Poland Travel Safety

Precautions

On the road, be especially vigilant when stopped at traffic lights, as bags can be snatched from passenger seats by thieves travelling on scooters or on foot. Keep your windows closed, bags and handbags out of reach and car doors locked at all times. Youth gangs can be a threat, particularly in urban areas. Individuals have sometimes been harassed for reasons of race, sexual orientation or foreign-looking appearance. Exercise caution on trains, particularly at night. Store personal belongings in a safe place, do not leave the compartment unattended and ensure the door is secured from the inside. Most pickpocketing on trains occurs during boarding and disembarking. Commonly, a group of well-dressed young men will jostle and rob a passenger as they supposedly attempt to get around the victim in a narrow aisle of the train.

Road safety

Poland continues to improve its highway system, but travel by road can be hazardous outside of major centres. Many secondary roads are poorly maintained, narrow and badly lit, and traffic is congested. Some drivers have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe driving practices. The country's role as a major east-west route for transport trucks also poses risks. Horse-drawn and slow-moving agricultural vehicles are common in rural areas.

Identification

Always carry original government issued photo identification, such as a passport or a driver's licence, as local authorities can ask for you to prove your identity.

Public transportation

Tickets must be validated at the start of any trip. You could be fined on the spot if you fail to show a validated ticket to an official upon request.

Taxis

Use only officially marked taxis. Make sure that the taxi meter is in use, all registered taxis are required to have an operating meter. The taxi should display the rate per kilometre on the back passenger window, visible from outside the vehicle. Be wary of taxi drivers who approach you at the airport or whose vehicles do not display telephone numbers and a company name - these drivers usually charge exorbitant rates.

Women's safety

Travel in a group when going out after dark to nightclubs, discos, bars, or high-tourism areas, such as the Market Square in Krakow and Old Town in Warsaw. Crime against foreign women is rare. Women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.

Fraud

Card skimming sometimes occurs in Poland. To avoid being a victim of fraud, use automated teller machines located in well-lit public areas (or inside a bank or business), avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature, cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN and check any unauthorized transactions on your account statements.

Crime

The rate of violent crime, for example, mugging and carjacking, in Poland is generally low. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common, particularly in larger cities. Organized groups of thieves operate at major tourist destinations, on public transportation, at train stations, near hotels and in busy markets. Thieves also target the bus and tram route to and from Warsaw Chopin Airport.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as these items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities and there is a potential for other violent incidents, which could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Continue to exercise normal security precautions.

LGBT

The laws of Poland do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Many Poles are traditional about social issues, but people in larger towns and cities are generally more open-minded about LGBT issues. There is an active gay scene in Warsaw with a number of gay clubs and bars. Homosexuality is legal and same sex partners may live together but marriage or civil partnership is not allowed for same sex couples.

Illegal or restricted activities

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences. Photography of military installations and some public buildings and monuments may result in a penalty. These installations generally have adequate signage. If in doubt, you should seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs. It is illegal to consume alcohol in public places. If you are found intoxicated in a public area, you may be detained and could be taken to a sobering-up centre, where you may need to spend the night. You will be responsible for paying the cost of the stay.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required and must be obtained prior to arrival in Poland. Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.02 percent. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences. The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless they are fitted with a hands-free device. The use of seatbelts is mandatory for the driver and any passenger in the car. Children below 150 cm may not ride in the front seat without a child car seat. Headlights must be on at all times.