Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Poland. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. No need for blank pages for entry stamp. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
[48] (22) 504-2000; US Embassy Warsaw, Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, 00-540 Warsaw, Poland; acswarsaw@state.gov; https://pl.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
48
Local Emergency Phone
112, 999
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers
Currency (Code)
Zlotych (PLN)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E
Major Languages
Polish, Silesian
Major Religions
Catholic 85.9% (includes Roman Catholic, Greek Catholic, Armenian Catholic, and Byzantine-Slavic Catholic), Orthodox 1.3%, Protestant 0.4%
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Gdansk Old Town; Bialowieza Forest; Wieliczka & Bochnia Royal Salt Mine; Malbork Castle; Slowinski Sand Dunes; Masurian Lakeland; Wawel Castle & Cathedral; Krakow; Warsaw (includes Wilanow Palace, Palace on the Water); Auschwitz
Major Sports
Soccer, motorsports, volleyball, ski jumping, track and field
Cultural Practices
Many households will ask you to remove your shoes upon entry.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is expected for good service in restaurants, especially in tourist areas such as Krakow or Warsaw. The norm is to tip around 10-15%. Hotel housekeepers do not expect a tip, but leaving a small amount (10 zlotych), is appreciated. Tipping a tour driver 10-15% is customary.
Souvenirs
Amber jewelry and decorative items, natural linen, painted ceramic pottery and stoneware, traditional costumes, vodka
Traditional Cuisine
Bigos — a stew of white cabbage, sauerkraut (fermented cabbage), mushrooms, tomatoes, ham, and meats such as pork, beef, veal, bacon, or venison; Pierogi – small dumplings stuffed with either savory or sweet fillings including cheese, onions, ground meat, mushrooms, potatoes, sauerkraut, or various berries
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022
