What you need to know to travel to Poland from the UK

Can I Travel To Poland? 

Omicron variant cases in Poland are declining rapidly. Furthermore, the Polish government has eliminated most social restrictions. The only requirement for non-EU travellers (including British) is to have a positive PCR for antigen testing results before entering the country. Also, quarantine rules are in effect for the unvaccinated. This regularly updated guide offers information on current travel restrictions. Information about outbreaks and tips to ensure a safe trip.

Rules For Travelling To Poland From The UK

No quarantine is required to travel to or from Poland unless you are fully vaccinated, have recovered from COVID-19 and have completed your 14-day vaccinations. All passengers must present negative test results upon arrival in Poland.

• The UK can allow you to travel without quarantine to Poland if you have been fully vaccinated for 14 days or have recovered completely from COVID-19 over the previous six months. This can also be proven via the NHS CVID Pass, which shows your current status via QR codes.
• All passengers to Poland should present a positive PCR or antigen CoVID-19 test result at the airport. It must be less than 24 hours before arrival.
• A Passenger Locator form must be completed before you arrive in Poland. All travellers also need to fill out a Passenger Locator form no later than 48 hours before their departure.
• Full-vaccinated travellers do not have to give a test result or be quarantined before they can enter the UK.

If you have not had your COVID vaccinations in 6 months or less, you must quarantine before entering Poland.

• All passengers to Poland should present a positive PCR for antigen COVID-19 test result at the airport. It must be less than 24 hour before arrival.
• Unvaccinated tourists to Poland will need to be held in quarantine until they are able to prove they have not been vaccinated for COVID-19 over the last six months. This can also be proven via the NHSCOVID Pass. It displays current status via QR codes.
• Travellers will need a COVID testing in Poland less than 2 days before returning to Britain.
• Travellers need to book the COVID test and pay within 48-hours of arriving in the UK. While you don’t need to be quarantined, positive or unclear results must be reported and self-isolated for 10 calendar days.
• Not only will you need to fill in the Passenger Location Form before your arrival in Poland but also a Passenger Locator For no more than 48 hours prior to your return to Britain.

Children and young people

Children under 12 who are traveling with fully-vaccinated adults from the UK and non-Schengen states to Poland will not be subject to the mandatory quarantine. If children travel with adults who have not been fully vaccinated, they must quarantine.

Children 12 years or older are subjected to the same rules and regulations as adults. This applies even to children travelling with their fully vaccinated parents. A child who is 12 years of age or older cannot prove they have recovered from COVID-19 or are fully vaccinated will be subject to mandatory quarantine when they arrive in Poland.

If you’re transiting through Poland

Transiting is when one country passes through another on the way towards your final destination. If you arrive in Poland by plane and transit through Poland while on your way to another country you do not have to submit to mandatory quarantine.

All foreigners are prohibited from quarantining upon their arrival from Ukraine as a result of the military conflict there.

To avoid mandatory quarantine, you must provide proof that you have passed a pre departure testing (PCR or antigen/lateral flow), if arriving by rail or car from Ukraine.

Exemptions

Upon arrival in Poland, some individuals may be exempted of quarantine or testing. Look at the Polish Border Guards’ Website to see exemptions. Scroll down for English

Does Poland have a border with Russia?

Poland shares a border of approximately 144 miles and Russia with Kaliningrad. This is a small Russian province located between Poland, Lithuania, and the Baltic Coast. This is miles away from any staging sites for the Russian invasion.

The country also has 248-mile borders with Belarus, a key ally, and a 332-mile boundary with Ukraine. These borders are now under attack by Moscow’s military forces.

Is Poland a neighbour of Ukraine?

Yes. 332 miles long is Poland’s border to Ukraine. This is also the main entry point for Ukrainians fleeing Russia.

Poland, which shares a 332-mile long land border with Ukraine, has been feeling the consequences of Russia’s war more than any other country in Europe. This is largely due to the massive influx of refugees.

Over a million people fled Ukraine and Poland within 12 days after the Russian invasion.

Although it is unlikely for the EU nation to be involved in an armed conflict with Ukraine, Nato has indicated that it will support its eastern flank near Ukraine. It includes Poland’s 332-mile border.

Are flights operating to Poland as usual?

Yes. Flying to Poland are operating as usual.

Due to the war in Ukraine, there are no diversions. Flight paths from the UK cannot overfly Russia and Ukraine.

Wizz Air has flights to Warsaw, UK from just PS16 return.

What does the Foreign Office think about Poland travel?

The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office(FCDO) does not have any warnings about visiting Poland.

An FCDO webpage updated on Thursday, 24 February, warned that people shouldn’t try to cross into Ukraine using Poland. This was due to “multiple reports” of widespread military activity.

Does Poland have travel restrictions after the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

No. In response to the conflict in Ukraine, there are no travel restrictions in Poland.

In response to the latest migrant crisis in Belarus by Alexander Lukashenko at the Poland-Belarus frontier, the Polish government introduced legislation that restricts access to areas adjacent to the border.

Poland extended a law limiting access between 2 March 2022 and 30 June 2022 in areas approximately two miles from the border in parts Lubelskie Voivodeships.

Best Places to Visit in Poland

Warsaw

Poland’s capital was left ruined after WWII. Nearly 85% of its buildings had been destroyed or turned into ash by Nazi forces. When the war ended, the city set out to rebuild its historical centre using original plans. The Baroque Renaissance and Renaissance merchant houses that you see today are exact copies of the originals.

The city still has over 60 museums, despite the fact that many of the collections were lost to museums and palaces during WWII. Warsaw’s museums offer more than just art and history. They also have some unique options, like the Museum of Posters which is the only Museum of Posters in the World, a museum that focuses on the WWII Warsaw Uprising and a Museum of Caricature.

The National Museum documents the city’s history. It also houses the greatest collection of Polish paintings — which includes many works from Adolf Hitler’s collection.

Although Warsaw does not have the same number of parks as Krakow, Lazienki Pavilion or its formal gardens make up for this. This palace from the 18th century is surrounded by 76 hectares of forest.

Walking down Krakowskie Przedmieście is a great outdoor adventure. The Presidential Palace, Polish Academy of Sciences, and old homes are just steps away from each other.

Krakow

Krakow is one the oldest cities and was already inhabited in 7 the century. Krakow’s Old Town is still a marvel of mediaeval architecture and it was spared most of the WWII destruction. The area’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the Wavel Castle, Kazimierz historic district (also known as the Old Jewish Quarter), and Kazimierz Old Jewish Quarter.

Krakow boasts 40 urban parks.

On rainy days, Krakow’s 28 museums, including the National Art Collection, at the Wawel, are a must-see. Their visitors can also see period furniture and a huge collection of Flemish tapestries.

The Rynek Underground museum gives you an in-depth, unusual look at Krakow’s history and streets.

There are many attractions nearby that can be used as day trips. Notable places of interest are the oldest operational salt mine Wieliczka, the Auschwitz–Birkenau concentration camp, and the Tatra Mountains.

Tatra Mountains

The Tatra Mountains National Park and the National Park of Tatra Mountains form a natural frontier between Slovakia/Poland. However, the majority of the mountain ranges are in Slovakia. Hiking between EU countries is possible now that there is no EU border. There are over 270 kms of hiking trails in the Polish part of the park.

Poland’s highest peak Rysy is located in the Polish Tatras. It’s the highest Tatras peak within either country and can be climbed alone at 2,500m. There are over 600 caves in the park, including the Wielka Sniezna limestone cave, which is the longest at 23 km and the deepest at 824 metres.

The Tatras boast streams, waterfalls, mountain lakes, and streams. Morskie Oko lake is considered the largest lake in this park. It is hidden deep within the park. To reach it, you must hike for 2 hours through thick Swiss pine forest and up hills.

Returning to the UK

All passengers aged 12 and above who are travelling to the UK from abroad must fill in an online tourist locator form before departing. The form can be filled out by adults who are travelling with children aged under 18.

You do not need to be fully vaccinated if you arrive in the UK. The same rules are applicable to travellers under 18.

If you are aged 18 or over, you will not be fully vaccinated.

• A negative Covid-19 screening will be required. This must be done within two days of your arrival in the UK.
• You will need to arrange and pay for the PCR test. The test must be performed within two business days of your arrival to the UK. You will need to book this with a private company before you travel.
• Except for a positive PCR test, you don’t have quarantine to do.