A Practical Guide to Traveling in Poland
Poland belongs to the Schengen Area and shares its visa rules with the rest of the bloc, requiring medical insurance of 30,000 euros for those who need to apply for one, although the country keeps its own currency, the zloty, and has not adopted the euro.
Krakow and Warsaw combine renowned historic centers with prices notably lower than Western Europe for lodging and food, making the country a frequent stop within broader trips across the continent.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial, near Krakow, receives more than two million visitors a year and requires booking tickets in advance; Polish winters, meanwhile, can drop below -10°C with icy streets, raising the risk of falls for anyone without proper footwear.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Poland is part of the Schengen Area: many nationalities need a Schengen visa for short stays of up to 90 days; check the exact requirement for your passport before traveling.
Health & travel insurance: Private medical care in Poland is more affordable than in Western Europe, but a visitor without insurance still pays directly for consultations, tests, and transport in the event of an accident.
Best time to travel
May to September offers mild weather for exploring Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk. Winter (December-February) can drop below -10°C, with snow and icy streets, especially outside the big cities.
Typical entry requirements
- Passport valid for at least three months after leaving the Schengen Area.
- Short-stay Schengen visa with 30,000-euro medical insurance for anyone who requires one.
- Advance booking if the itinerary includes the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial.
Winter weather and safety
Falls on icy streets and sidewalks are a frequent cause of injury (sprains, wrist fractures) during Polish winters. Footwear with good grip reduces the risk, but active medical insurance is worth having regardless.
Why travel medical insurance makes sense here
An Assist-365 plan satisfies the Schengen visa requirement and covers medical costs from a fall on ice or any emergency during your tour through the country's history. Get a quote with the code MEDALLOADV2023 before your trip.
Travel checklist for Poland
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Poland.
- Check the visa requirement for Poland based on your passport: Poland is part of the Schengen Area: many nationalities need a Schengen visa for short stays of up to 90 days; check the exact requirement for your passport before traveling.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Private medical care in Poland is more affordable than in Western Europe, but a visitor without insurance still pays directly for consultations, tests, and transport in the event of an accident.
- Save Poland's emergency number: 112, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Zloty (PLN)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
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Poland at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capital | Warsaw |
| Currency | Zloty (PLN), not the euro |
| Language | Polish |
| Best time to visit | May to September |
| Emergency number | 112 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Poland use the euro?
No, the official currency is the Polish zloty (PLN); it's best to exchange money or withdraw local cash rather than pay in euros.
Do I need to book in advance to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau?
Yes, the memorial receives millions of visitors a year and limits the number of daily entries, so booking several days ahead is recommended.
Is a Polish winter dangerous for tourists?
The main risk is falling on icy streets; with proper footwear and caution, the risk drops considerably.
Does travel insurance cover a fracture from a fall on ice?
Yes, medical care for accidents like falls is typically covered under travel assistance plans; confirm the coverage limit when you get a quote.
