Briefing d'orientation en Pologne

Poland's history as a state began near the middle of the 10th century. By the mid-16th century, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth ruled a vast tract of land in Central and Eastern Europe. During the 18th century, internal disorder weakened the nation, and in a series of agreements between 1772 and 1795, Russia, Prussia, and Austria partitioned Poland among themselves. Poland regained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite state following the war. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union Solidarity that over time became a political force with over 10 million members. Free elections in 1989 and 1990 won Solidarity control of the parliament and the presidency, bringing the communist era to a close. A "shock therapy" program during the early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most robust in Central Europe. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004.

Public demonstrations are common. Marches and gatherings are mostly peaceful and well-policed, but take extra care in crowded places. Demonstrations, marches and gatherings can attract violence. Monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Ukraine-Poland border

Russian military strikes have taken place in Ukraine within 20km of the Polish border. Access to the border is restricted. See Safety and security.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.     

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Poland

Terrorist attacks in Poland cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Russian invasion of Ukraine

Some Russian military strikes in Ukraine have hit within 20km of the Polish border.   

In 2022, there was an explosion in Przewodów near the Ukrainian border killing 2 Polish nationals. For the latest information, see Ukraine travel advice.  

Access to the land borders with Ukraine and Belarus are restricted. See Entry requirements.

Political situation and demonstrations

Public demonstrations are common. Marches and gatherings are mostly peaceful and well-policed, but take extra care in crowded places. Demonstrations, marches and gatherings can attract violence. Monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Crime

Racially-motivated attacks   

Most visitors do not experience any difficulties. Serious crime against foreigners is rare, but crimes do occur and in some cases attacks have been racially motivated.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Be alert to street crime and petty theft. Criminals view foreigners as easy targets. Keep valuables and cash out of sight, especially:

• in crowded areas
• in tourist spots
• at main rail stations and on all train services and overnight sleeper trains

To reduce your personal risk:

• avoid walking in isolated areas alone, especially at night
• take care after withdrawing cash

Unofficial taxi drivers

Unofficial taxi drivers often overcharge. Passengers have been attacked, including sexual assaults, in unofficial taxis and cars booked using ride share apps. See further advice from the Polish police (in Polish).

Do not use unofficial taxis. Official taxis will:

• have the name and telephone number of the taxi company on the door and top of the taxi
• show a rate card on the window of the vehicle

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

Drink spiking and alcohol

Victims of spiked drinks have been robbed in bars and clubs. Be careful about taking drinks from strangers or leaving your drink unattended.

Check your bill carefully when buying drinks in bars and nightclubs. Alcohol can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. Visitors have been overcharged when paying for drinks at the end of the night by debit or credit card.      

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry ID. A printed copy of the photo page of your passport is acceptable.

Dual nationals

Dual Polish-British nationals will be treated as a Polish national if arrested or detained by the Polish authorities.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Poland have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Alcohol laws

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places. The police can arrest you and you could get a fine.

If you are drunk in a public place, the police can take you to a clinic to be medically assessed. You must stay there until you are sober, including overnight, and pay for your stay.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but Polish law does not recognise same-sex marriages and civil partnerships.

Small towns and rural areas can be less tolerant towards LGBT+ travellers. There are LGBT+friendly restaurants, clubs and bars in many towns and cities including Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Poznan, Gdansk and Sopot.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Jaywalking

Police can fine you if you are jaywalking – ignoring pedestrian crossings or signals.

Photography and personal drones

Avoid taking photographs and flying personal drones near military or other security installations and any buildings or items of national infrastructure, including some border areas. You must comply with signs prohibiting photography and personal drone use and follow the Polish Civil Aviation Authority’s rules to fly a personal drone.

Transport risks

Reflective clothing

Walkers and cyclists must wear a reflective item at night in non built-up areas. The authorities may hold you responsible if you are involved in an accident and not wearing a reflective item. If police stop you without a reflective item, you could get a fine of 100 Polish zloty (around £20).

Public transport

Validate your public transport ticket at the start of the journey. You will get a fine if inspectors find you travelling on an invalid or unvalidated ticket.

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Poland, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Poland guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Poland for up to 6 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. 

When driving, always bring your:

• driving licence
• ID
• car registration document
• insurance documents

You will need to show these if you are stopped by the police or if you cross non-Schengen borders. If you do not have them, the police may take your vehicle and charge fees.

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

If you are visiting Poland, you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP. Most car rental companies will not allow you to take a hire car across the Poland-Ukraine border.

If you want to drive for longer than 6 months, see driving requirements for residents. 

Road conditions

Roadworks are frequent, particularly in summer, as the road network is repaired and upgraded. The major roads are heavily used by transport vehicles as Poland is a major east-west transit route.

Minor roads and even some main roads between major towns and cities can be narrow and poorly surfaced. Driving after dark on these roads is difficult.

Tolls

You must pay road tolls on some stretches of motorways, expressways and national roads. See the toll operator website for details.

Air Travel

In September 2025, drone incursions caused the temporary closure of Poland’s airports.

Extreme weather and natural disasters   

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

You may receive alerts on your mobile phone from the Polish government in the event of extreme weather, a natural disaster or other emergency. These are in Polish and English, and you should follow the authorities’ instructions. You can find out information about the text message alert system here and about the Government Centre for Security.  

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Telephone 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Poland
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Poland, including biting insects and ticks.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Poland

Public medical facilities in Poland are similar to those in the UK. Private medical facilities are less expensive than the UK.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Poland where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Poland, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). 

The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Poland.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.