Travellers to Poland will be enchanted by its remarkable history of heroic resilience and tragedy, and delight in the charming character of its cities and in the natural beauty of the countryside. From romantic tales of medieval knights and battles, kings and splendid castles, to the horrors and destruction of World War II; its determined stand against Communism and today's modern outlook and booming economy, the country abounds with the evidence of an historically turbulent past.

It was the country most devastated by World War II in Eastern Europe, losing about a quarter of its population and almost its entire Jewish community. The aftermath of the war greatly influenced the character of the country. Former Jewish centres in the cities and the stark concentration camps where the Nazis carried out their extermination atrocities remain as the most stirring reminders of the nation's tragedies. Cities destroyed by the war had to be rebuilt from scratch and the many meticulously restored buildings and historic old towns are testimony to the pride and determination of a strong and durable nation.

Warsaw, the capital, was almost totally destroyed by the war and now presents an unusual mix of beautifully restored historic buildings, communist-era concrete structures, and modern fashion and consumerism. The maritime city of Gdañsk, home to the historic garrison at Westerplatte and the legendary Lenin shipyards, was the stage for both the beginnings of the Second World War and the disintegration of Eastern European communism. But it is Krakow, the ancient royal capital that draws the crowds, rivalling the elegance of cities like Prague and Vienna. Having largely escaped the destruction of the war it retains its charming medieval character; the Royal Castle, the grand Market Square, the old Jewish quarter and the nearby Nazi death camps of Auschwitz are all steeped in historical importance.

The unspoilt Baltic coastline and the splendour of the rugged mountain ranges of the Tatras will impress outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of activities and scenery to provide a peaceful and relaxing break from the intensity of the country's history. Along with the legendary hospitality of Polish people, a sense of nationhood to which the Catholic Church is fundamental, and a strong musical and cultural sense of identity, its tourist infrastructure is flourishing and the country is experiencing a remarkable increase in the number of visitors to its shores.

WARSAW:
As the capital of Poland, Warsaw was one of the most beautiful and sophisticated cities in Central Europe until its almost total destruction during the Nazi occupation of World War II. The end of the war saw most of the city reduced to rubble and ruins, and the majority of the population had either been killed or interred in Nazi concentration camps.

The city underwent a major regeneration following the havoc of destruction, and the buildings in the heart of the old city were meticulously restored. Most of the historic Old Town was painstakingly rebuilt from a pile of debris, restoring it to its original 17th and 18th century appearance, with the charming old market square at its centre, now a major World Heritage Site attraction.

KRAKOW:

The only major city to escape the destruction of World War II, Krakow has one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in Europe. The Old Town is a significant Unesco World Heritage Site and retains a wealth of architectural gems from different periods, with magnificent churches and aristocratic palaces lining the old streets, reminiscent of its glorious days when it was the abode of kings and royalty. At the heart of the city lies one of the grandest squares in Europe, the Old Market Square.

The charming Old Town is a compact area encircled by leafy parkland that forms a green belt around the historic centre. The main entrance to the old city was through the Florian Gate, set within the original city walls, now the haunt of artists and their work. With a thriving cultural life, it has been home to many of the nation’s greatest writers, artists and intellectuals, and is one of the main cultural centres in the country, a spirited city with personality and charisma.

Top of Page

Time:
Local time is GMT +1.


Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. The standard two-pin European style plugs are used.

Language:
The national language is Polish. English is widely understood in tourist areas

Health:
There are few health risks associated with travel to Poland. Those visiting forested areas are advised to seek medical advice about inoculations for tick borne encephalitis. It is safest to drink bottled water to avoid stomach upsets. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to free emergency medical treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Full health insurance cover is advised.


Tipping:
Tipping is not customary in Poland, but small gratuities can be offered for excellent service. 10 to 15% is customary in restaurants.

Safety:
Tourists should be alert to the risk of robbery in tourist areas in large cities, particularly in the vicinity of hotels, markets and banks. Vigilance against theft should also be exercised at central railway stations in Poland, as well as on overnight long distance trains, and when travelling on public transport between Warsaw's Frederic Chopin Airport and central Warsaw. Avoid walking alone at night. Tourist sites, areas near big hotels, money exchange facilities and ATMs are popular with thieves.

Communications:
The international access code for Poland is +48. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Cheap rate is between 4pm and 6am, and weekends. Mobile phones work throughout the country, local operators use GSM networks, which may not be compatible with some US cell phones. Internet cafes are available in most towns.

Airports: Krakow-Balice John Paul II International Airport (KRK)
Location: The airport is situated 10 miles (16km) west of Krakow. Time: GMT +1. Contacts: Tel: +48 (0)12 639 3000. Transfer to the city: City bus services 208 and 192 travel to the city centre, taking about 35 minutes. Taxis are also available outside the arrivals hall.

Facilities: There are banks, bureaux de change and ATMs at the airport. Other facilities include restaurants, bars, shops, duty-free, child facilities and a tourist information and hotel reservations desk. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance. Website: www.polish-airports.com

Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport (WAW)
Location: The airport is situated six miles (10km) south west of Warsaw. Time: GMT +1. Contacts: Flight Information: +48 (0)22 650 3943. Transfer to the city: Municipal bus lines (No 188 and 175) operate all-week from 04.50am to 11pm. It takes 30 minutes to get to the city centre by bus. The bus tickets are available in the 'Ruch' kiosks and Tourist Information in the Departure Hall. The Shuttle Bus service operates to and from hotels on request. A taxi stand is located in front of the Arrivals Hall. Radio-taxis may also be called on phone number 919. Car rental: Most leading car rental companies operate from the airport.

Facilities: There are shops, bars and restaurants at the airport. Other facilities include banks, bureaux de change, ATMs, a post office and a tourist information and hotel reservations service. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance. Note that the line for check-in can be very long. Website:www.polish-airports.com

Currency:
Money: The official currency is Zloty (Zl), divided into 100 groszy. Poland is essentially a 'cash country', and it is difficult to negotiate credit cards and travellers cheques in the cities, and well nigh impossible in rural areas. American Express, Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are, however, accepted in places frequented by tourists. ATMs are also beginning to proliferate in Polish cities, where they are designated by the sign 'Bankomat'. Money (preferably US$ or Euros) can be exchanged in the cities and larger towns at banks, hotels or bureaux called 'kantors', which offer the best rates.

Visa & Passport Requirements:
Entry requirements for Americans: US passport holders do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for period of intended stay.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK passport holders do not require a visa for stays of up to six months. Passports must be valid for period of intended stay.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a passport valid for at least six months, and may stay for up to three months without a visa.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a passport valid for at least six months to enter Poland and may stay for up to three months without a visa.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South African passport holders require a visa for travel to Poland. Passports must be valid for at least six months after arrival.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay. A visa is not needed for up to three months.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Top of Page