Poland Travel 2025: Safety Guide for Tourists with Essential Tips on Crime, Border Crossings, and Emergency Preparedness

Listeners considering travel to Poland will find the country designated as Level 1—exercise normal precautions—by the U.S. Department of State as of June 2025, marking Poland as one of the safest destinations in Europe and relatively unaffected by the instability seen in neighboring regions, especially considering the continuing armed conflict in Ukraine. According to the U.S. Department of State and Travelandtourworld, travelers can expect a stable and secure environment, but should remain informed of any updates or advisories that may arise.

While Poland offers peace of mind for leisure or business trips, listeners should be mindful of specific travel advice and recent developments. The Canadian government and Global Rescue highlight that petty theft such as pickpocketing and bag snatching remains a concern in larger cities, busy markets, public transport hubs, and areas around hotels. Crime rates related to violent crime are low, but listeners are urged to keep valuables secure, be cautious on public transportation—especially at night—and ensure luggage and passports are not left unattended. There have also been incidents of scams and extortion involving unofficial taxis, especially at airports; travelers should only use officially marked taxis with operating meters and never accept rides from taxis without a visible company name or number.

Adventure tourism is popular in Poland’s mountain regions, including the Carpathians and Sudetes, but can pose serious risks without proper preparation. Weather can change rapidly and lightning strikes are common, particularly in the Tatra mountains. Listeners seeking hiking, climbing, or skiing should not go alone, ensure they have adequate insurance for helicopter rescue and medical evacuation, and stick to marked trails.

Road safety is a noticeable issue in Poland, which is recorded by the U.S. Department of State as having one of the highest fatality rates in the European Union. Local road conditions, especially in rural areas, can be hazardous due to narrow lanes, poor lighting, frequent repairs, and aggressive driving habits. Pedestrians account for a significant proportion of road fatalities, so travelers should exercise heightened caution, avoid driving at night in remote areas, and be prepared for slow-moving agricultural vehicles and sudden road closures in urban centers for ceremonies or state events.

Border and entry procedures are also evolving. On October 12, 2025, Poland will implement the new European Entry/Exit System for non-EU nationals. This automated system means travelers must register, have their fingerprints and photos taken, and should anticipate longer wait times at border crossings. The UK government and Smartraveller also confirm that there are increased controls at Poland’s borders with Germany, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Belarus. Entering from Ukraine may mean delays, and access is restricted within certain distances of the borders. Parts of the Belarus border remain subject to closures and additional restrictions, so it’s important to check current regulations and observe instructions from Polish border authorities.

Special demonstrations and protests can occur, as noted by the U.S. Consulate General with an alert for Krakow in October 2025, but these are generally peaceful and local authorities provide timely information and instructions to maintain visitor safety.

Poland continues to welcome foreigners with efficient, safe public transport and a dynamic cultural scene. Basic emergency contacts include 112 for fire, medical, and rescue services, and 997 for police emergencies.

Listeners are encouraged to monitor reliable news sources and government advisories, especially near border regions, and always follow local guidance for a safe and enjoyable trip to Poland.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI