International travel and COVID-19
Before travelling:
- be sure to get vaccinated, and complete any additional recommended doses, at least 14 days before your departure
- review the travel health notice for COVID-19 and International Travel
If you have not completed a COVID-19 vaccine series, you should continue to avoid non-essential travel to all destinations.
Useful links
Poland travel advice
Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
Last updated: ET
On this page
- Risk level
- Safety and security
- Entry and exit requirements
- Health
- Laws and culture
- Natural disasters and climate
- Need help?
Risk level
Poland - Take normal security precautions
Take normal security precautions in Poland.
Safety and security
Impacts of the armed conflict in Ukraine
In February 2022, Russia began a military invasion of Ukraine.
There has been a significant increase in the number of displaced persons entering Poland from Ukraine.
There are important delays at border crossings. Transportation and other essential services may be strained due to the high demand.
If you reside in the areas bordering Ukraine or are transiting through these areas:
- expect highly congested routes, checkpoints and transportation delays
- expect limited accommodations options
- contact your transport carrier to determine whether the situation could disrupt your onward travel
- follow the instructions of local authorities
- monitor trustworthy news sources to stay informed on the evolving situation
COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions
COVID-19 preventative measures and restrictions are still in effect in some destinations.
These could include:
- curfews, movement restrictions, or lockdowns
- mandatory mask use
- required proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test result to access public and private services and spaces
Before travelling, verify if specific restrictions or requirements are still in effect.
Crime
The rate of violent crime, for example, mugging and carjacking, in Poland is generally low. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, mostly in larger cities.
Organized groups of thieves operate at major tourist destinations, on public transportation, at train stations, near hotels and in busy markets. Thieves also target the bus and tram route to and from Warsaw Chopin Airport. Most pickpocketing on trains occurs during boarding and disembarking. Commonly, a group of well-dressed young men will jostle and rob a passenger as they supposedly attempt to get around the victim in a narrow aisle of the train.
You must report the loss or theft of your passport to the local police. A police report is required for the issuance of a new passport or the replacement of a Polish visa.
Youth gangs can be a threat, particularly in urban areas.
Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
On the train:
- exercise caution, particularly at night
- store personal belongings in a safe place
- don’t leave the compartment unattended
- ensure the door is locked from the inside
On the road:
- be especially vigilant when stopped at traffic lights, as thieves travelling on scooters or on foot can snatch bags be from passenger seats
- Keep your windows closed car doors locked at all times
- Keep your bags and handbags out of reach
Harassment
Individuals have sometimes been harassed for reasons of race, sexual orientation or foreign-looking appearance.
Fraud
Credit card and ATM fraud occurs, particularly at bars and nightclubs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:
- pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
- use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
- avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
- cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
- check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements
Spiked food and drinks
Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as these items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.
Exercise caution at bars, night clubs and adult entertainment venues that lure clients with promises of discounts. Customers have been served spiked drinks and then overcharged on their credit cards while under the influence of intoxicants at such establishments.
- Carry a limited amount of cash
- Verify the price list before ordering and the bill before paying
- Report all crimes to the local police before leaving the country because you cannot file a police report after leaving Poland
Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur frequently. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
Large demonstrations have been taking place across Poland since the announcement by the Constitutional Court in October 2020 of a verdict which severely restricts the right to abortion. These demonstrations may continue.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Expect a heightened security presence
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities. There is a potential for other violent incidents.
Targets could include:
- government buildings, including schools
- places of worship
- airports and other transportation hubs and networks
- public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
Road safety
Poland continues to improve its highway system, but travel by road can be hazardous outside of major centres. Many secondary roads are are poorly maintained and traffic is congested. Drivers do not respect traffic laws.
The country’s role as a major east-west route for transport trucks also poses risks. Horse-drawn and slow-moving agricultural vehicles are common in rural areas. Avoid travelling after dark in remote areas.
Public transportation
- Use only officially marked taxis
- Make sure that the taxi meter is in use; all registered taxis are required to have an operating meter. The taxi should display the rate per kilometre on the back passenger window, visible from outside the vehicle
- Be wary of taxi drivers who approach you at the airport or whose vehicles do not display telephone numbers and a company name; these drivers usually charge exorbitant rates
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
General information about foreign domestic airlines
Soccer matches
Confrontations, which at times become violent, may occur between opposing fans at soccer matches. Exercise caution if attending a soccer match or if staying in the vicinity of sporting venues.
Entry and exit requirements
Entry from Belarus or Russia
If you intend to travel to Poland from Belarus or Russia, you must apply for a humanitarian reasons permit. This must be done before travelling.
To apply for this permit, contact the Polish Border Guards:
- Phone: +48 22 500 4068, +48 22 500 4568, or +48 22 500 5468
- Email: zdsc.kg@strazgraniczna.pl
Entry to Poland through external borders - Polish Border Guards (in Polish)
COVID-19 - Entry, exit and transit restrictions and requirements
Most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions and requirements for their territory due to COVID-19. These measures can be imposed suddenly and may include:
- entry or exit bans
- quarantine
- mandatory proof of vaccination or COVID-19 testing
- suspensions or reductions of international transportation options
Certain European Union countries might not recognize or accept proof of vaccination issued by Canadian provinces and territories for entry or to be exempt from quarantine requirements. You may need to obtain a translation, a notarization, an authentication, or the legalization of the document.
Before travelling:
- verify if the local authorities of both your current location and destinations have implemented any restrictions or requirements related to this situation
- consider even your transit points, as there are transit rules in place in many destinations
- monitor the media for the latest information
- reconfirm the requirements with your airline or tour operator
The situation could disrupt your travel plans. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance to change your travel plans.
Useful links
- Entry requirements to European Union countries - Re-open EU
- Travel restrictions and health requirements - United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Polish authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Schengen area
Poland is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.
If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.
Useful links
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Useful links
Dual citizenship
Canadians who also hold Polish citizenship must enter and exit Poland using their Polish passport.
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*
Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*
Work visa: Required
Student visa: Required
* The 90-day period begins upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country within any 180-day period.
To stay longer than 90 days, Canadians must apply either for a Polish visa in Canada before arriving in Poland or for a temporary residence permit while in Poland and must have a valid reason for extending their stay, such as education or employment.
Extending your stay in Poland - Office for Foreigners
Other entry requirements
Customs officials may ask you to show them a return ticket or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
Mandatory registration
Foreigners must register their stay in Poland within 48 hours of arrival if the stay is to exceed 14 days. Registration will normally be arranged by your hotel. If you are not staying in a hotel, registration must be organized by your host, landlord or holder of the property deed of the residence.
Children and travel
Learn about travel with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Health
Relevant Travel Health Notices
- Global Measles Notice - 8 September, 2022
- COVID-19 and International Travel - 23 September, 2022
- Monkeypox : Advice for travellers - 23 September, 2022
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Pre-travel vaccines and medications
You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Tick-borne encephalitis
Risk
Tick-borne encephalitis is present in some areas of this country.
It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or when you consume unpasteurized milk products.
Recommendation
Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to ticks during outdoor activities.
A vaccine against TBE does exist but is only available in countries where the disease is present.
Learn more on what you can do to prevent tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)?
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air..
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.
For destination entry and exit requirements, including for COVID-19 vaccination requirements, please check the Entry/exit requirements section.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in Eastern Europe, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Eastern Europe. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Eastern Europe, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, snakes, rodents, and bats. Certain infections found in Eastern Europe, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Medical services and facilities
COVID-19 - Testing
Contact local health authorities, or the nearest Government of Canada office abroad to find out where you can get a COVID-19 test.
Satisfactory medical care is available in Poland. However, emergency services may be deficient in small towns and rural areas. Medical services require immediate payment.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons
Canada and Poland are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Poland to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Polish authorities. This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.
Poland does not recognize dual citizenship and does not allow its citizens to serve sentences abroad. Dual nationals may, therefore, not receive the agreement of the Polish authorities to be transferred to a prison in Canada.
Illegal activities
Drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences.
It is illegal to consume alcohol in public places. If you are found intoxicated in a public area, you may be detained and could be taken to a sobering-up centre, where you may need to spend the night. You will be responsible for paying the cost of the stay.
Useful links
Photography
Photography of military installations and some public buildings and monuments may result in a penalty. These installations generally have adequate signage. If in doubt, you should seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Poland.
If local authorities consider you a citizen of Poland, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.
General information for travellers with dual citizenship
International Child Abduction
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Poland.
If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Poland, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Polish court.
If you are in this situation:
- act as quickly as you can
- contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
- consult a lawyer in Canada and in Poland to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
- report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.
Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.
Useful links
- List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
- International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
- Travelling with children
- The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
- Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
- Emergency Watch and Response Centre
Identification
You must carry photo identification, such as, a passport or a driver’s licence, as local authorities can ask for you to prove your identity. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it’s lost or confiscated.
Driving
You must carry an international driving permit. It must be obtained prior to arrival in Poland.
The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless they are fitted with a hands-free device.
The use of seatbelts is mandatory for the driver and any passenger in the car. Children below 150 cm may not ride in the front seat without a child car seat.
Headlights must be on at all times.
Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.02 percent. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences.
Foreigners may be required to pay traffic violation fines on the spot.
- More about the International Driving Permit
- Information on road safety and regulations - European Commission
Cycling
Riding a bike under the influence of alcohol is illegal and subject to detention and fines.
In rural areas, cyclists and pedestrians must wear reflective clothing (or vest) when on the road between dusk and dawn. A cyclist or pedestrian involved in an accident and not wearing a reflective item could be held liable.
Public transportation
Tickets must be validated at the start of any trip. You could be fined on the spot if you fail to show a validated ticket to an official upon request.
Money
The currency of Poland is the zloty (PLN).
If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:
- banknotes and coins
- bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
- bonds, shares
- gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
- gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
- any other convertible asset
This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.
EU cash controls - European Commission
Natural disasters and climate
Heavy rains and thunderstorms are frequent during the summer, sometimes resulting in flooding. Monitor regional weather forecasts and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Need help?
Local services
Emergency services
Dial 112 for emergency assistance.
Consular assistance
Due to the ongoing pandemic, our consular services could be limited. Contact us by email or telephone before visiting our offices.
Warsaw - Embassy of Canada
Belarus
For emergency consular assistance, call the embassy of Canada in Warsaw and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
Disclaimer
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.