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900 mi away
£1 PLN 4.90
Today
12:24 pm
+2h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Poland
Poland
13°
Light drizzle
Sat
8°
13°
Sun
5°
16°
Mon
7°
24°
Tue
8°
14°
Wed
5°
15°
Thu
8°
20°
Fri
12°
20°
SPF level in Poland
Recommended: SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 30
Autumn
SPF 15
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Poland
What British travellers need to know
You can travel to Poland without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as a tourist.
Your passport's date of issue must be less than 10 years before your arrival date.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
At border control, you may need to show a return or onward ticket and prove you have enough money for your stay.
Be prepared to register your biometric details, like fingerprints and a photo, at the border under the new Entry/Exit System (EES).
Good to know:
If you are a British-Polish dual national, you must enter and exit Poland using a Polish passport or national identity card.
You cannot take meat, milk, or products containing them into Poland, with exceptions like powdered baby milk and baby food.
Safety in Poland
Tips when travelling
Poland is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry identification, and a printed copy of your passport's photo page is acceptable.
It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places, and you could be fined or taken to a clinic if found drunk.
Be alert to street crime and petty theft, especially in crowded tourist areas, train stations, and on train services.
Do not use unofficial taxis, as they often overcharge and have been linked to attacks, including sexual assaults.
In bars and clubs, check your bill carefully when paying by card to avoid being overcharged at the end of the night.
Bonus tips:
Taxis with a crest but no company name are not official.
Cyclists and walkers must wear a reflective item at night in non built-up areas or risk a fine.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Poland
A UK driving license is valid in Poland. Carry your license, car registration, and insurance documents.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
140 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.02%
Remember: Poland drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Poland
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Poland. However, it's still advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance as GHIC/EHIC may not cover all medical costs or repatriation.
No vaccinations required
Generally, Poland has good standards of healthcare. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and a GHIC/EHIC. Check with your doctor well in advance of travel for any necessary vaccinations and health advice.
Cards & payments
High in major cities and tourist areas, but less so in rural areas and smaller establishments. It's always good to carry some cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1094
Tipping in Poland
Tipping is appreciated in Poland for good service, but it is not always mandatory. While a service charge is sometimes included in restaurant bills, it's common to leave an additional tip for excellent service. Rounding up the bill is also a frequent practice.
Restaurant
10-15% for good service. Check the bill first to see if a service charge is already included.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (5-10%)
Taxi
Rounding up the fare to the nearest PLN or adding 10% for good service
Hotel Porter
5-10 PLN per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
5-10 PLN per night, left at the end of your stay
Tour Guide
10-15% of the tour price for a good tour
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU 'Roam Like At Home' regulation no longer applies to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Poland, as they may vary significantly. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper data access.
Local SIM
10 GB for 50 PLN (~£10)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Poland
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type E
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Good in cities, hotels, cafes and restaurants. Can be less reliable in rural regions.
Average speed
50 Mbps
WiFi is readily available in most urban areas and tourist locations in Poland, including hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Many cities also offer free public WiFi hotspots. However, download speeds can vary depending on the location.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
997
Ambulance
999
Fire
998
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Poland
Country code
+48
To call a Warsaw number (e.g., 22 123 4567) from the UK, you would dial 00 48 22 123 4567.
The country code for Poland is 48. The exit code from the UK is 00.
Language in Poland
Polish(primary)
UK Embassy
British Embassy Warsaw
British Embassy, Aleje Róż 1, 00-556 Warsaw, Poland
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
18 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- You no longer need to take any action before arriving at the border on entry to the Schengen area.
- You now need to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area.
Entry requirements
22 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Long-term residents of a Schengen country are now fully exempt from the Entry/Exit System (EES).
- A link to the EU’s official Travel Europe website has been added for the full list of EES exemptions.
Border procedures
- The note about getting your passport stamped until EES is rolled out has been removed, as the system is now being implemented.
Entry requirements
28 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES) Update
- The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area and is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports for short stays.
- The previous date for full EES operation (10 April 2026) has been removed from the advice.
Passport Validity
- The passport validity guidance is clearer: a passport issued over 10 years ago is now explicitly described as 'invalid for entry to the Schengen area'.
- The previous wording said such a passport 'may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago'.
Airports in Poland
Beaches in Poland
Frequently asked questions
Tap water is generally safe to drink in major Polish cities. However, it may taste different due to higher mineral content. Bottled water is readily available if you prefer.
No, British citizens do not need a visa to enter Poland for tourism purposes for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You will need a valid passport.
The best time to visit Poland is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October). The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. Summer (June-August) is also popular, but expect higher prices and more tourists.
Be cautious of taxi drivers overcharging, especially near tourist areas. Also, avoid street games or gambling as they are often rigged. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing.
Definitely try pierogi (dumplings), kielbasa (sausage), and żurek (sour rye soup). Other popular dishes include bigos (hunter's stew) and kotlet schabowy (pork cutlet). For dessert, try paczki (doughnuts).
Poland is generally a safe country for tourists. Petty crime, like pickpocketing, can occur in touristy areas, so be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night.
The currency in Poland is the Polish Złoty (PLN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller shops, markets, and tips. ATMs are readily available.
Punctuality is valued, and it's customary to greet people with a handshake. When visiting someone's home, it's polite to bring a small gift, such as flowers or chocolates. Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.