Russian military strikes have taken place in Ukraine within 20km of the Polish border. Access to the border is restricted. See Safety and security.
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Poland set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Polish Embassy in the UK.
\n\nPoland follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must have:
\n\nhave a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area
\nan ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)
\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nIf you are a British-Polish dual national, you must enter and exit Poland using a Polish passport or Polish national identity card. There are regular cases of Polish border guards allowing dual nationals to enter on their British passport, but refusing exit on the British passport.
\n\nChildren born to Polish or British-Polish dual national parents in the UK are automatically granted Polish citizenship, regardless of the child’s place of birth. The requirement to exit Poland using Polish documentation will apply.
\n\nFind out how to apply for a Polish passport before travelling to Poland (in Polish). Check with the Polish Embassy in the UK if in doubt about your circumstances.
\n\nYou can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Poland, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:
\n\nThe requirements for working in Poland are different.
\n\nIf you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.
\n\nAt Polish border control, you may also need to:
\n\nTo stay longer, you must meet the Polish government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Polish Embassy in the UK.
\n\nIf you are in Poland with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
\n\nRead about entry processes if you live in Poland and read the Polish Border Guards guidance.
\n\nThe European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.
\n\nThis means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.
\n\nOn your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.
\n\nYou do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.
\n\nEES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.
\n\nIf you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.
\n\nYour digital EES record is valid for 3 years.
\n\nRead more information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area.
\n\nIf you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.
\n\nIf you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.
\nThe main border crossing points to enter Poland from Ukraine are listed on the Ukrainian government website. Prepare for potential long delays at border crossings.
\n\nAccess to within 15m of the Poland-Ukraine border is restricted. Observe this restriction at all times unless you’re at a designated border crossing point. Follow the instructions of Polish authorities if you are in this area.
\n\nIf you have arrived in Poland from Ukraine and are in need of assistance, call +48 22 311 0000 or +44 1908 516 666 and select the option for ‘consular services for British nationals’. You can also send an enquiry using the web contact form.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to Belarus. Poland temporarily closed the Poland-Belarus border including rail crossings from 12 to 24 September 2025. The border is open but certain border checkpoints are closed. Border checkpoints may close or have additional restrictions imposed at short notice and other disruption is possible.
\n\nAccess to parts of the Polish border with Belarus is restricted. The regulations, which came into force on 13 June 2024 was extended on 6 September 2025 for another 90 days, prohibits access to the border in specific areas controlled by the Polish Border Guard posts at Narewka, Białowieża, Dubicze Cerkiewne and Czeremcha. In some areas, access is restricted to within 200m of the border and in others to within 2km. See precise details of the restricted areas (in Polish).
\n\nYou should check the Polish Border Guards guidance (in Polish), observe these regulations at all times and follow the instructions of the Polish authorities if you are in these areas.
\n\nFrom 7 July 2025, Polish border guards will implement controls at the German and Lithuanian borders for entry into Poland. Border checkpoints may close or impose restrictions at short notice and other disruption is possible. Check the Polish Border Guards guidance (in Polish) and follow the instructions of the Polish authorities if you are in these areas.
\n\nThere are temporary border controls in place to travel into Germany. Check the entry requirements for Germany.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Poland. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nYou cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.
\n\nDeclare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"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.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Poland cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks 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.
\n\nSome Russian military strikes in Ukraine have hit within 20km of the Polish border.
\n\nIn 2022, there was an explosion in Przewodów near the Ukrainian border killing 2 Polish nationals. For the latest information, see Ukraine travel advice.
\n\nAccess to the land borders with Ukraine and Belarus are restricted. See Entry requirements.
\n\nPublic 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.
\n\nMost 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.
\n\nBe alert to street crime and petty theft. Criminals view foreigners as easy targets. Keep valuables and cash out of sight, especially:
\n\nTo reduce your personal risk:
\n\nUnofficial 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).
\n\nDo not use unofficial taxis. Official taxis will:
\n\nTaxis with a crest but no company name are not official.
\n\nVictims of spiked drinks have been robbed in bars and clubs. Be careful about taking drinks from strangers or leaving your drink unattended.
\n\nCheck 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.
\n\nAlways carry ID. A printed copy of the photo page of your passport is acceptable.
\n\nDual Polish-British nationals will be treated as a Polish national if arrested or detained by the Polish authorities.
\n\nIllegal 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.
\n\nAirports in Poland have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nIt is illegal to drink alcohol in public places. The police can arrest you and you could get a fine.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is legal, but Polish law does not recognise same-sex marriages and civil partnerships.
\n\nSmall 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.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nPolice can fine you if you are jaywalking – ignoring pedestrian crossings or signals.
\n\nAvoid 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.
\n\nWalkers 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).
\n\nValidate 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.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nWhen driving, always bring your:
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nCheck if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.
\n\nIf you are visiting Poland, you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.
\n\nHire 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.
\n\nIf you want to drive for longer than 6 months, see driving requirements for residents.
\n\nRoadworks 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.
\n\nMinor 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.
\n\nYou must pay road tolls on some stretches of motorways, expressways and national roads. See the toll operator website for details.
\n\nIn September 2025, drone incursions caused the temporary closure of Poland’s airports.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nTelephone 112 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Poland, including biting insects and ticks.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nPublic medical facilities in Poland are similar to those in the UK. Private medical facilities are less expensive than the UK.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Poland where some staff will speak English.
\n\nTo get medically necessary state healthcare in Poland, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
\n\nThe NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:
\n\nA GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
\n\nThere is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Poland.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 999
\n\nFire: 998
\n\nPolice: 997
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Poland on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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