Poland

Polandhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/polandPolandhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-europe/poland/alertsWhat are the issues affecting travelers in Poland? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.2022-03-08T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/poland/alertshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>How is the Russian invasion of Ukraine affecting Poland?</h2> <p><span>March 2022: The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. You should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Poland.<span> According to <a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/poland">gov.uk</a>, f<span>rom 2 March 2022, Poland has extended a law limiting access until 30 June 2022 to areas within 3km of the Belarusian border in parts of Podlaskie and Lubelskie Voivodeships.</span></span></span></p> <h2></h2>Getty Images / Sergio Amiti 11075708034 Getty Images Polish flag hanging in front of historic buildings.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-europe/poland/red-tape-in-polandPoland has a few necessary entry requirements and local laws to be aware of. Here's everything you need to know before you go.2019-09-06T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/poland/red-tape-in-polandhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Call it a hangover from the days when the iron curtain fell across Europe, but many people still think of Poland as a dark, soviet-style place. However, <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-europe/poland/polands-poor-driver-record" target="_blank" title="Road Safety in Poland">Poland</a> has come a long way since 1989 and the fall of the Soviet states, and while Poland is a modern nation and a member of the EU, there are still a few remnants of the "old ways" to catch unwary travelers.</p> <p>Here are a few things you need to know before you go and while you're there.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#visas"> Visas and Entry Requirements for Poland </a></li> <li><a href="#art"> Tips for Artists or Taking Polish Art Out of the Country </a></li> <li><a href="#arrive"> What to Do When You Arrive in Poland </a></li> <li><a href="#alcohol"> It's Illegal to Drink Alcohol in Public </a></li> <li><a href="#podcast"> Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: Poland </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="visas">1. Visas and Entry Requirements for Poland</h2> <p>Poland is a European Union member and a party to the Schengen Convention. If you're from the US, Canada or Australia, you can enter Poland without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. If you're from a country in the EU, you do not need visa. To be sure, <a href="https://www.msz.gov.pl/en/travel_to_poland/entering_poland/visa_free/visa_free_countries" target="_blank" title="Visa-free countries">check this list of countries who do not require a visa before entering Poland</a>.</p> <p>Make sure your passport has minimum six months validity, otherwise you'll be turned away at the border. Always travel with sufficient funds to keep you traveling and pay for your return plane ticket.</p> <p>It's also compulsory to carry proof of <a href="/travel-insurance/" target="_blank" title="Get a Travel Insurance Quote from World Nomads">medical insurance</a> to cover the cost of any emergency treatment or hospitalisation in Poland.</p> <p>If you're traveling around within the EU you can bring in as much alcohol and tobacco as you can carry, as long as it's for personal use. It gets difficult if you're bringing those things in from outside the EU, and customs officers are sticklers for the rules.</p> <p>You'll have similar problems if you're carrying the equivalent (in any currency) of 10,000 Euros in cash (or a traveler's check, which are only accepted by the main banks and hotels if you are still using them). If you're lucky enough to be traveling with this kind of cash, make sure you declare it on the way in, or it won't be leaving with you. This rule is also applicable across all European countries.</p> <p>If traveling from outside the EU and arriving in Poland as your first European stop, make sure you get your passport stamped. Otherwise customs officials in other EU countries will be wondering how you got into Europe.</p> <h2 id="art">2. Taking Polish Art Out of Poland</h2> <p>Polish art and artists are not well known outside Poland, but there's a rich tradition that the authorities guard jealously.</p> <p>You'll need permits to take out artworks created before 1955. Art created after 1955 could still be banned from export, especially if the artist has died. Best to check with the Provincial Conservator of Relics about any piece you take a fancy to.</p> <p>If you're bringing in artwork, even for an exhibition, declare it, because they might hang on to that too.</p> <h2 id="arrive">3. What to Do When You Arrive in Poland</h2> <p>In all <a href="/stories/fear/oh-olsztyn" target="_blank" title="Travel Stories in Poland">major cities in Poland</a> – Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Wroclaw – there are designated taxi stands at the airports. Use them and avoid the "taxi drivers" who approach you outside the terminal, you'll end up paying significantly more for your trip into the city. Official taxi drivers will always run a meter in their vehicles. Always carry small notes on you, especially handy if you accidently end up in a dodgy taxi and the driver is keen on charging you a premium so you can give them the correct fare. Handing over larger notes gives them more of an opportunity to short change you.</p> <p>There are plenty of airport to city bus services, but many of them attract pickpockets and other thieves trying to take advantage of tired or distracted travelers. The number 175 bus from Warsaw airport to the city is notorious for pickpockets, so keep your belongings close by and be wary of others around you.</p> <p>Bus services in Gdansk are less of a problem.</p> <p>Before <a href="/explore/eastern-europe/poland/public-transport-safety-in-poland" target="_blank" title="Transport Tips for Poland">entering a bus</a>, you should buy a ticket. Bus tickets can be purchased at most newspaper stands, at the airport or from the bus drivers. If you buy a ticket from the driver, you pay a bit more. Tickets must be then validated at the start of the journey on board. <a href="https://global.flixbus.com/" target="_blank" title="FlixBus">Tickets for intercity bus companies can be bought online</a>, so make sure you book ahead.</p> <p>All foreigners are required to register their place of residence within 48 hours. It's normally done as part of the check-in procedure at hotels, but if you're staying in a private residence you're still obliged to register. Your hosts will know where you have to go to sign the forms.</p> <h2 id="alcohol">4. Drinking Alcohol in Poland</h2> <p>Don't be fooled into thinking Polish drinking culture extends to the streets. It's actually <a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/poland/local-laws-and-customs" target="_blank" title="Local laws and customs in Poland - UK Government">illegal to drink in public</a> – so keep your drinking indoors and within bars or restaurants. Drinking an alcoholic beverage – whether it's a cheap beer or botle of wine – in a park or while walking to the pub will earn you a fine from the police, and you'll have to pay on the spot.</p> <p>Actually, if you're walking home drunk from the pub, try your best to keep yourself upright. Drunkeness isn't taken lightly by Polish police, so don't act foolish in public and keep a low profile if you've one or six too many drinks.</p> <h2 id="podcast">Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: Poland</h2> <iframe width="100%" height="190" src="https://webplayer.whooshkaa.com/episode/451681?theme=light" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe>Getty Images/Guy Vanderelst 1137910613 Getty Images Historic houses on Old Market Square in Poznan, Poland

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-europe/poland/polands-poor-driver-recordMany of Poland's roads are narrow and potholed – here's everything road-tripping travelers need to know before taking to the streets in a rental car.2019-09-06T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/poland/polands-poor-driver-recordhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Hiring a car and driving around Poland is the best way to travel independently.</p> <p>However, many visitors claim Poland is one of the worst places to drive in Europe. Funnily enough, <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/transport/facts-fundings/scoreboard/compare/investments-infrastructure/quality-roads_en" target="_blank" title="World Economic Forum, using a scale from 1 to 7, Poland is near the bottom">there's a lot of competition for the lowest rank on Europe's worst roads list</a>, and Poland hasn't made it to the bottom, but it's close.</p> <p>Poland has some of the worst roads, and there are a large number of drivers who do not meet accepted European driving skill levels.</p> <p>Don't let that deter you from driving your way around to see the sights – here are our top tips for road safety in the country.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#roads"> What Makes Poland's Roads so Bad? </a></li> <li><a href="#rental"> Things to Consider Before Renting a Car </a></li> <li><a href="#alcohol"> What's the Legal Alcohol Limit for Drivers in Poland? </a></li> <li><a href="#driving"> Two Things to Keep on at All Times While Driving in Poland </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="roads">1. Traffic, narrow and potholed roads in Poland</h2> <p>There has been a substantial increase in the number of cars on Polish roads. While the major highways in Poland are in good condition and well maintained, it's the rural roads you need to be aware of.</p> <p>Driving, especially after dark, is hazardous due to narrow and poorly lit roads. Be aware of road works that may cause detours or delays, especially during the summer months of June, July and August. Stay alert and keep your eyes peeled for pedestrians and cyclists at night in poor visibility.</p> <p>Poland is a major east-west transit route for heavy vehicles such as trucks (which is one reason for the poor road quality), so drive carefully around larger vehicles, never try to overtake unless it is safe to do so, and keep a safe distance from trucks at all times. </p> <p>Slow-moving agricultural vehicles (and horse dawn vehicles) are common in rural areas, even on main roads. Be patient if you get stuck behind any of these and only try to overtake if it is safe to do so.</p> <h2 id="rental">2. Things to consider before renting a car</h2> <p>Here are a few things to consider before you hit the open roads in Poland.</p> <p>Check that your rental car has a warning triangle, fire extinguisher and reflective jacket. Hefty on-the-spot fines can be issued if you do not have these essential items with you in the car.</p> <p>Expect delays - long delays - during summer on the roads leading to the major tourist destinations, like Gdansk, Zakopane or Lake District.</p> <p>You must carry original vehicle registration papers, ownership documents and insurance papers at all times. This is a legal requirement. They will be asked for if you are stopped by the police and, in particular, when crossing borders. If you do not have these papers when stopped by the police, they have the right to impound your vehicle and charge you for this.</p> <p>If you have valuables in your car, take them with you, or park in paid guarded lots to be sure your belongings are safe. Car theft and break-ins have been reported at popular summer destinations such as Gdansk or Sopot.</p> <p>Be aware there have been cases where vehicles with foreign number plates are stopped by gangs posing as policemen, particularly in rural and tourist areas such as the Polish lake district. Ask for identification or to see an official badge if you are unsure.</p> <p>Pay close attention to anyone indicating you should pull over or that something is wrong with your car; you should drive until you find a safe place, like a gas station or supermarket to check whether there is actually a problem with your car.</p> <p>There have been incidents 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. This is more common in Warsaw or Gdansk, where traffic is really bad.</p> <h2 id="alcohol">3. The legal alcohol limit for drivers in Poland</h2> <p>Never drink and drive in Poland. There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. The blood alcohol limit while driving is 0.02% BAC. If you drive and have been drinking (even one unit of alcohol) you can be charged. Offenders can be imprisoned for up to two years if they are found with 0.05% BAC. Alcohol consumption is frequently a contributing factor in accidents, so if you're drinking, get yourself a plan B to get back to your accommodation safely.</p> <p>If an accident results in injury or death, penalties for drivers involved are severe, and can include imprisonment from six months to eight years or, in the case of drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, up to twelve years.</p> <h2 id="driving">4. Seat belts and driving lights</h2> <p>You must drive with your headlights on at all times, day and night.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Use of phones while driving is prohibited, unless you are connected to the car via Bluetooth and are not using your hands to operate the phone. Fines for violating laws against the use of mobile phones while driving are significant. If you need to use your mobile phone while on the road, stop your car in a designated parking area and make your call.</p> <p>Should you breakdown or end up in a traffic incident, call 112. This service is available across Europe, with English-speaking operators who will put you in touch with emergency services in Poland, if your Polish skills are a bit rusty.</p>Getty Images/Wild Europe/ Ascent Xmedia 11164384904 Getty Images Hikers load gear into old van in the Tatra Mountains, Poland

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-europe/poland/scams-cons-and-fake-polish-copsWatch out for fake cops, dodgy taxi drivers, pickpockets and these crafty con artists when you go to Poland.2019-09-06T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/poland/scams-cons-and-fake-polish-copshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Tourism in Poland is increasing each year, and with <a href="/explore/eastern-europe/poland/public-transport-safety-in-poland" target="_blank" title="Getting Around Poland">transport improvements</a> helping to connect locals and travelers around the country, travel within Poland is getting easier. While Poland is generally a really safe country to travel, there are a few petty (sometimes smooth) criminals operating in the country. The best way to avoid falling victim to crime is to be alert. Knowing what (or who) to avoid will also help a heap.</p> <p>Here are a few examples of scams and crime you need to be aware of while exploring in Poland.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#theft"> Pickpocketing </a></li> <li><a href="#money"> Credit Card Security </a></li> <li><a href="#cons"> Scammers Who Pose as Good Samaritans </a></li> <li><a href="#taxis"> Taxi Driver Scams </a></li> <li><a href="#police"> Fake Police </a></li> <li><a href="#alcohol"> Expensive Drinks </a></li> <li><a href="#podcast"> Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: Poland </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="theft">1. Pickpockets in Poland</h2> <p>This is probably the most common crime. <a href="/travel-safety/europe/italy/italy-1-for-pickpockets" target="_blank" title="Is Italy the Number 1 Spot for Pickpockets?">Pickpockets</a> often work in teams, and they usually work like this: one person creates a distraction, and the other person steals your wallet. Be aware that some crowds on buses or public transport may be artificial – especially when you are surrounded by larger men holding plastic bags in their hands.</p> <p>Take care of your wallet when you are on any of Warsaw's buses and trams downtown, or on Royal Trail (Trakt Krolewski) consisting of Krakowskie Przedmiescie, Nowy Swiat and Aleje Ujazdowskie between the Old Town and Rozbrat Square near Lazienki Garden.</p> <p>Be careful when you're in these Baltic resorts during summer (June to August): Sopot, Gdansk or Gdynia. These are the major pickpocketing destinations, where thieves come from other parts of Poland just to steal distracted summer vacationers' money. Pickpockets often ask a question or bump into the victim. Be aware of groups of children surrounding you, who may be begging for money or food – <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/to-give-or-not-to-give-which-donation-is-best" target="_blank" title="Which Donation is Best?">and never give in to their requests, this just encourages the act</a>.</p> <h2 id="money">2. Credit card security</h2> <p>There's a growing black market for stolen credit card numbers in Krakow.</p> <p>Some visitors have fallen victim to credit card scams, such as this one: after a long day of travel, the victim is awakened when the hotel room phone rings. It's the receptionist apologizing for the late hour, but asking to verify credit-card details. The victim reads them out and drifts back to sleep. It's not until much later that they realize that "front desk" was actually a front for someone else.</p> <p>Most restaurants, cafes and shops now have wireless machines, so you can keep a hold of your card. </p> <h2 id="cons">3. Good samaritan con artists</h2> <p>Often travelers will find if something or someone seems too good to be true, they are. Unfortunately, some "good Samaritans" are actually con artists in Poland. These people will hang around at train stations and ask if you need assistance purchasing a ticket – then they will take your money and run.</p> <p>You should also be wary of people at train stations who offer to show you to your seat. When you get there, they will demand payment.</p> <p>Pay attention to people helping you to find a parking spot. In many cities, like Warsaw, Gdansk or Poznan there are men waiting around to look after your car, and then demanding payment for their "services" when you return.</p> <h2 id="taxis">4. Dodgy taxi drivers</h2> <p>Make yourself familiar with Polish currency and the bills you're carrying and paying with.</p> <p>Some taxi drivers try to cheat their foreign customers by insisting you didn't pay enough (and in the meantime, they hide the money you actually paid and show you smaller bills).</p> <p>Some will charge higher night time and weekend rates on the meter during a weekday. Others might quote you one fare and charge you double once you arrive at your destination.</p> <p>And watch out for the "shortcuts" which happen to be much longer than actual route. Ask at your hotel for an estimate of how long a taxi ride will take and what it should cost, and make sure the driver knows you know.</p> <p>Never take unmarked taxis – those without a logo and telephone numbers – they will charge you much more than the actual rate. Official taxis will always run a meter so you know exactly what fare you will be charged.</p> <h2 id="police">5. Fake police in Poland</h2> <p>Police are there to help you. But, in some tourist destinations, there are people wearing police uniforms for totally different purposes. It's easy to be tricked when you're not familiar with the official uniform.</p> <p>Unfortunately, not even tip-top uniform recognition skills will help you with one particular scam, such as this one: thieves claiming to be plain-clothed policemen come to assist you. The "policemen" then ask to see your ID and credit cards, and to be given PIN numbers. The fake police officer will then look through your wallet, giving it back to you saying everything is fine. But, he will be long gone by the time you realize some of your money is missing or credit cards are gone. No genuine law enforcement officer will ask you for your PIN.</p> <h2 id="alcohol">6. Overpriced drinks</h2> <p>In Krakow, foreigners are sometimes saddled with outrageous bills for drinks at certain bars and clubs (particularly on ul. sw. Tomasza, ul. Slawkowska, Florianska,and sw. Marka), all occurring after they were invited to have a drink by young Polish women, who are obviously members of the scam group. Make sure you always check the prices before you order anything – including the prices of the drinks the girls are having.</p> <p>If you need to call the police in an emergency, you can call the Europe-wide number 112. You may also dial 997 for police, 998 to report a fire, or 999 to summon an ambulance.</p> <h2 id="podcast">Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: Poland</h2> <iframe width="100%" height="190" src="https://webplayer.whooshkaa.com/episode/451681?theme=light" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe>Getty Images/Didier Marti 1930797630 Getty Images Warsaw Old Town around the Zamkowy Square