Poland

Recommended Vaccinations For Poland

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in the provinces of Podlaskie and Warminsko-Mazurskie or where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Poland

There are no recommendations for Poland at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Poland

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Poland.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Poland through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

There is a risk of Tick-borne Encephalitis in the provinces of Podlaskie and Warminsko-Mazurskie. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.

Safety & Security in Poland

Personal Safety

Poland ranks as one of the safer European countries for travelers. Violent crime against visitors is rare, though petty theft and pickpocketing remain the primary concerns in tourist areas. You’ll find pickpockets operate in crowded spots like Old Town squares, train stations, and bus stations. Crime rates have been declining steadily, with Poland’s homicide rate sitting at 0.68 per 100,000, among the lowest in Europe. Serious crime against foreigners is uncommon, though some attacks have been racially motivated. Drink spiking incidents have been reported in bars and clubs, particularly those targeting tourists with special deals. Avoid unofficial taxis, as passengers have experienced overcharging, attacks, and sexual assaults in unlicensed vehicles and some cars booked through ride-sharing apps. The proximity to the Ukraine conflict means missile debris has occasionally landed near the eastern border, though this remains an isolated risk. Scams targeting tourists include inflated taxi fares, overcharging in bars with hidden prices, and venues that lure customers with promises of special deals before presenting inflated bills. Some adult entertainment venues have been linked to organized crime and extortion schemes where patrons are threatened with violence or false arrest if they refuse to pay excessive charges.

Extreme Violence

Poland scored 0.0 on the 2023 Global Terrorism Index, indicating minimal terrorism risk. The country has not suffered any large-scale terrorist attacks in recent years, though attacks cannot be ruled out. Poland’s main security concern relates to its proximity to the Ukraine conflict. Russian military strikes in Ukraine have hit within 20 kilometers of the Polish border. In 2022, an explosion in Przewodów near the Ukrainian border killed two Polish nationals. Drone activity near the borders with Belarus and Ukraine has resulted in temporary airspace closures and flight disruptions. Air traffic restrictions remain in place along these borders. Hate crimes occur, with 997 reported to police, including 231 racially motivated incidents, 89 anti-Semitic attacks, and 62 anti-Muslim incidents. Many people of color experience harassment that goes unreported. Organized crime operates in some sectors, particularly in certain adult entertainment establishments. Football hooligans occasionally engage in violent confrontations, particularly around soccer matches, with some fan clubs having links to organized crime. Violent far-right groups exist, though Poland has not experienced a mass-casualty attack from such groups since the fall of communism in 1989.

Political Unrest

Public demonstrations are common in Poland and mostly peaceful. Marches and gatherings can occasionally attract violence, particularly during politically charged events. Large anti-government protests have occurred in recent years, with hundreds of thousands participating in demonstrations in Warsaw. In 2024, farmers blocked 260 major roads across the country protesting against European Green Deal policies and Ukrainian grain imports. Anti-immigration demonstrations have taken place in more than 80 cities, organized by far-right groups. In March 2024, protesters clashed with police outside parliament in Warsaw. Poland’s Independence Day on November 11 has historically seen instances of violence during demonstrations. Counter-demonstrations between opposing groups can turn violent. The political climate has seen increased nationalist and conservative sentiments, leading to public resistance against certain social issues. Protests related to judicial independence, reproductive rights, and migration policies have been frequent. In July 2025, anti-immigration marches across Poland drew counter-manifestations from left-wing groups. The government introduced border controls with Germany and Lithuania in July 2025, reflecting ongoing migration tensions. Monitor local media during your visit and avoid protest areas, as situations can escalate quickly.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid areas immediately near the borders with Ukraine and Belarus due to security concerns. Missile debris has landed in border areas, and heightened security measures including physical barriers and military presence are in place. Warsaw’s Praga Polnoc neighborhood, particularly the northern part, has higher crime rates. Avoid the Mokotow area near Krolikarnia Park in Warsaw after dark. In Krakow, the Nowa Huta district has a reputation for violent crime. The mountain resort town of Zakopane has the highest crime index in Poland at 43.7, driven by petty theft, pickpocketing, and tourist-targeted scams. Be particularly cautious around landmark areas, transit stations, and transportation hubs in major cities where pickpockets and scammers concentrate. Avoid unofficial taxi stands, particularly at Warsaw Airport, where unlicensed drivers overcharge and some have been linked to assaults. Steer clear of adult entertainment venues along highways, which are often fronts for organized crime and prostitution. Some bars and clubs in tourist areas use aggressive tactics to overcharge patrons. Eastern Poland, while generally safe, has fewer English speakers and limited infrastructure compared to major cities. Rural areas have limited public transportation and cell phone coverage in remote regions like the Bieszczady Mountains.