COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise normal safety and security precautions

Exercise normal safety and security precautions in Poland (level 1 of 4).

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Poland

Ukraine and Belarus borders
The New Zealand Government advises against all travel to Ukraine and Belarus. Outside of designated border crossings, access to areas very close to the Polish border with Ukraine and the Polish border with Belarus may be restricted. Checkpoints may close or implement restrictions at short notice.

In Ukraine, Russia’s war is ongoing and there have been Russian military strikes in Ukraine within 20km of the Polish border. In 2022, an explosion in Przewodów, Poland, near the Ukrainian border killed two Polish nationals.

You should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Poland. If you are a New Zealander who has arrived in Poland from Ukraine and are in need of emergency assistance, you should email nzwsw@nzembassy.pl or phone the 24/7 Consular emergency line in New Zealand on +64 99 20 20 20.

Terrorism
There is a moderate threat of terrorism in Poland. Terrorist groups, individuals returning to Europe from areas of conflict, and individuals adhering to various forms of extremist ideologies, continue to make threats to conduct attacks in Poland and across Europe. Groups adhering to various ideologies have conducted attacks in the past. 

New Zealanders in Poland are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising vigilance in public places.

Crime
There is a low crime rate in Poland, however there have been occasional reports of muggings, drink spiking leading to credit card fraud, and pickpocketing in larger cities including Warsaw and Krakow. There is a higher risk of robbery around main railway stations and on trains. Thieves often work together and may distract victims and rob them while their attention is diverted. 

We recommend taking extra care to ensure your food and drink is never left unattended and against accepting drinks from strangers or recent acquaintances. Be alert to your surroundings and take steps to secure your personal belongings.

Ask for drink prices before ordering and check the bill amount and currency carefully when ordering drinks from bars, nightclubs and adult entertainment venues, especially if they have lured you in with special deals. There have been reports of overcharging and of large amounts of money being charged to debit or credit cards at such establishments.

Individuals have sometimes been harassed due to their race or sexual orientation.

Civil Unrest
Demonstrations are common in Poland, particularly in Warsaw and other large cities, and may disrupt local public services and transport. New Zealanders in Poland are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations as even those intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn violent with little warning. 

General Travel Advice
Poland does not recognise dual nationality. Dual New Zealand-Polish nationals must enter and exit Poland on their Polish passport, as they will be deemed Polish by the Polish authorities.  Polish nationals travelling on foreign passports may be detained, or stopped at the border, until they obtain a Polish travel document. 

Use regulated official taxis only and avoid hailing taxis in the street. It is advisable to phone for taxis or take a cab from official airport taxi stands. There have been reports of sexual assault against passengers in unofficial taxis and cars booked via ride-sharing apps.

On-the-spot fines can apply for minor infringements, such as jaywalking, using a mobile phone while crossing the road, or traffic offences committed by non-resident foreign nationals.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

Photography of military establishments and some public buildings is prohibited, and may result in a penalty. These installations generally have adequate signage. If in doubt, seek permission from local authorities.

Always carry original photo identification such as a passport or driver’s licence as local authorities can ask you to provide them to prove your identity.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Poland should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air. 

New Zealanders in Poland are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

• Travel to Europe
• Abolition of border controls in Europe
• For current health alerts

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The New Zealand Embassy Warsaw, Poland

Telephone +48 22 521 0500 Emergency Telephone 24/7 Consular emergency line: 0800 30 10 30 (within New Zealand) or +64 99 20 20 20 (outside of New Zealand) Email nzwsw@nzembassy.pl Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/poland

See our regional advice for Europe