Poland Travel Advice & Safety

Updated:14 October 2025 2025
Still Valid:Yes
Latest update:We continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions. The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) has started for all non-EU nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area. You’ll need to register at borders and have your fingerprint and photo taken. There may be longer border queues

We advise: Exercise normal safety precautions in Poland. 

Advice Levels

Level 1

Exercise normal safety precautions in Poland.

Full Advice

  • Do not cross into Ukraine from Poland. Special conditions may apply when entering Poland by road from Ukraine.
  • Recent drone activity in Polish airspace has resulted in temporary airspace closures and disruption to flight services. Monitor local media and follow local authorities.
  • Be careful of drink spiking. Keep an eye on your food and drink.
  • There have been reports of violence against LGBTQIA+ people. Avoid public displays of affection to avoid any possible confrontation or discrimination.  
  • Air pollution levels can be very high in winter. Get medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition.
  • Public hospitals are reasonable 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. Don’t assume you’re covered for medical costs if you’re a dual national. 
  • There are strict alcohol laws in Poland. There’s zero tolerance for drink driving. The blood alcohol limit is 0.02%. It’s illegal to drink or be drunk in public. You may be arrested or taken to a facility to sober up.
  • It’s illegal to take photos of some buildings. Look for signs on buildings that forbid photos and check with local authorities.
  • Poland doesn’t recognise dual nationality. This may limit the consular help we can provide. By Polish law, dual nationals must enter and exit Poland on their Polish passport.
  • Poland is part of the Schengen area, which means you can enter Poland without a visa in some cases. In other situations, you’ll need a visa.
  • The new European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering all non-EU nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, has started.
  • Temporary border checks have been in place at all German land entry borders. Temporary border checks at Poland’s borders with Lithuania are also in place.
  • Poland has reopened its land border with Belarus to road and rail traffic, but only in limited circumstances. Refer to Polish Border Guards guidance (in Polish) for more information.
  • You can’t enter Poland via land borders from Belarus or the Kaliningrad region of Russia, with limited exceptions.
  • Be cautious when traveling in areas close to the borders with Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. In some regions, access is restricted to within 2 kilometers of the border.
  • If you plan to drive in Poland, you must carry both your local/national driver’s licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Failing to have an IDP is considered a serious offence, and you may face fines or arrest.

Depending on what you need, contact your:

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

All emergencies

Call 112

Fire and rescue services

Call 101

Medical emergencies

Call 102

Police

Call 100

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.