Poland Travel Guide:

       Travel Information

Poland: Add-on Destination (two of four globes)

Poland a stable, free-market democracy, joined the European Union in May 2004. Tourist facilities are not highly developed in all areas, and some services taken for granted in other European countries may not be available in some parts of Poland, especially in rural areas.

1. Poland's cities were devastated during World War II and the country's post war recovery was slowed by communist domination of the government.  Poland's countryside is idyllic, while its urban landscapes are a combination of rebuilt old towns and a mixture of functional but not quite stylistic architecture. We recommend that you focus your visit on urban Poland and consider visiting the principal cities in combination with a trip to another country.



2. Unless you have a good command of the Polish language, we recommend that you visit Poland as a part of a tour arranged by a reputable company.  (Read our article on How to evaluate tour operators.)



3. ThereArePlaces recommended travel destinations  for Poland are located at Poland: Best Places To Visit.



4. Additional information on travel to Poland can be found at the country's official tourism website www.polandtour.org .



5. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

Poland is generally a safe place for travelers.

1. The countries of the former Soviet Union do not provide health care and prevention systems that meet western standards.  Read our article on Health issues in Russia and Eastern European Countries for information on health risks and strategies for prevention.  Traveling in Russia or Eastern Europe without practicing the preventions described in this article is not recommended.  Check with the CDC for updates before you travel.
   

2. No specific travel warnings are in effect at this time.  Before you depart, always check with the Department of State   insure that this conditions have not changed.  In addition, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office  of the British Government provides excellent travel advisories.



3. The State Department's Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-202-501-4444 .



4. When visiting a foreign country, avoid public demonstrations (whatever the cause) and do not broadcast either your public opinions or your nationality.



5. If you have an emergency in Poland  call 112. 112 is a European Economic Community initiative to provide a one telephone number contact for ambulance services, the police, the fire service, air and sea rescue and other emergency services available within a specific country (such as mountain patrol). The 112 telephone number is designed for use in emergency situations but is reported to be unreliable in Poland.  Instead, dial 997 for police, 998 to report a fire, or 999 to summon an ambulance.



6. The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw is located at Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31. The Consular Section entrance is located around the corner at Ulica Piekna 12. The Embassy's telephone number is (48)(22) 504-2000. This number can be called 24 hours/day: for emergencies after business hours, press "0."
   •  The Embassy's fax number is (48)(22) 504-2688 and the fax number for the Consular Section is (48)(22) 627-4734 (consular fax only checked during normal business hours). 
     • The Embassy's website is at http://poland.usembassy.gov. 
   • The U.S. Consulate General in Krakow is located at Ulica Stolarska 9. 
     • The Consulate General's telephone number is (48)(12) 424-5100; fax (48)(12) 424-5103; after-hours cellular phone (for emergencies only) 601-483-348.
   • A Consular Agency providing limited consular services in Poznan is located at Ulica Paderewskiego 7. The Consular Agency's telephone number is (48)(61) 851-8516; fax (48)(61) 851-8966.
   • See our article on how U.S. Counsels can help Americans abroad.
     
   
   
   
7. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

A valid passport is required for travel in Poland. Be sure to check your passport's validity: Poland will not admit you if your passport is expired. U.S. citizens do not need visas for stays up to 90 days for tourist, business, or transit purposes (that period begins when entering any of the following countries which are parties to the Schengen agreement: Austria, Belgium,  the 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).

. Be sure your passport is date-stamped upon entry.

If you do not have a passport, see our article on the Ins and Outs of Passports.  Other important travel documents, including visas are covered in our Information Guide on Passport, Visas, Customs.

Polish immigration officials may ask travelers for proof of sufficient financial resources to cover their proposed stay in Poland.

• The general rule-of-thumb is 100 zlotys per day.
• Citizens of non-EU countries, including the United States, should carry proof of adequate medical insurance in case of an accident or hospitalization while in Poland.
• Polish immigration officials may ask for documentation of such insurance or proof of sufficient financial resources (at least 400 zlotys per day) to cover such costs.
• Those who lack insurance or access to adequate financial resources may be denied admission to Poland.
• Medicare does not cover health costs incurred while abroad.

For further information on entry requirements, please contact the consular section of Embassy of the Republic of Poland at 2224 Wyoming Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 232-4517 or (202) 232-4528, or the Polish consulates in Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York. The Polish Embassy can also be contacted via its website at http://www.polandembassy.org .

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parents or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure

In addition to being subject to all Polish laws affecting U.S. citizens, individuals who also possess the nationality of Poland may be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on citizens of that country.

Poland requires Polish citizens (including American citizens who are or can be claimed as Polish citizens) to enter and depart Poland using a Polish passport. Americans who are also Polish citizens or who are unsure if they hold Polish citizenship should contact the nearest Polish consular office for further information.

IIn some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection abroad. For additional information, please see the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at  http://travel.state.gov for an explanation of dual nationality issues. 

U.S. citizens who are also citizens of  any other nation are reminded that U.S. law requires they enter and depart the United States documented as U.S. citizens.

Before you travel, read our articles on Pickpockets, Con Artists, and ATM safety in the ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Personal Safety for travelers. 

Be alert and avoid the situations described below.

Warsaw, Krakow, and other major cities have higher rates of crime against residents and foreign visitors than other areas. The tri-cities area of Gdynia, Sopot, and Gdansk are considered more dangerous areas for tourist than other sections of the country.

• Organized groups of thieves and pickpockets operate at major tourist destinations, in train stations, and on trains, trams and buses in major cities.
• Thefts have occurred on overnight trains.
• Most pick pocketing on trains occurs during boarding; in the most common scenario, a group of well-dressed young men will surround a passenger in the narrow aisle of the train, jostling/pick pocketing him or her as they supposedly attempt to get around the passenger.
• Keep you eye on your cell phone, they are considered prized items by pickpockets in Poland.
•  Beware of taxi drivers who approach you at the airport or who do not display telephone numbers and a company name: these drivers usually charge exorbitant rates.
  • Order your taxi by telephone and, at the airport, use only taxis in the designated taxi ranks.
• Car thefts, theft from cars and carjackings are declining.
  • Drivers should be wary of people indicating they should pull over or that something is wrong with their cars. .
    • Often, this is a tactic used by carjackers. When such drivers pull over to see if there is a problem, they may find themselves suddenly surrounded by thieves from a second vehicle.
    • If you encounter someone indicating that there is trouble with your car and the problem is not apparent,  continue driving until you find a safe spot (a crowded gas station, supermarket, or even police station) to inspect your vehicle.
    • Drivers should never get out of the car to check for damage without first turning off the car and removing the keys from the ignition.
  • There also has been an increasing incidence of thieves opening or breaking passenger-side doors and windows in slow or stopped traffic to take purses or briefcases left on the seat beside the driver. Those traveling by car should remember to keep windows closed and doors locked.
• Racially motivated verbal and occasionally physical harassment of Americans and other foreigners of non-Caucasian ethnicity, particularly those of Asian or African descent, does occur.
  • Most of the incidents that have occurred were perpetrated by groups of young males generally identified as skinheads.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of any crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members of friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution for the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney

2. Within cities, taxis are available at major hotels and designated stands or may be ordered in advance. Some drivers accept credit cards and/or speak English.

• Travelers should be wary of hailing taxis on the street, especially those that do not have a telephone number displayed, because these may not have meters, and many of them charge more.
• Do not accept assistance from "taxi drivers" who approach you in the arrivals terminal or outside the doors at Warsaw Airport. Travelers availing themselves of these "services" often find themselves charged significantly more than the usual fare. Use only taxis at designated airport taxi ranks.

3. ThereArePlaces makes every attempt to ensure that the travel information we present to you is current. Before you depart, be sure to check with official government sources to determine the status of critical information relating to a particular county.

While driving in Poland, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. 

The information below concerning Poland is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in every particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Fair

The U.S. driver's license must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (obtainable in the U.S. from American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance). International Driving Permits are not available in Poland and must be obtained in the U.S. prior to departure.

Roadside services, while not at Western levels, are rapidly improving.

• Polski Zwiazek Motorowy Auto-Tour has multilingual operators and provides assistance countrywide; they can be reached by calling 981 or 9637.

The police emergency number is 997, fire service is 998, and ambulance service is 999. Mobile phone users can dial 112 for roadside assistance.

Seat belts are compulsory in both the front and back seats, and children under the age of 10 are prohibited from riding in the front seat. Headlights must be used at all times, day and night.

Use of cellular phones while driving is prohibited, except for “hands-free” models.   The fine for violating laws against the use of mobile phone while driving is significant.  If you need to use your mobile phone while on the road, stop your car in a designated parking area and place your call.

The number of cars on the road in Poland has increased substantially. Driving, especially after dark, is hazardous.

• Roads are generally narrow, badly lit, frequently under repair (especially in the summer months), and are often also used by pedestrians, cyclists and animals.
• The Ministry of Transportation has a program called ``Black Spot" (Czarny Punkt), which puts signs in places where the number of accidents and casualties are particularly high. These signs have a black spot on a yellow background, and the road area around the ``black spot" is marked with red diagonal lines.
• Alcohol consumption is frequently a contributing factor in accidents. Polish laws provide virtually zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol, and penalties for drunk driving (defined as a blood alcohol level of 0.05 or higher) include a fine and probation or imprisonment for up to two years.
  • ThereArePlaces recommends that you do not drink and drive.  In most foreign countries, especially in Europe and the UK, the maximum permitted blood alcohol levels are lower than those enforced in the United States. Penalties and punishments are significant. See our article on drinking and driving in foreign countries for more information.
• Penalties for drivers involved in accidents can be severe. If an accident results in injury or death, the penalty can be imprisonment from six months up to eight years.

Tourists driving rented vehicles should pay close attention to the provisions of their rental contracts.  Failure to do so could result in fines or confiscation of the car during your travels.  Make sure that you are familiar with the terms, restrictions and costs related to your car rental (see our article on Rental Car Costs). Many contracts prohibit drivers from taking rented vehicles into eastern European countries. Drivers attempting to enter countries listed as “prohibited” on the car rental contract may be arrested, fined, and/or charged with attempted auto theft.

Speed Limits in Poland:

1. Built-up areas - 60 km/h (or as posted)
2. Outside Built up areas (including  dual carriageways) - 90 km/h
3. Motorways - 130 km/h

Our information on speed limits is as current as possible. Always confirm the speed limits with your rental car agent and observe the posted speeds limits whenever and wherever you drive.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html .

For information about Polish driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Polish National Tourist Organization Office in New York by telephone at (212) 338-9412, by fax at (212) 338-9283 or via its web site at http://www.polandtour.org .

Adequate medical care is available in Poland but hospital facilities and nursing support are not comparable to American standards.  Medicare does not cover Americans in Poland.

• Physicians are generally well trained but specific emergency services may be lacking in certain regions, especially in Poland’s small towns and rural areas.
• Younger doctors generally speak English, though nursing staff often does not.
• Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Polish immigration law requires travelers either to carry adequate medical insurance in case of accident or hospitalization while in Poland or to be able to document access to sufficient financial resources (at least 400 zlotys per day) to cover such medical emergencies. Failure to carry insurance or the inability to provide documentation of sufficient financial resources if requested may result in a traveler being denied admission to Poland.

We strongly urge you to consult your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, you should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing medical service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your departure, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.

Your existing medical insurance carrier may cover "customary and reasonable" medical care while you are abroad. Usually, if reimbursement is provided, it is paid at a reduced rate (due to the use of an "out of system" provider). Check with your insurance carrier before you depart to determine the type and amount of coverage that may be provided. If coverage is provided, be sure to ask how claims should be filed and ask them to send some claim forms, in case you require any medical treatment while on vacation.

Read our article on  travel insurance to learn the factors that you should consider before you purchase or decline to purchase a travel related insurance policy.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure                         “Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,” available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.  ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Health contains valuable health related advice for the traveler considering a trip abroad.