Poland is one of the tourist countries where you can visit many beautiful places. To visit Poland, you can choose a tour with a plan, or organize a trip yourself. This will allow you to choose where to go and what to see. Many places in the country are not included in the tourist trap but are no less interesting. You can visit the University Library or the multimedia fountains in Warsaw. Poland is also known for its incredible architectural and natural monuments: the Royal, Belvedere, and Wilanów Palaces in Warsaw, the Wieliczka Salt Mines in Kraków, and the Nicolaus Copernicus House-Museum in Toruń. By organizing a trip yourself you can discover many unique and beautiful places. 

Poland is a very friendly country that welcomes tourists. She has something to show off. This is a country that can fall in love not only at first sight but at the first handshake. 

Rules of entry and stay in the country 

If you are planning a trip to Poland, you must first familiarize yourself with all the rules of crossing the border and the requirements for documents. This way you will be able to avoid any problems when crossing and happily continue your journey. Passing the border, you will have passport and customs control. You will need to provide your personal information, show insurance, and tell us where and why you are going and what you are carrying. This is a formality, but it is necessary. 

When entering Poland you need to have: 

• Passport or travel document.

• A valid visa or document that entitles you to enter and stay in the country. 

If you are a citizen of the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland, all you need is a valid travel document or identity card. When entering Poland under the visa-free regime, you only need to present a valid passport. You need to confirm the purpose of your trip. If you are traveling for work, present a work permit or a power of attorney from your employer. It is forbidden to transport: dangerous substances, cold steel, pirated copies, and counterfeits. If you are organizing a trip for a certain period, you will need to have insurance that meets the criteria listed on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The insurance should cover all costs if you need medical care or if there is a dangerous situation. You must have enough money to live in Poland and be able to return home. The Border Guard Service may ask you to provide documentary evidence of this. 

If you have any problems, you can call the hotlines, where you will receive advice or assistance: 

1. Polish Border Guard Service: (+48) 222-787-777 (paid call). 

2. Strazh Hranychnyi (if you do not know when to leave, or if you are interested in other information): +48166732307, +48323903400. 

3. Special telephone line for tourists: (+48) 608-599-999. 

4. The telephone number of the Customs Information Center in Warsaw is 650-2873.

5. Tourist reference Krakow - 422-60-91, Warsaw - 635-18-81. 

6. Rescue service - 112, police - 997, fire brigade - 998, ambulance - 999. 

7. Helpline "safety phone" for tourists - 0-800-200-300 (landline, free) or 0-608-599-999 (for mobile phones, paid according to the tariffs of the operator). 

Card or cash. What is better to take?  

Your reliable companion on any trip is a payment card. In Poland, you can use it everywhere. The course of such operations is quite favorable, and it greatly simplifies living in the country. However, having cash with you will not prevent you. It is better to have cash in zlotys because in Poland it is almost impossible to pay in euros. You can exchange funds at a currency exchange. 

Validity of driving license in Poland 

Traveling to Poland in your car is probably the most comfortable option. It will be both cheaper and more convenient for the tourist. Of course, for this, you need a working car with all the necessary documents. The car must have a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, emergency sign, and spare wheel. If you have children, then you need all the accessories, including a car seat. Another little-known fact is the need for reflective vests for all passengers. According to Polish norms, it is forbidden to get out of a car in the dark outside the city without this vest. 

You can travel to the country with your driving license. Poland is an EU country, so it recognizes European driver's licenses. If your country is a signatory to the Vienna Convention, you can use your license. However, after 6 months in Poland, you need to change your license to the Polish one. 

But despite all the rules and regulations, Poland is a completely trouble-free country to travel to. You will be able to get a lot of aesthetic pleasure from the country and its ancient cities. And also make new and interesting acquaintances among the friendly nation of Poles.

Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

For safe relocation to Poland, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in Poland.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Poland;

Legal advice on immigration to Poland;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Poland;

Medical insurance all over the world.

Learn how to apply for a visa to Poland here.

How can foreigners find legal employment in Poland in 2023? Read here.

Work permit in Poland: a detailed guide.