Poland
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Poland’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides appropriate cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
The FCDO advises against all travel to Ukraine. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, with attacks against a number of major cities. Russian military strikes have taken place in Ukraine within 20km of the Polish border. There is a real risk to life. You should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Poland. See Safety and security.
If you are a close family member of a British national normally living in Ukraine and intend to apply for a visa under the Ukrainian Family Scheme, read the guidance on visas for close family members of British nationals normally living in Ukraine. Visit GOV.UK to apply for a visa under the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine). You can call a free helpline +44 808 164 8810 - select option 1 for assistance. Lines are open from Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5.30pm UK time. If you cannot contact UK 0808 numbers, you can call +44 175 390 7510 – select option 1, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5.30pm UK time. Calls to this number may be charged – please check with your phone provider if you’re not sure.
Many British nationals visit Poland every year. Most visits are trouble-free.
Terrorist attacks in Poland can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
If you’re living in or moving to Poland, read the Living in Poland guide in addition to this travel advice.
Driving in Poland can be hazardous. See Road travel
If you need to contact the emergency services in Poland call 112.
If you’re in Poland and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy Warsaw
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
Update history
2024-10-02 16:29
Addition of information about border controls at Germany’s land borders (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-10-01 11:04
Removal of information about heavy rain and flooding (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-09-16 15:40
Updated information on regions affected by heavy rain and flooding, which now includes Lower Silesia (Dolnośląskie), Silesian (Śląskie) and Opolskie Voivodeships in southwest Poland (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-09-16 11:45
Information on heavy rain and flooding in the Lower Silesia (Dolnośląskie) and Opolskie Voivodeships (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-09-12 16:04
Information on access to parts of the Polish border with Belarus (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-09-05 13:23
Information on the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), planned to be introduced from November 2024 (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-07-17 15:24
This travel advice was reviewed for style and accuracy.
2024-06-20 12:32
Updated information about Poland’s border with Belarus (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-05-03 13:24
New information on travel to Ukraine from Poland (See ‘Ukraine-Poland Border’ on the ‘Warnings and insurance’ page, and ‘Ukraine border’ on the ‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-04-09 09:52
Information about Poland’s borders (‘Safety and security’ page)
2024-03-04 10:59
Removal of information about the Slovakia border (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-03-01 14:29
Information about travel to Ukraine (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-10-25 13:27
Updated information about Polish borders (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-08-21 13:46
Information about access to the Poland-Ukraine border (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-07-26 23:23
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-07-04 11:17
Information about wearing facemasks and healthcare in Poland and on entry and exit requirements for dual nationals (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2023-06-22 10:43
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-05-23 16:01
Updated information on the Poland/Belarus border and road death statistics (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-02-22 15:20
Updated information on the Poland/Belarus border (‘Safety and security’ page).
2022-12-05 09:06
Review of information with updates to the Summary, Coronavirus, Safety and Security, Local Laws and Customs, Entry Requirements and Health pages.
2022-09-05 16:57
Removal of incorrect information about consular assistance to those with dual nationality (‘Summary’ page).
2022-07-04 15:43
Update regarding access along parts of the Poland/Belarus border and testing positive for COVID-19 or developing symptoms (‘Summary’, ‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-05-12 15:32
Clarification about current passport validity (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-04-29 09:38
Removal of information on flight delays and cancellations at Polish airports (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-04-27 13:15
Addition of information on flight delays and cancellations at Polish airports (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-03-29 14:48
Update to COVID-19 guidance following relaxation of most Polish government restrictions (‘Coronavirus’, ‘Safety and security’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-03-16 16:55
Updated information on initial consular assistance for those arriving in Southern Poland from Ukraine. (‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-03-14 11:57
Information on Russian military strikes within 20km of the Polish border (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-03-07 15:42
Updated advice on entry into Ukraine from Poland (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-03-02 10:06
Update of information on limited access along parts of the Poland/Belarus border; public spaces, services and quarantine and self-isolation requirements; and updated Consular Contact Centre number (see ‘Summary’, ‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-02-26 17:08
Information on Polish reception points after crossing the border, travelling without travel documentation, and a UK consular presence in Przemysl. (See `Safety and Security’ page)
2022-02-26 14:55
Information on Polish reception points and temporary travel documents. (See `Safety and Security’ page)
2022-02-26 09:47
Information on crossing the border from Ukraine, including delays and limited accommodation in Poland in the vicinity of the border (See `Safety and Security’ page)
2022-02-25 09:54
Information on the suspension of the obligation to quarantine on arrival from Ukraine and update if you are transiting through Poland (‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-02-24 16:35
Update to information on transiting through Poland (‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-02-24 05:26
There are multiple reports of widespread military activity in Ukraine. You should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Poland. (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-02-21 11:56
Update on arrival in Poland if you’re fully vaccinated (‘Entry requirements’ page)