Poland Travel Guide
Did you know?
The surface area of Poland is 120.7 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 166 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Warsaw (PL) and Washington D.C. (US) is 4460 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Warsaw click here
Time • Timezone
Safety
General travel safety level in Poland on a scale of 1 (safe) to 4 (unsafe).
Level 1 • Exercise normal safety precautions.
Update: 25 Mar 2024Currency
Zloty (PLN) - rate compared to selected currencies
EUR 
GBP 
USD Get ready for your next trip
With just a few clicks you can find the best accommodation, airline tickets, or buy insurance that provides comprehensive protection for your next journey.
Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Poland
| Miles | Warsaw | Kraków | Poznań | Bydgoszcz | Wrocław | Gdańsk | Łódź | Szczecin |
| Warsaw | - | 158 | 173 | 140 | 188 | 176 | 74 | 282 |
| Kraków | 158 | - | 208 | 227 | 147 | 302 | 120 | 327 |
| Poznań | 173 | 208 | - | 67 | 90 | 152 | 116 | 122 |
| Bydgoszcz | 140 | 227 | 67 | - | 145 | 89 | 112 | 144 |
| Wrocław | 188 | 147 | 90 | 145 | - | 234 | 114 | 191 |
| Gdańsk | 176 | 302 | 152 | 89 | 234 | - | 182 | 179 |
| Łódź | 74 | 120 | 116 | 112 | 114 | 182 | - | 236 |
| Szczecin | 282 | 327 | 122 | 144 | 191 | 179 | 236 | - |
A Brief History of Poland
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
966
ChristianityPoland accepts Christianity as its religion.
1569
Polish–Lithuanian CommonwealthPoland and Lithuania unite and create a large, powerful commonwealth.
1772
Partitions of PolandRussia, Prussia, and Austria conquer Poland and divide it among themselves. By 1795, Poland no longer exists. It is controlled by these countries for the next 123 years.
1918
World War IAt the end of World War I, Poland becomes a country again. Marshall Józef Piłsudski is its head.
1939
World War II beginsNazi Germany invades Poland, marking the beginning of World War II.
1945
World War II endsAllies defeat Germany and force it to leave Poland. Two years later, Poland becomes a Communist country.
1978
Pope John Paul IIKarol Wojtyła becomes the first Polish cardinal to be elected pope.
1980
SolidarityLech Wałęsa and Polish workers protest Communist rule and create a union called Solidarity. The union fights with the government for almost a decade.
1990
President Lech WałęsaWałęsa is elected president. Two years after his term ends, Poland adopts a new constitution.
2004
Poland in EUPoland joins the European Union.
2010
Smolensk air disasterPresident and many of Poland's top officials are killed in a plane crash in Russia while on their way to a memorial for Polish officers.
Best Ways to Experience Poland
- Cuisine
- Art
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreZloty (PLN)
- EUR
- GBP
- PLN
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- PLN
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Poland.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Poland for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 90 days
- 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
- Dual nationals must use their Polish passport.
- A bilateral agreement pre-dating the Schengen area allows a stay in Poland regardless of days spent in other Schengen countries.
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In Poland the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C, E sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type C
Type EFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 165 / 231 Ranking | 37 846 611 Polish 96.9%, Silesian 1.1%, German 0.2%, Ukrainian 0.1% |
Area | 166 / 232 Ranking | 120.7 thous. mi² It is approximately 3% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 159 / 221 Ranking | 78.5 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 74.8women 82.5 |
Median age | 160 / 222 Ranking | 41.9 Average age of population expressed in years.men 40.3women 43.6 |
Population growth | 160 / 224 Ranking | -0.23% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 151 / 210 Ranking | 99.8% Ability to read, write and count.men 99.9%women 99.7% |
GDP | 140 / 194 Ranking | 34 406 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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