Poland Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

A passport valid for at least six months after arrival is needed for those who require a visa. Visa exempt nationals must have a passport valid for period of intended stay (other than EEA nationals). The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all.

Americans

US nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for period of intended stay.

UK Nationals

UK nationals with a passport endorsed British Citizen do not require a visa. If their passport is endorsed British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen or British Subject with the right of abode in the UK a visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days. Other passport holders require a visa.

Canadians

Canadian nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for period of intended stay.

Australians

Australians require a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay to enter Poland and may stay for up to 90 days without a visa.

South Africans

South African passport holders require a visa for travel to Poland. Passports must be valid for at least six months after arrival.

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals require a passport, but no visa is necessary.

New Zealanders

New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay. A visa is not needed for up to 90 days.

Healthcare

There are few health risks associated with travel to Poland. Those visiting forested areas are advised to seek medical advice about inoculations for tick borne encephalitis, and tick bite prevention measures due to the presence of Lyme disease. Bird flu was first discovered in northern Poland in March 2006; there is little risk to travelers, but close contact with live birds should be avoided and all egg and poultry dishes well cooked as a precaution. It is safest to drink bottled water to avoid stomach upsets. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to low-cost emergency medical treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but full health insurance cover is still advised. Medical facilities and standards of health care are good, but not many nurses or doctors speak English.

Safety

Tourists should be alert to the risk of robbery in tourist areas in large cities in Poland, particularly in the vicinity of hotels, markets and banks. Vigilance against theft should also be exercised at central railway stations, as well as on overnight long distance trains, and when traveling on public transport between Warsaw's Frederic Chopin Airport and central Warsaw. Avoid walking alone at night. Tourist sites, areas near big hotels, money exchange facilities and ATMs are popular with thieves.