Europe

Poland

Location

Central Europe, east of Germany.

Violent crime is rare. Be aware of street crime and pickpockets. Serious risk of robbery on trains and at main railway stations. Tourists are more at risk when boarding trains. Register with hotel and embassy within 48 hours. Vehicle security, personal security, hotel room thefts, general travel, navigation, building / office security, cold weather injuries, personal hygiene, clothing & equipment, sanitation / sterilisation, emergency first aid, helicopter safety, cultures / customs.

Local water is safe to drink.

Mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border.

Temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers.

Flooding.

Avian influenza, hepatitis A, polio, typhoid.
Hospital: Centralny Szpital Kliniczny, 1A Banacha Street, Warsaw 02-097. Tel: 22-6583516

Situation has improved since 1989 due to decline in heavy industry and increased environmental concern by post-Communist governments; air pollution nonetheless remains serious because of sulphur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants, and the resulting acid rain has caused forest damage; water pollution from industrial and municipal sources is also a problem, as is disposal of hazardous wastes; pollution levels should continue to decrease as industrial establishments bring their facilities up to European Union code, but at substantial cost to business and the government.

Driving standards are poor. Speed limits, traffic lights and road signs are often ignored and drivers rarely indicate before manoeuvring. In winter equip your car for severe driving conditions. You must drive with headlights on all year round.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.