Poland

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 997 for police. 
• Dial 112 for general emergency services.
• Dial 999 for ambulance. 

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools 
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable; avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Poland has a low crime rate overall, but the risk of crime is higher in major cities.

• Safeguard your belongings in public areas. Thieves and pickpockets operate at major tourist destinations, railroad stations, and on overnight trains, trams, and buses. Report any incidents of theft to the police.
• Do not leave valuables in plain sight inside vehicles.
• If someone directs you to pull over or signals that something is wrong with your car, continue driving until you reach a safe spot. This can be a crowded gas station, supermarket, or police station to inspect your vehicle.
• Only change money at banks or legitimate exchange kiosks (kantor). ATMs at commercial banks, large hotels, shopping malls, and airports are safest.
• Casinos and gaming establishments are government-regulated, but some are connected with or have attracted the interest of organized crime.
• Avoid adult entertainment venues. These establishments have been known to present foreign customers with inflated charges and threaten those who refuse to pay. There have been some incidents of suspected drink spiking associated with these businesses.
• Travel in a group when going out at night to nightclubs

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Internet romance and financial scams are common in Poland. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help. 

 Tips to avoid scammers:

• Look for red flags, such as: their location is far away, their profile was recently created or seems to be too good to be true, the pace of the relationship is moving too quickly, or they ask for money.
• Set up a phone call/video chat in the initial stages.
• Do a reverse image search on the profile picture.
• If they ask for help, you should refer them to the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate so we can work with local authorities to assist.
• If you believe you have been scammed, report the incident to local law enforcement right away and stop all communications with the scammer.

Common scams include:

• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Gold purchase
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent or relative targeting (kidnapping, arrested, medical emergency)
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits or job offers
• Bank overpayments

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 112.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy or consulate can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Provide a list of health care providers in Poland
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. A list of organizations providing assistance programs for victims of crimes in Poland is available on the website of the Ministry of Justice.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need. 
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence 

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy in Warsaw or the U.S. Consulate General in Krakow and local law enforcement for assistance. 

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.  
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.  Make sure to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts, meet at a well-known public location, and do not consume suspicious food or drinks. 
• Drones are not illegal to use in Poland, but they are heavily regulated.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated:

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. 
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities. 
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally. 
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 

Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel 

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. 
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Poland seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.  

Arrest notification 

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. 
• Under Polish law, a person with Polish and U.S. citizenship is considered to be a Polish citizen. However, dual U.S.-Polish nationals may still ask to see a U.S. consular officer. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons based on real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Poland.

• Polish law prohibits discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation. The government enforces these provisions. 
• The social acceptance of lesbian and gay individuals, particularly outside of Warsaw, is not as common as in the United States. Polling indicates tolerance is slowly increasing. Some politicians have made derogatory comments about lesbian and gay people. 
• Media have not recently reported physical and verbal attacks against lesbian and gay people, but some community members have reported concerns about their physical safety. 
• Travelers identifying openly as lesbian or gay may face harassment in some parts of Poland. 
• The practice of conversion therapy is legal and offered on a voluntary basis.

Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Poland prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities. The law is not always enforced. Some discrimination occurs, and many buildings remain inaccessible.

• The most common types of accessibility may include service animals being allowed in public buildings and transportation. Pedestrian crossings at intersections in large cities are generally equipped with audible crossing signals.
• Accessibility is common in newer public transportation, trains and stations, but not in older ones.  

Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers  

• Review our information for Women Travelers. 
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Poland Traveler Information Page provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations. 
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 999 for emergency medical services. 

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are widely available. However, the quality of hospitals and nursing services may not be comparable to U.S. standards in all regions of Poland.

• Ambulances are present in most areas but may be lacking in small towns and rural areas.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Poland. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• While medication and treatment are generally substantially less costly than in the United States, most care providers overseas only accept cash payments and you will have to seek reimbursement later from your medical insurance. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice 

Healthcare facilities 

Health facilities are available throughout Poland. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission or immediately after services are rendered.  
• Many younger doctors speak English (nurses and staff may not). 
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.

Medical tourism and elective surgery 

Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. U.S. citizens traveling to Poland for medical tourism or elective surgery should understand that medical systems work differently from those in the United States. They do not follow the same rules and regulations. 

• Consult with your local physician before traveling. 
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  

Prescription medications 

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 
• Check with the Ministry of Health Poland to ensure the medication is legal in Poland and the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate to find information on traveling to and from Poland with narcotic and psychotropic medication.
• Medication, while generally available, may not be U.S. brand-name drugs.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals may be easy to buy with few controls. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Poland to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad. 

• Surrogacy is legal for foreigners in Poland. However, the lack of legal framework for foreigners makes it risky. For additional information, visit the U.S. Embassy of Poland website.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Poland via ART or with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status.
• People who do not follow local law risk legal consequences.  

Water quality and food safety 

• Food and water standards in Poland are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home. 
• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking. 
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• For more information please visit CDC Traveler’s Health. 

Air quality

Some cities in Poland have higher air pollution levels than major U.S. cities. Levels are often above U.S. health-based standards in the winter, particularly in Krakow. 

• Air quality is often good to moderate during warmer months. Visit the European Environment Agency’s Website for information on air quality in Poland.
• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Poland. 
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 

For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 997 for police. 
• Dial 998 for fire services.
• Dial 999 for ambulance services. 
• Dial 112 for general emergency services. 
• Dial 22-532-8444 or email [email protected] for The Polish Automobile Association (Polski Zwiazek Motorowy Auto-Tour). It has multilingual and 

Road conditions and safety

Road conditions in Poland are different from those in the United States. 

• Driving, especially after dark, is dangerous.
• Roads are sometimes narrow, poorly lit, and frequently under repair in the summer. 
• Roads are often also used by pedestrians and cyclists. 
• About 1 out of every 4 traffic deaths in Poland involves pedestrians.
• Polish roadside services, while not equal to those in the United States, are generally adequate. 

Traffic laws  

You must have a U.S. driver's license and International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Poland. U.S. citizens cannot obtain IDPs in Poland. You can find information on obtaining an International Driving Permit here.

• If you stay in Poland for more than 6 months and continue to drive, you must get a Polish driver’s license. 
• Seat belt use is mandatory.
• Always use headlights year-round.
• Children under 12 must sit in rear seats. Children under 12 and shorter than 4’11” must use a child’s car seat.
• Using hand-held cell phones while driving is prohibited.
• There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Prison sentences for DUI violations or accidents range from 2 to 12 years. 
• Fines for traffic violations can be big. Non-residents are expected to pay the police officer at the time the ticket is issued. Be prepared to pay in cash in local currency.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Services like Uber, BOLT, iTaxi, and Freenow are legal in Poland. They generally provide a safe transportation option. 
• Some ride-share apps offer rides for women by women drivers. 
• Some internet-based ride services may not be authorized to drop off or pick up customers in some downtown tourist areas.
• In cities, taxis are available at major hotels and designated taxi stands. You can order them in advance by phone.
• Avoid taxis without a company name or phone number printed on the light bar. Make sure that the driver displays their license inside the vehicle, has a functioning meter, and uses the meter when starting your trip.
• At airports in Poland, including Warsaw’s Chopin Airport, only use taxis found at designated stands. Avoid unregistered taxi stalls.

Public and commercial transportation 

Public transportation in Poland is generally efficient, inexpensive, and safe. 

• A ticket is required when boarding a bus or tram. If the ticket is not validated upon entry, you may face a fine. 
• Visit the website of Poland’s national tourist office and Poland’s general authority responsible for road safety. 

Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight 

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Poland meets international standards for aviation safety oversight.  FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Poland should check the following:  

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons 

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

• Flooding – Occurs from May to August, peaking in July. This is Poland's most significant natural disaster risk. Heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt cause river flooding, particularly affecting the Vistula and Oder river basins. Flash floods can occur in mountainous regions in the south.
• Summer storms – The potential for severe thunderstorms and hail exist from May to September. Intense summer thunderstorms can produce damaging hail, strong winds, and localized flooding. These storms are most common during the warmest months.
• Winter storms – The potential for winter storms and heavy snowfall exists from December to March. Severe winter weather brings heavy snow, ice storms, and blizzards. This is common in the mountains and northern regions.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and 

Embassies and consulates