Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Poland. 

 

Crime

 

Most visitors to Poland experience no difficulties. But you should be alert to the possibility of street crime and petty theft, and that foreigners may appear to be lucrative targets. Keep valuables and cash out of sight, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots where pickpockets and bag snatchers operate.

 

There is a higher risk of robbery at main rail stations and on all train services, especially overnight sleeper trains. You are most at risk while boarding and leaving trains.

 

Unregulated taxi drivers operate at the Warsaw airports and elsewhere. They commonly overcharge. Only use official taxis, which have the name and telephone number of the taxi company on the side of the door and on the top of the taxi. They will also show a rate card on the window of the vehicle. Taxis with a crest but no company name are not officially registered taxis.

 

Don’t leave drinks or food unattended and beware of accepting drinks from casual acquaintances. There have been a small number of reports of drinks being spiked and visitors having their valuables stolen.

 

Local Travel

 

Public transport tickets must be validated at the start of a journey. You will be fined on the spot if you are travelling with an invalid ticket, usually 180zl (around £36). You can buy tickets at most newspaper stands and kiosks with a sign reading ‘Bilety’ or ticket machines distributed in cities.

 

Road Travel

 

If you drive and have been drinking (even a single unit of alcohol) you can be charged. If you break Polish driving laws you should be prepared to pay an on the spot fine in cash in Polish currency to the police. Foreigners who are settled in Poland and have a permanent address may be fined with a credit ticket that can be paid later.

 

Pedestrians and cyclists must wear a reflective item between dusk and dawn when outside a built-up area, regardless of the weather. Anyone hit by a car or a bike when not wearing a reflective item is liable to be held responsible for the accident. Police may impose fines on those not wearing reflective items.

 

A system of toll collection is in place on selected sections of motorways, expressways and national roads. Detailed information on the system is available on the toll operator website.

 

In 2013 there were 3,357 road deaths in Poland (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 8.7 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2013.

 

Driving on Polish roads can be hazardous. Be prepared for diversions due to numerous roadworks.

 

Poland is a major east-west transit route for heavy vehicles. There are few dual carriageways and even main roads between major towns and cities can be narrow and poorly surfaced. Streetlights, even in major cities, are weak. Local driving standards are poor: speed limits, traffic lights and road signs are often ignored and drivers rarely indicate before manoeuvring.

 

 It is a legal requirement to carry a driving licence, ID, original vehicle-registration papers, ownership documents and insurance papers at all times. You will need to present these documents if you are stopped by the police and when crossing non-Schengen borders. This also applies to rental vehicles. If you do not have these papers the police may impound your vehicle and charge you for this. All vehicles driven on public roads in Poland must meet local technical requirements.

 

Seat belts must be used in both front and back seats.  

 

Using a mobile phone while driving (unless ‘hands free’) is banned.

 

See the European Commission,AA and RAC guides to driving in Poland.

 

Dual nationals

 

If you are a dual Polish-Foreign national and are arrested or detained in Poland, you will be deemed to be Polish by the Polish authorities. You will have the same rights as any other Polish citizen in these circumstances (including the right to legal representation).  

 

Local laws and customs

 

Polish police take a strict approach to public drunkenness. You are not allowed to consume alcohol in public places and fines may be imposed. If you are found to be drunk in a public place you may be taken to a drying out clinic where a doctor or nurse will medically assess you. You will not be released until you have sobered up and this may require an overnight stay. You will have to pay for the cost of the stay.

 

Driving a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited and is punishable by up to two years in prison. Likewise cycling on public roads under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in prosecution.

 

Jay-walking is an offence. You should cross only at recognised crossing points. If caught by the police you will be fined.

 

Money

 

The currency in Poland is the Zloty-ATMS are widely available. 

 

In general, medical facilities in Poland are of an equivalent standard to those in the EU. Private medical facilities are comparatively inexpensive and of a good standard. Polish doctors and nurses are well qualified but English is not always widely spoken and you may face communication difficulties.

 

If you’re visiting Poland you should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving your home country (EU citizens only). The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms  The EHIC won’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment, so you should make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

 

Tick-borne encephalitis is common, especially in forested areas during the summer.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately. 

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

 

The Polish authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Poland.

 

Visas 

 

If you’re an EU citizen visiting Poland, you don’t need a visa. 

 

For stays of longer than three months, see the Polish Embassy website in your home country.

 

Dual nationals 

 

Under Polish law, a Polish passport holder must be treated as a Polish national while in Poland, even if he or she holds another country’s passport. The Polish authorities, therefore require dual Polish-British nationals to enter and exit Poland on a Polish passport.