Welcome to Poland

Poland offers an enviable blend of pulsating, picturesque cities, intriguing ancient and modern history and enough forests, lakes and hills to play in for days. Celebrate Poland’s remarkable resilience as you trace its roots back to the 10th century, through the days of kings and castles, through the epic battles of World War II.

Visit the former royal capital of Krakow and marvel at Wawel Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica and Old Town, where hip restaurants sit alongside UNESCO World Heritage Site-worthy architecture. Trace Jewish heritage along self-guided trails in Łódź and Lublin and at the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw. While you’re in Warsaw, don’t miss the 13th century Old Town Square and The Royal Castle, one of the country’s most iconic landmarks.

Listen to a free open-air chopin concert in Royal Lazienki Park. Fill up on apple strudel and all manner of dumpling, then head to the mountains for hiking or skiing. Poland is endlessly enchanting.

Unique Facts

• You can visit no less than 25 castles and watchtowers on the Trail of the Eagles’ Nests, one of Poland’s most popular hiking trails, from Krakow to Czestochowa.
• The Carpathian Mountains are a Polish gem and a magnet for hikers, cyclists and skiers. Don’t miss the Dunajec Gorge in the Pieniny Range. The best off-the-beaten-path hiking is in the Bieszczady range in the far south.
• Warsaw’s Old Town is not the Old Town it was before World War II. It was almost completely destroyed and was rebuilt according to Bernardo Bellotto’s paintings. Today, it looks more like it did in the 14^th century, than in the 20^th
• Poland has an impressive 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Malbork, the biggest castle in the world when measure by its area.
• Dine in the 13^th Head to Wroclaw and you’ll have the opportunity to eat at Piwnica Swidnicka, the oldest restaurant in Europe, open since 1275.

Language

Poland’s official language is Polish.

When To Go

The best time to go to Poland is during spring, from March to May, and fall, September to November.

Airports

Warsaw Chopin Airport
Warsaw Modlin Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of 90 days or less

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Poland: Hepatitis A. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type E. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Zloty

Getting Around

If self-driving, be aware that road conditions vary. Roads are sometimes narrow, poorly lit, under repair and shared with pedestrians and cyclists. It is considered one of the more dangerous places to drive in Europe.

Efficient, inexpensive, safe public transportation is available in Poland. In the larger cities, taxis are available at hotels, at designated taxi stands and available by telephone. Make sure the taxi has a functioning meter before entering. Avoid unregistered taxi stalls. Uber and iTaxi are available in Poland.

Driver’s License

International driving permit required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Warsaw
Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31
00-540 Warsaw, Poland
Telephone: +48 (22) 504-2000
American Citizen Services: +48 (22) 504-2784
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +48 (22) 504-2000
Fax: +(48) (22) 504-2088
ACSWarsaw@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Point
Grodzka 18, 30-001
Kraków, Poland
Tel: 48-12-429-44-99

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 112

Safety and Security

Avoid all public demonstrations. Monitor local media coverage and be aware of surroundings at all times. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent quickly.

Poland has a low crime rate, with the highest crime rate in major cities. Use caution with your belongings in public areas. Pickpocketing can occur in major tourist destinations, railroad stations, on trams, on buses and on trains.