Poland Travel Guide

🇺🇸 US State Department Advisory

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.                   Exercise normal precautions in Poland. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Poland. If you decide to travel to Poland:                                   Enroll in the Smart Tra...

🚨 Emergency Numbers

🏥 Healthcare Summary

Private clinics (such as Medicover, Lux Med, and Enel-Med) in major cities offer good to excellent care with English-speaking staff and short wait times. Public hospitals can have long waits but provide competent emergency care.

Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended for all visitors. EU/EEA citizens should bring their EHIC for public healthcare access; non-EU visitors should ensure private medical coverage as public hospitals may refuse non-emergency treatment without insurance.

💊 Medication Restrictions

Poland follows EU regulations on medication imports. Travelers may bring personal supplies of prescription medication with a valid prescription or doctor's letter, ideally in the original packaging. For narcotics and psychotropic medications, carry a Schengen certificate issued by your home country's health authority. Common OTC medications are readily available at pharmacies (apteka), which are widespread in cities and towns.

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) — RESTRICTED: Prescription required; EU/Schengen travelers can use Schengen certificate. Non-EU travelers bring up to 3 months supply with prescription
• Adderall / amphetamines — RESTRICTED: Amphetamines are controlled (Group I-P) but dexamphetamine prescribed for ADHD. Import with Schengen certificate or prescription + doctor's letter; max 30 days supply recommended
• Cannabis / CBD — RESTRICTED: Medical cannabis legal since 2017 with prescription; recreational is illegal. CBD with <0.2% THC is legal as hemp product
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — RESTRICTED: Controlled psychotropic (Group II-P); commonly prescribed for ADHD in Poland. Schengen certificate or prescription required for import
• Codeine / opioids — RESTRICTED: Codeine is controlled; available by prescription. Import with valid prescription documentation. Schengen certificate for EU travel

🙏 Cultural Tips

Tipping: 10% at restaurants is customary. Round up for taxis. Not expected at bars for simple drinks. Say 'reszta dla pana/pani' (keep the change).

Cultural taboos to avoid:

• Confusing Poland with Russia or calling it Eastern Europe (it's Central Europe)
• Making light of WWII or the Holocaust
• Refusing food or drink when offered as a guest
• Sitting at the corner of a table (superstition — won't marry for 7 years)
• Giving even numbers of flowers (reserved for funerals)

🎭 Tourist Scam Guides

Common scams to watch out for in Poland: