from Ukraine to cross at the Korczowa-Krakovets or Medyka-Shehyni border crossings. U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Travelers are also encouraged to present a negative test result from a PCR or antigen COVID-19 test, which will facilitate entry into Poland,” the Embassy said. It’s not clear what may happen if an American citizen cannot provide proof of vaccination.

In order to enter Ukraine, the country has for months required travelers to show proof of vaccination for COVID-19, the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, or they have to show a negative PCR or rapid antigen test taken within three days, or a certificate of recovery from the virus.

The Embassy statement comes amid escalating rhetoric around whether Russia will invade Ukraine. While Russian officials have denied White House allegations, top Biden administration officials have said that Moscow is planning to attack its neighbor in the coming days.

On Sunday, President Joe Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and a day before that, he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Over the weekend, Zelensky urged calm and demanded evidence from the United States while playing down warnings.

“There has been too much information about a full-scale war with Russia—even specific dates have been announced. We understand there are risks. If you have any additional information regarding the 100 percent guaranteed invasion of Ukraine by Russia on 16 February, please give it to us,” Zelensky told reporters on Saturday.

The United States largely has not made public the evidence it says is underlying its most specific warnings on possible Russian planning or timing.

“We’re not going to give Russia the opportunity to conduct a surprise here, to spring something on Ukraine or the world,” Jake Sullivan, the U.S. national security adviser, told CNN on Sunday, about the intelligence warnings. “We are going to make sure that we are laying out for the world what we see as transparently and plainly as we possibly can,” he added.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.