Poland
Krakow, Warsaw and Gdansk
History everywhere you look, in three cities joined by fast, cheap trains. One of the easiest budget trips in Europe.
Best time: May, June and September
Good to know
- Capital
- Warsaw
- Currency
- Polish złoty (PLN)
- Language
- Polish
- Say hello
- CześćThank you: Dziękuję
- Plugs
- Type C and E (two round pins)
- Tap water
- Safe to drink
When to go
- January: low season
- February: low season
- March: low season
- April: good
- May: best
- June: best
- July: good
- August: good
- September: best
- October: good
- November: low season
- December: good
May, June and September; December for the Christmas markets.
Where to go in Poland
Visa & entry
- Poland is in the Schengen area. EU citizens only need a passport or ID card.
- UK, US and many other passports can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days, counted across the whole Schengen area.
- Since April 2026 non-EU visitors are registered (photo and fingerprints) in the new Entry/Exit System (EES) at the border, so allow extra time.
- ETIAS, a paid online travel authorisation for visa-free visitors, is expected to start in late 2026. Check before you book.
- Indian passports need a Schengen visa.
- EU official site: EES and ETIAS
- EU list: who needs a Schengen visa
- UK government travel advice
- US government travel advice
General info for the most common passports, checked November 2026. Rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
Poland FAQ
When is the best time to visit Poland?
May, June and September; December for the Christmas markets.
What currency does Poland use?
Polish złoty (PLN).
What language do they speak in Poland?
Polish. Hello is "Cześć" and thank you is "Dziękuję".
Can you drink the tap water in Poland?
Safe to drink.
What plugs does Poland use?
Type C and E (two round pins). Pack a universal adapter if yours are different.
Do I need a visa for Poland?
Poland is in the Schengen area. EU citizens only need a passport or ID card. UK, US and many other passports can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days, counted across the whole Schengen area. Rules change, so check the official site (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/) before you book.