Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: ETIAS Authorization
Most visa-exempt travelers to Poland now need ETIAS authorization (€7) - a straightforward online application that takes about 10 minutes and is valid for three years. Apply at least 72 hours before your trip to avoid delays.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area, with at least two blank pages for stamps.
Double-check expiration dates well in advance, as some countries require additional validity for re-entry. For Poland, biometric passports are preferred for faster processing at borders.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many others can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa in Poland.
Registration might be needed for stays over 30 days through local municipal offices, especially in major cities like Warsaw or Krakow.
Visa Applications
For required visas, apply online via the Schengen visa system (€80 fee), submitting documents like proof of funds (€50/day recommended), accommodation details, and travel insurance.
Processing takes 15-45 days depending on your location and the Polish embassy or consulate handling your application.
Border Crossings
Poland's borders with Germany, Lithuania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic are seamless via Schengen, but expect checks at airports like Warsaw Chopin.
Land crossings, such as those from Ukraine or Belarus, may involve more scrutiny; always carry your ETIAS approval for verification.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is essential, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and activities like hiking in the Tatra Mountains or skiing in Zakopane.
Policies start at €5/day from reputable providers and must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses for Schengen entry.
Extensions Possible
You can extend your stay for valid reasons, such as medical issues or business, by applying at a local immigration office before your visa or ETIAS expires.
Fees are around €30-50 with supporting documents required; extensions are typically granted for up to 90 additional days in exceptional cases.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Poland uses the Polish Złoty (PLN). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Warsaw or Krakow by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for low-cost carriers like Ryanair serving Polish airports.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at milk bars (bar mleczny) for affordable meals under 30 PLN, skipping touristy spots to save up to 50% on food costs.
Local markets like Hala Mirowska in Warsaw offer fresh produce, pierogi, and ready-made meals at great prices year-round.
Public Transport Passes
Get a PKP rail pass for unlimited travel at 200-300 PLN for multiple days, cutting intercity costs significantly between Warsaw, Gdansk, and Krakow.
City cards like the Krakow Card include free public transport and museum entry, often paying for themselves after one day of use.
Free Attractions
Visit public parks like Lazienki in Warsaw, free walking tours of historic districts, and Baltic Sea beaches, which are cost-free and offer authentic experiences.
Many museums, including the National Museum in Krakow, have free entry on specific days or for EU citizens, maximizing your cultural budget.
Card vs Cash
Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry cash for rural areas, markets, and small vendors where contactless payments may not be available.
Withdraw from ATMs affiliated with your bank for better rates than exchange bureaus or airport kiosks to avoid high fees.
Museum Passes
Use the Mazovia Museum Pass for entry to multiple sites at 100 PLN for a year, perfect for cultural trips in central Poland.
It pays for itself after visiting 4-5 museums, including lesser-known gems in Warsaw and surrounding areas.
Smart Packing for Poland
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack layers for variable weather, including thermal base layers for winter and lightweight breathable fabrics for summer festivals.
Include modest attire for visiting churches and historical sites like Wawel Castle, plus a scarf for cultural events or cooler evenings.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/E), power bank for long train rides, offline maps for rural areas, and a camera for capturing Gdansk's shipyards.
Download translation apps like Google Translate for Polish phrases, as English is less common outside major tourist hubs.
Health & Safety
Carry travel insurance documents, basic first-aid kit with pain relievers, any prescriptions, and high-SPF sunscreen for summer lake activities.
Include hand sanitizer, insect repellent for Masurian Lakes hikes, and a face mask for crowded indoor sites like salt mines.
Travel Gear
Pack a daypack for sightseeing in Old Towns, reusable water bottle for eco-friendly travel, quick-dry towel for Baltic beaches, and PLN cash in small denominations.
Bring copies of IDs, a money belt for security in busy markets, and a portable luggage scale to avoid airline fees on budget carriers.
Footwear Strategy
Opt for sturdy hiking boots for Tatra Mountains trails and comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets in Krakow or Warsaw.
Waterproof shoes are crucial given Poland's rainy springs and autumns, and snow boots essential for winter visits to Zakopane.
Personal Care
Include biodegradable toiletries, lip balm with SPF, and a compact umbrella or rain poncho for unpredictable weather across seasons.
Travel-sized items help with packing light for multi-city trips, and consider adding wet wipes for easy cleanup after pierogi feasts or outdoor adventures.
When to Visit Poland
Spring (March-May)
Ideal for blooming cherry blossoms in Warsaw and milder temperatures of 8-18°C, with fewer crowds at sites like the Bialowieza Forest.
Perfect for city walks, Easter celebrations, and outdoor markets without the summer rush, though pack for occasional rain showers.
Summer (June-August)
Peak season for music festivals like Open'er in Gdansk and warm weather around 20-28°C, ideal for Baltic Sea beaches and lake kayaking.
Expect higher prices and crowds in Krakow - great for outdoor concerts, hiking in the Tatras, and long daylight hours for exploration.
Autumn (September-November)
Excellent for colorful foliage in the Bieszczady Mountains and temperatures of 5-15°C, with harvest festivals featuring local vodkas and apples.
Lower accommodation costs and fewer tourists make it prime for mushroom foraging, historical site visits, and cozy thermal baths.
Winter (December-February)
Budget-friendly for Christmas markets in Krakow and Warsaw with temperatures of -5 to 5°C, offering magical snow-covered landscapes.
Ideal for skiing in the Karkonosze, ice skating, and indoor experiences like Chopin concerts, while avoiding peak summer crowds.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Polish Złoty (PLN). Exchange rates fluctuate; cards widely accepted in cities but carry cash for rural areas and markets.
- Language: Polish is official. English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Warsaw and Krakow, but less so in smaller towns.
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 (observes daylight saving)
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type C/E plugs (European two-pin round)
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire assistance
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; add 10% for good service in restaurants and round up taxi fares
- Water: Tap water is safe to drink throughout Poland
- Pharmacies: Widely available as "apteka" with green crosses; 24-hour options in major cities