Skip to main content
Independent travel resource

Visiting Poland

Last verified: 2 min read

Everything you need to know before you go for Poland

Quick Facts

Poland is a Schengen Area member. What you need to enter depends on your citizenship: ETIAS, a visa, or neither.

Capital Warsaw
Currency PLN
Schengen Yes
Languages Polish

Exploring Poland

Poland offers a compelling mix of medieval history, vibrant cities, and remarkable affordability compared to Western Europe. Krakow's beautifully preserved Old Town and the haunting Wieliczka Salt Mine are among the country's most visited attractions, while the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is an essential and deeply moving historical site.

Warsaw, the capital, was meticulously rebuilt after World War II and now features a fascinating blend of reconstructed historic architecture and modern skyscrapers. Gdansk on the Baltic coast charms visitors with its colorful merchant houses and maritime heritage. Poland uses the Polish zloty rather than the Euro, which helps keep costs low for travelers.

Capital Warsaw
Currency PLN
Population 36.6 million
Languages Polish

How to Enter Poland

  • EU/EEA citizens No visa or travel authorization needed — just bring your passport or national ID.
  • Visa-exempt nationals (US, UK, Canada, and others) currency}) mandatory from Q4 2026.
  • Visa-required nationals currency}). Apply through the embassy or consulate of your main Schengen destination.

Money Tips for Poland

Poland uses the Polish Zloty (PLN). While an EU member, Poland has not adopted the Euro. Card payments are widely accepted in cities, but carry some Zloty for rural areas, markets, and smaller shops. ATMs (called 'bankomat') are common — use bank-operated ones and decline any conversion offers to avoid poor exchange rates.

Recommended

Stay Connected in Poland

Skip the roaming charges and avoid searching for a local SIM card. Set up a Saily eSIM before your flight — activate in seconds from your phone. Plans start at $1.99.

  • Works across all Schengen countries
  • No physical SIM card needed
  • Activate instantly from your phone
Get My Travel eSIM Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Prepare for Your Trip to Poland

ETIAS Guide

Pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors

Schengen Visa

Visa application guide

90/180 Calculator

Check how long you can stay

Travel Insurance

Coverage for your European trip

Popular Cities in Poland

Gdansk Krakow Warsaw Wroclaw

Common Questions about Visiting Poland

Do I need ETIAS to visit Poland?
If you're from an ETIAS-eligible country (like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.), you will need ETIAS to visit Poland starting Q4 2026. ETIAS costs €20 and is valid for 3 years.
Is Poland part of the Schengen Area?
Yes. Poland has been a Schengen Area member since 2007.
How long can I stay in Poland without a visa?
Visitors from visa-exempt countries can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period in Poland and the entire Schengen Area combined.
Do I need a visa for Poland?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens from 59 countries (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) don't need a visa for short stays. Others need a Schengen visa.
What currency does Poland use?
Poland uses the Polish zloty (PLN). While Poland is an EU member, it has not yet adopted the Euro.

Prepare for Your Trip to Poland

Valid passport (check requirements for your nationality)
Visa or ETIAS (depends on your nationality)
Travel insurance Get covered
eSIM for mobile data in Europe Get Saily
VPN for public WiFi security Get NordVPN

Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

You Might Also Like

Germany United Kingdom Czechia

Last updated: