Poland

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The security situation continues to be volatile. Exercise caution while travelling in the regions bordering Ukraine. 

Do not travel from Poland to Ukraine. There's a risk to life.

Australian citizens can enter Poland from Ukraine by road, train or foot. Vehicles are subject to ownership and registration checks. There may be delays at border crossings. You can check border wait times at the State Customs Service of Ukraine website.

If you're at the border and need consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Warsaw on (+48 22) 521 3444.

You must have a valid Australian passport when crossing the border into Poland. You'll be subject to a passport and security check. 

More information:

• Ukraine travel advice.

Violent crime is rare in Poland, but petty crime is common.

Petty crime

Muggings, carjackings and theft from vehicles happen in large cities, including Warsaw.

Take care in the tourist areas of large cities. Pickpocketing is common. Thieves often work in small groups.

Watch your belongings:

• near hotels
• at markets
• at ATMs and currency exchange bureaus
• on public transport, including trams and trains

Regularly check your bank card statement. Report any suspicious items to your bank.

Crime and public transport

Thieves target central railway stations at:

• Gdansk
• Gdynia
• Sopot
• Warsaw
• Krakow

Thieves can target passengers on:

• long-distance trains and buses
• public transport between the airport and central Warsaw

 Taxis

Only use official, registered taxi companies. Unregulated taxi drivers operate in Poland. There have been reports of attacks against passengers, including sexual assaults, in unregulated taxis and cars booked using ride-sharing apps.

Drinking in bars and nightclubs

Ask the price of drinks before you order in bars and nightclubs, particularly those that lure you in with special deals. Check the bill amount and currency carefully. 

Be careful of drink spiking and theft. To stay safe:

• never leave drinks or food unattended
• don't accept drinks from people you don't know well
• appoint someone who is not drinking, and watch out for your mates.

Scams

There's an increasing number of reports where travellers are scammed with drink spiking and credit card overcharging in venues frequented by tourists, particularly those that entice you in with special deals. People have been lured in and overcharged for drinks on credit cards while under the influence.

If you're a victim, report the incident to the police, and contact your bank immediately.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Avoid public demonstrations as they may turn violent.

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events can draw large groups of people. Avoid protests and large public gatherings, as they may turn violent. Monitor local media and follow instructions of local authorities.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Poland, they can still happen.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorists have attacked some European cities.

More information:

• Terrorism

Poland can experience very low winter temperatures. Snow and ice can be dangerous. 

In the cities, roads are quickly cleared of snow, but black ice is hazardous.

Snow can block highways and roads in rural areas for extended periods.

Heavy snowfalls can disrupt train travel.

Severe flooding can occur in Poland, particularly in spring. If there's flooding or severe weather:

• ​​​​follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media and other local information sources

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Same-sex relationships are legal but the social acceptance of LGBTI people is not as widespread as in Australia. Individuals have sometimes been harassed. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention.  

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Poland. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating: 

• what the medication is 
• your required dosage 
• that it's for personal use 

More information:

• Medication

Tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk.

Ticks are common in both urban and country areas. They're active year-round, especially from spring to autumn.

Regularly check your body for ticks during and after visits to parks, gardens and forest areas.

If a tick bites you:

• remove it from your body as soon as possible
• make sure you remove the whole tick
• monitor the site for any signs of infection

More information:

• Tick bite prevention (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Measles

Measles cases can routinely occur in Poland, with the country currently experiencing increased measles activity. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.

More information:

• Measles Outbreaks 2019 (Department of Health and Aged Care)
• Measles immunisation service (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Air pollution

Air pollution levels can be very high.

Get medical advice if you have a pre-existing heart or lung condition.

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a risk in Poland. If you have symptoms of respiratory illness or a fever, seek medical advice from the National Health Fund 24-hour info line: (+48) 800 190 590 and press 6 for English. If it's an emergency, call 112.

More information:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health and Aged Care)
• COVID-19 (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control)

Influenza

H1NI (swine flu) (World Health Organization) has been reported. Get the annual seasonal flu shot to lower your risk.

More information:

• Infectious diseases 

Medical facilities

Public hospitals are of a reasonable standard in large cities. Services are limited in rural and border regions.

Most doctors and hospitals will need payment up-front or evidence of medical insurance before treating you, even in an emergency. Don't presume you're covered for medical costs if you're a dual citizen. Check with the Polish Social Insurance (ZUS).

If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need medical evacuation to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Local law

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include mandatory prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Drinking laws

There are strict alcohol laws in Poland. They are stricter than in Australia.

There's zero tolerance for drink driving. The blood alcohol limit is 0.02%.

If you drink and drive, you face up to two years in jail. Drink drivers involved in accidents face up to eight years in jail.

It's illegal to be drunk in public. You may be arrested or taken to a facility to sober up. Expect to pay for the cost of your stay.

Drinking alcohol in public places is illegal, including in parks and picnic areas.

Surrogacy 

Poland has no specific surrogacy laws in place. Seek independent legal advice. 

The Australian Embassy can't provide:

• legal advice about surrogacy
• information on clinics

More information:

• Going overseas for international surrogacy
• Going overseas to adopt a child

Other laws

It's illegal to take photos of some buildings.

Look for signs on buildings that forbid photos. If you're not sure, check with local authorities.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Poland doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

By law, Australian-Polish dual nationals must enter and exit Poland using their Polish passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visas

Visas

Poland is a part of the Schengen area. This means you can enter Poland without a visa in some cases.

In other situations, such as working, studying or staying long-term, you'll need a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Poland for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border measures

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, you can’t enter Poland via the land borders from Belarus and Russia (Kaliningrad).

Accommodation registration

If you're staying in private accommodation, you must register with the local registration office.

You'll need proof of registration if you apply for a visa extension.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTI travellers 

The currency of Poland is the Zloty (PLN).

You can easily change all major currencies.

If you're travelling between Poland and any non-EU country, declare currency equivalent to 10,000 euro or more. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

If you don't declare currency or give incorrect information, you'll be fined.

You should check with local authorities in the countries you are leaving, entering or passing through whether you must declare higher amounts of currency.

Carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen area. Be prepared to show your passport to authorities at any time, so ensure it is accessible.

If you travel by road or train, allow extra time for disruptions or delays.

Border with Belarus and Russia (Kaliningrad)

Do not cross into Belarus or Russia from Poland.

If, despite our advice, you travel by road to Belarus, you will require a visa. Rules regarding visa requirements differ for air travel. Read the travel advice for Belarus and Russia.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, you can't enter Poland via the land borders from Belarus or Russia (Kaliningrad).

Border with Ukraine

Do not travel from Poland to Ukraine.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. Heavy fighting is occurring in parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Missile strikes and attacks are ongoing in some locations across the country, including in major cities. Exercise caution while travelling in the regions bordering Ukraine. The security situation continues to be volatile. There's a risk to life.

If, despite our advice, you travel by road to Poland, you may face additional security measures when crossing from Ukraine into Poland. See 'Safety - Border with Ukraine' and the Ukraine travel advice for more information.

Driving permit

You can drive in Poland for six months if you have both:

• an International Driving Permit (IDP), and
• a valid Australian driver's licence

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

You must get a Polish licence if you want to drive for longer than 6 months. Ensure your driver's licence is in date.

Road travel

There is a high rate of motor vehicle accidents in Poland.

Drink driving is a major cause of road accidents. Stay below the legal blood alcohol limit of 0.02%.

Hazards for drivers and pedestrians include:

• driving at high speed
• pedestrians looking in the wrong direction at crossings due to cars driven on the right-hand side in Europe
• be aware that when turning with a green arrow, pedestrians also have a green crossing light and have the right of way
• poor roads, especially outside major cities
• poor street lighting
• high volumes of traffic, particularly trucks

Many highways are not dual-carriageway or are under construction. Overtaking lanes are rare. 

Severe weather in winter can make driving more dangerous. Some roads are closed in winter.

If you drive in winter in mountain or rural areas:

• use winter tyres
• carry chains

By law, you must always have your headlights on when driving.

Children shorter than 150cm must use a safety seat. Check with your car rental company or the police.

Poland's road rules are different from Australia's. Know the rules to avoid fines and insurance issues.

Check the vehicle rental company rules before hiring a car or motorbike. You must meet Polish and Australian vehicle operating and licence laws (e.g. hold the appropriate licence for the vehicle you drive).

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis

Only use official taxis. They have the name and number of the taxi company on the door and top of the taxi, next to the light. They will also show a rate card on the window of the vehicle.

Taxis with a crest but no company name are not official taxis.

Unregulated taxis often overcharge passengers. There have been reports of attacks against passengers, including sexual assaults, in both regulated taxis and cars booked using ride-sharing apps.

Pre-book taxis using a reputable taxi company or an English-speaking app like iTaxi or Free Now.

You can also ask staff at hotels, hostels or tourist areas to book you an official taxi.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Poland's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 997.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

If you need consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Warsaw.

Australian Embassy, Warsaw

Rondo ONZ 1
8th floor
00-124 Warsaw, Poland
Phone: (+48 22) 521 3444
Fax: (+48 22) 627 3500
Website: poland.embassy.gov.au
Email: ambasada.australia@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Poland, Czech Republic and Lithuania
Twitter: @AusAmbPoland

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia