Poland
Central Europe • POL
Last updated: June 3, 2026
Poland is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends rich history, stunning medieval architecture, and vibrant modern culture. Visitors can explore everything from somber historical sites and majestic royal castles to breathtaking mountain landscapes and charming city squares.
Visa Requirements
Poland is part of the Schengen Area, allowing citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, and the UK, to visit for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure
- Proof of travel insurance covering medical expenses
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
- Return or onward travel ticket
Popular Attractions
Kraków Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the grand Main Market Square, the historic Cloth Hall, and the stunning Wawel Royal Castle.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum: A solemn and essential site dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust and World War II.
Wieliczka Salt Mine: An incredible underground labyrinth of tunnels, chapels, and statues carved entirely out of salt by miners over several centuries.
Warsaw Old Town: A meticulously reconstructed historic center that serves as a resilient symbol of the capital city's spirit following its destruction in WWII.
Tatra Mountains: Poland's premier mountain range, offering spectacular hiking trails in the summer and world-class skiing opportunities in the winter near Zakopane.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Removing your shoes when entering someone's home is standard practice in Poland.
It is customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers or chocolates, when invited to a Polish home for dinner.
When introducing yourself, a firm handshake and direct eye contact are the expected social norms.
Tipping in restaurants is common; leaving 10-15 percent is considered appropriate for good service.
Be aware that many Poles value formal titles; address elders or professionals by their formal titles until invited to use their first names.
Safety Tips
Poland is generally a very safe country, but remain vigilant against pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation.
Use only official taxis or reputable ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt to avoid being overcharged by unauthorized drivers.
Keep your passport and important travel documents in a secure location, carrying only a photocopy while exploring cities.
Avoid drinking alcohol in public places, such as parks or squares, as it is strictly prohibited and can result in significant fines.
Dial 112 as the universal emergency number in Poland for police, fire, or ambulance services.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Source: CDC
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
View sourcePolio
Source: CDC
Adults traveling to Poland who received a complete polio vaccination series as children may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a complete polio vaccination series before travel. Children who are not fully vaccinated will be considered for an accelerated vaccination schedule.
View sourceMeningococcal
Source: CDC
Other
Source: CDC
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Polio
Source: CDC
Core Vaccines
Routine vaccinations as per national guidelines.
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling.
View sourceMMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination recommended for all children and adults not previously vaccinated.
View sourceTdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
Source: CDC
Routine booster recommended, especially for travelers.
View sourceHepatitis A vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Poland. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.
Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given. Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, are immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.
View sourceHepatitis B vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Poland. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Poland.
Consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule.
View sourceTdap
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers for protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
View sourceMMR
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers to ensure protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Insect bite precautions
Source: CDC
To prevent insect-borne diseases, especially in rural areas.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures
Source: CDC
Recommended to reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases, especially in rural areas.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers to Poland due to potential exposure through food or water.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Seasonal influenza
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers during flu season (fall/winter).
View sourceRabies pre-exposure vaccination
Source: CDC
Rabies is present in some terrestrial wildlife species in Poland. Pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.
Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.
View sourceTick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) vaccine
Source: CDC
For travelers moving or traveling to TBE-endemic areas, TBE vaccine is recommended for persons who will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned outdoor activities and itinerary. TBE vaccine may be considered for persons who might engage in outdoor activities in areas ticks are likely to be found.
Consult with a healthcare provider to determine the need for vaccination based on your travel plans.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers involved in outdoor activities where they may encounter animals.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may engage in activities that increase the risk of exposure to blood or bodily fluids.
View sourceSeasonal flu
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers during flu season to reduce the risk of influenza infection.
View source