Poland

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

We currently advise that all New Zealanders do not travel overseas at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, associated health risks and widespread travel restrictions.

The global situation remains complex. International travel can be complicated with fewer international flights available and disruptions to transit routes and hubs. Any destination could experience a sudden increase in cases of COVID-19 and a heightened risk to travellers of contracting the virus. Strict health measures and movement restrictions could be imposed suddenly, particularly in response to new variants of concern. Should you decide to travel overseas at this time, be prepared to remain overseas longer than you intended. You should also be aware that your travel insurance may not cover travel disruption or medical expenses. Talk to your insurer about how sudden changes to the international travel environment might affect your insurance.

Managed Isolation and Quarantine in New Zealand
Travellers to New Zealand may be required to enter government-provided managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ). The length of your stay in MIQ may depend on where you are travelling from. Detailed information about MIQ requirements in New Zealand can be found at www.miq.govt.nz.

Pre-departure testing requirements for travellers to New Zealand
Most travellers must have a negative pre-departure test result and approved documentation to enter New Zealand. Detailed information about pre-departure testing requirements can be found on the Unite Against COVID-19 website here.

We recognise that some New Zealanders do continue to live and travel overseas. We continue to provide destination-specific advice about other safety and security risks below.

Poland

Military action is underway in neighbouring Ukraine. 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.

All COVID-19 entry restrictions are temporarily suspended at the Poland-Ukraine border. However, restrictions remain in place for travel from elsewhere to Poland.

A state of emergency in areas along the Poland-Belarus border, including parts of Podlaskie and Lubelskie Voivodeships, remains in place. There are increased restrictions on movement, assembly and activities in these areas. If you are in these areas, reconsider your need to be there, follow all instructions issued by Polish authorities and ensure you carry your ID with you at all times.

Due to increased operational pressures, New Zealand has temporarily closed its Embassy in Warsaw’s physical premises. In country consular assistance remains available. New Zealanders in Poland seeking emergency consular assistance should email nzwsw@nzembassy.pl or phone the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s 24/7 Consular emergency line on 0800 30 10 30 (within New Zealand) or +64 99 20 20 20 (outside of New Zealand), or email cons@mfat.govt.nz.

Terrorism
There is a moderate threat of terrorism in Poland. Terrorist groups, including those based in Syria and Iraq, have made threats to conduct attacks across Europe. Be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could occur in public places, including areas visited by foreigners. 

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. We recommend taking extra care to ensure your food and drink is never left unattended and being cautious when accepting drinks from strangers and recent acquaintances.

Be alert to your surroundings and take steps to secure your personal belongings.

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 escalate with little warning.

General travel advice
Poland does not recognise dual nationalities. 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, use an app, or take a cab from official airport taxi stands.

On-the-spot fines can apply for minor infringements, such as jaywalking 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.

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 travel insurance.

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

Travel tips

The New Zealand Embassy Warsaw, Poland

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

MIL OSI