Poland

Carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen area. Be prepared to show your passport to authorities at any time, so ensure it is accessible.

If you’re travelling by road or train, allow extra time for any disruptions or delays.

Driving permit

You can drive in Poland for six months if you have both:

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• a valid Australian driver’s licence

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

If you want to drive for longer than six months, you must get a Polish licence.

Road travel

Poland has one of the highest road fatality rates in the EU.

There is a high rate of motor vehicle accidents in Poland.

Drink driving is a major cause of road accidents. Stay below the legal blood alcohol limit of 0.02%.

Hazards for drivers and pedestrians include:

• driving at high speed
• pedestrians looking in the wrong direction at crossings due to cars driven on the right-hand side in Europe
• poor roads, especially outside major cities
• poor street lighting
• high volumes of traffic, particularly trucks

Many highways are not dual-carriageway or are under construction. Overtaking lanes are rare. 

Severe weather in winter can make driving more dangerous. Some roads are closed in winter.

If you drive in winter in mountain or rural areas:

• use winter tyres
• carry chains

By law, you must always have your headlights on when driving.

Children shorter than 150cm must use a safety seat. Check with your car rental company or the police.

Poland’s road rules are different from Australia. Know the rules to avoid fines and insurance issues.

Check the vehicle rental company rules before hiring a car or motorbike. You must meet both Polish and Australian vehicle operating and licence laws (eg. hold the appropriate licence for the vehicle you drive).

More information:

Taxis

Only use official taxis. They have the name and number of the taxi company on the door and on top of the taxi, next to the light.

Taxis with a crest but no company name are not official taxis.

Unofficial taxis often overcharge passengers.

Pre-book taxis using a reputable taxi company or an English-speaking app, such as My Taxi.

You can also ask staff at hotels, hostels or tourist areas to book you an official taxi.

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Poland’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government