+/- 0 h

Warsaw (Warszawa)

Official language

Polish

Language capabilities

English, German and French

• 230 volts
• A travel plug adapter for Type E sockets is required.

Banks

8.00 a.m.–5.00/7.00 p.m. (Mon–Fri)
8.00 a.m.–1.00 p.m. (Sat)

Shops

10.00 a.m.–7.00/8.00 p.m. (Mon–Fri)
10.00 a.m.–2.00/4.00 p.m. (Sat)

• 1 January: New Year’s Day (Nowy Rok)
• 6 January: Epiphany (Święto Trzech Króli)
• Easter Sunday (Niedziela Wielkanocna): date varies
• Easter Monday (Poniedziałek Wielkanocny): date varies
• 1 May: Labour Day (Święto Pracy)
• 3 May: Constitution Day (Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja)
• Whit Sunday (Zielone Świątki): date varies
• Corpus Christi (Boże Ciało): date varies
• 15 August: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Wniebowzięcie Najświętszej Maryi Panny)
• 1 November: All Saints’ Day (Wszystkich Świętych)
• 11 November: Independence Day (Narodowe Święto Niepodległości)
• 25 December: Christmas Day (Boże Narodzenie)
• 26 December: Second Day of Christmas (Drugi Dzień Świąt Bożego Narodzenia)

The following documents are required to enter Poland:

• A valid Swiss identity card or a valid Swiss passport.
• No visa is required.
• Minors: a travel consent form is recommended for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents.

As of: July 2024

Poland has a temperate climate with clearly defined seasons and influences from both the sea and the European continent. Climatic conditions vary by region, making the country a diverse travel destination.

• Coastal regions: Poland’s coastal regions, particularly along the Baltic Sea, experience milder winters and cooler summers. Temperatures range from -1°C to 5°C in winter and from 16°C to 22°C in summer. This region is ideal for beach holidays, with pleasant temperatures and fresh sea air providing the perfect setting for relaxation.
• Mountain regions – the Carpathians and the Giant Mountains: mountain regions such as the Carpathians and the Giant Mountains have a cooler climate, with abundant snowfall during winter. Temperatures range from -10°C to 0°C in winter and from 10°C to 20°C in summer. These areas are ideal for winter sports, mountaineering and hiking, offering spectacular scenery and a wide range of outdoor activities.
• Central Poland: central Poland has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Temperatures range from -6°C to 3°C in winter and from 18°C to 30°C in summer. This region is ideal for city breaks and cultural experiences. Cities such as Warsaw and Kraków offer a rich history and numerous attractions.

The ideal time to visit Poland

• City breaks: spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are ideal for visiting Poland’s cities. Temperatures are mild and the main attractions are less crowded. Popular destinations include Warsaw, Kraków and Gdańsk.
• Hiking and nature: spring and autumn offer the best conditions for nature walks and excursions in the national parks. The blossoming landscapes in spring and the colourful forests in autumn are particularly attractive.
• Beach holidays: the summer months, from June to August, are perfect for beach holidays on the Baltic Sea. Temperatures are warm and the water is pleasant for swimming.
• Winter sports: winter, from December to February, is the best season for winter sports in the mountain regions. The Carpathians and the Giant Mountains offer excellent conditions for skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities.

• Using a mobile phone in Poland may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable charges before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés, hotels, public spaces and on public transport.

• Wawel Castle (Kraków): an impressive royal castle and cathedral situated on a hill overlooking the Vistula River. It was once the historic centre of the Polish monarchy.
• Warsaw Old Town (Warsaw): a beautifully restored UNESCO World Heritage Site, rebuilt after the Second World War and rich in history and culture.
• Wieliczka Salt Mine (Wieliczka): a fascinating underground labyrinth of salt chambers, chapels and sculptures dating back to the Middle Ages.
• Malbork Castle (Malbork): the largest brick castle in the world, an impressive example of medieval defensive architecture and the former seat of the Teutonic Order.
• Białowieża National Park (Białowieża): an ancient forest that is home to the European bison and represents one of the last and largest surviving areas of primeval woodland in Europe.
• Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains (Zakopane): a popular winter sports resort and an ideal starting point for hikes through the majestic Tatra Mountains.
• Auschwitz-Birkenau (Oświęcim): a deeply moving museum and memorial located on the site of the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp.
• Masurian Lake District (Masuria): a picturesque region with more than 2,000 lakes, ideal for water sports, fishing and relaxing in nature.
• Gdańsk and its Old Town (Gdańsk): a historic port city with a rich past, impressive architecture and a lively cultural scene.
• Kraków Old Town and Main Market Square (Kraków): a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Europe’s largest medieval market square and numerous historic buildings and churches.

Poland is known for its hearty and diverse cuisine, which is deeply rooted in the country’s traditions and history. Shaped by its geographical location, climate and historical influences, Polish cuisine offers a rich variety of flavours.

• Pierogi and bigos: pierogi are Polish dumplings filled with ingredients such as potatoes, cheese, meat or sauerkraut. Bigos, also known as hunter’s stew, combines sauerkraut with various types of meat and is traditionally cooked over several days.
• Sausages and meat dishes: Poland is famous for its sausage specialities, including Krakauer and smoked sausages. Meat dishes such as kotlet schabowy, a breaded pork cutlet, and golonka, pork knuckle, are an integral part of Polish food culture.
• Soups: soups play a central role in Polish cuisine and are often served as the first course of a meal. Well-known varieties include barszcz, a beetroot soup, żurek, a sour soup made from fermented rye flour, and rosół, a chicken broth.
• Bread and pastries: bread is an essential part of the Polish diet, with rye and sourdough bread among the favourites. Sweet pastries such as pączki, filled doughnuts, and makowiec, a poppy seed cake, are particularly popular during festive periods.
• Fish and seafood: the Baltic coast offers a wide selection of fresh fish and seafood. Traditional specialities include herring in cream sauce and fried carp.
• Vegetarian cuisine: vegetarian dishes are also popular in Poland. Pierogi filled with cheese and potatoes, sauerkraut stews and potato pancakes known as placki ziemniaczane are delicious options.
• Markets and food festivals: Poland hosts numerous markets and culinary festivals celebrating regional specialities and seasonal produce.
• Cafés and milk bars: Polish cafés and traditional milk bars, known as bar mleczny, are popular meeting places where visitors can enjoy traditional dishes and coffee specialities.

• Greetings: in Poland, it is customary to shake hands when greeting someone. A firm handshake and direct eye contact are regarded as signs of respect and politeness. In formal situations or when meeting someone for the first time, it is appropriate to address them by their title and surname.
• Saying please and thank you: Polish people place great importance on politeness. Use “proszę” (please) and “dziękuję” (thank you) frequently. A smile and a friendly tone make a positive impression and are greatly appreciated.
• Clothing: dress customs in Poland are similar to those in other European countries. Smart clothing is appropriate for formal occasions such as business meetings or visits to upscale restaurants. Comfortable, clean and well-kept clothing is suitable for everyday activities and sightseeing. When visiting churches or religious sites, shoulders and knees should be covered.
• Dining etiquette: in Poland, it is polite to wait for the host to begin eating, particularly on formal occasions. Try a little of everything offered to show your appreciation. When raising a glass with others, it is customary to say “Na zdrowie!” (Cheers!).
• Smoking: smoking is prohibited on public transport, in public buildings and in most restaurants and bars. Some establishments, however, provide designated smoking areas.
• Tipping: tipping is appreciated in Poland but is not compulsory. In restaurants, it is customary to leave around 10% if you are satisfied with the service. Some restaurants automatically add a service charge to the bill. A small tip is also considered polite in taxis and hotels.

• Tap water is generally safe to drink.
• No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Poland. However, vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended.
• Ensure that your standard vaccinations and those of your children are up to date in accordance with the Swiss vaccination schedule issued by the Federal Office of Public Health.

• Poland has a well-developed healthcare system with both public and private medical facilities. Before travelling, Swiss citizens should apply to their health insurer for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
• Pharmacies (apteka) are widely available and provide both over-the-counter and prescription medicines. In larger cities, emergency pharmacies are open around the clock.

• Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• Pickpocketing is common in larger cities, tourist areas and on public transport.
• Poland is considered a country with a low risk of terrorism. However, it is important to remain vigilant in public places.
• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: July 2024

• A Swiss driving licence is recognised for car rentals.
• A CH sticker, high-visibility vest, warning triangle and fire extinguisher must be carried in the vehicle. A first-aid kit is also recommended.
• Daytime running lights or dipped headlights must be used at all times. Dipped headlights are recommended, as daytime running lights are not considered sufficient everywhere.
• Tolls apply on the A1, A2 and A4 motorways. Charges vary according to the route and type of vehicle.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.2‰. Newly qualified drivers during their probationary period are subject to a zero-alcohol limit.

• Long-distance trains: Poland’s long-distance trains, operated by PKP Intercity, connect the country’s main cities. Different train categories are available, including EIP (Express InterCity Premium), IC (InterCity) and TLK (Twoje Linie Kolejowe), which vary in terms of comfort and speed. Reservations are required for most long-distance services.
• Regional trains: regional trains, operated by providers such as Koleje Mazowieckie and Koleje Dolnośląskie, connect smaller towns and villages. They offer an affordable way to explore Poland’s rural regions.
• Buses: Poland has an extensive network of long-distance and regional bus services. Companies such as FlixBus and PolskiBus provide comfortable and affordable connections between cities. Regional buses operated by PKS and other providers also serve smaller towns and villages.
• Metro: Poland’s only metro system is located in Warsaw. The Warsaw Metro consists of two lines connecting the city’s main districts. It is fast, efficient and ideal for travelling within the city.
• Tickets: tickets can be purchased at railway stations, bus stations, ticket machines and online. Various ticket types are available, including single tickets, day passes and season tickets. In many cities, electronic tickets can also be purchased conveniently via an app.

Poland has several international airports offering numerous direct connections to European cities:

• Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW): direct connections from Zurich, Geneva and Basel.
• Kraków-Balice Airport (KRK): direct flights from Zurich and Basel.
• Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN): direct flights from Zurich.
• Wrocław Copernicus Airport (WRO): direct flights from Zurich.

These direct connections are mainly operated by airlines such as LOT Polish Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Lufthansa and EasyJet.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• Single emergency number: 112
• Medical emergency service: 999
• Fire brigade: 998
• Police: 997

Aleje Ujazdowskie 27
00-540 Warsaw

Tel. +48 22 628 04 81
Email: warsaw@eda.admin.ch

• In Poland, drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited, except in licensed establishments, pavement cafés and specifically designated areas.
• An EU pet passport confirming rabies vaccination is required when travelling to Poland with dogs, cats or ferrets.