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; it's determined stand against Communism and today's modern outlook and booming economy, the country abounds with the evidence of a 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.

Poland Passport & Visa Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals 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 nationals with a passport endorsed British Citizen do not require a visa for stays of up to six months. If passport endorsed British National (Overseas) a visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days. Other passport holders require a visa.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for period of intended stay.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a passport valid for at least the period of intended stay 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, unless carrying a Schengen B, C, or D visa. 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, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.
Passport/Visa Note: A passport valid for at least six months after arrival is needed for those who require a visa. Visa exempt nationals must have a passport valid for period of intended stay.

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.

Poland Contacts
Polish National Tourist Office, Warsaw: +48 (0)22 849 8128 or http://www.polandtour.org/
Polish Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 234 3800.
Polish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)870 774 2700.
Polish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 0468.
Polish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 1208.
Polish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 2631/2.
Polish Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 283 0855.
Polish Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 475 9453.
United States Embassy, Warsaw: +48 (0)22 504 2000.
British Embassy, Warsaw: +48 (0)22 311 0000.
Canadian Embassy, Warsaw: +48 (0)22 584 3100.
Australian Embassy, Warsaw: +48 (0)22 521 3444.
South African Embassy, Warsaw: +48 (0)22 625 6228/6233.
Irish Embassy, Warsaw: +48 (0)22 849 6633/6655.
New Zealand Embassy, Warsaw: +48 (0)22 521 0500.
Emergencies: 112/999

Poland Basics
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
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. Bird flu was first discovered in northern Poland in March 2006; there is little risk to travellers, but close contact with live birds should be avoided and all egg and poultry dishes well cooked as a precaution. 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 low-cost emergency medical treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but full health insurance cover is still advised. Medical facilities and standards of health care are good, but not many nurses or doctors speak English.
Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Poland, but small gratuities of 10% can be offered for excellent service. In restaurants, when your money is collected, by saying 'thank you' this signals to the waiter/waitress to keep the change.

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.
Customs: Jay walking is an offence, which is punishable with a fine. Public drunkenness is severely viewed; police will take drunk people to drying out clinics until sober and the person will be charged for the stay, and driving after drinking alcohol is punishable by law.
Business: Poland has an interesting mix of the old and the new, and this is apparent in the business world too. Women can expect a kiss on the hand rather than a handshake and one can expect to be warmly offered drinks during meetings; it is impolite to refuse. Although the Polish are hospitable and friendly, business is still conducted formally. Punctuality is important, dress should be formal and conservative (a suit and tie the norm) and business cards are exchanged. Use titles and first names unless otherwise indicated. English is widely spoken, though attempting some basic Polish phrases will be appreciated. Business hours in Poland are traditionally 7am to 3pm Monday to Friday, with a long lunch taken after 3pm. Western influence, however, means that hours are starting to shift to the more common 9am to 5pm.
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). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)22 for Warsaw and (0)12 for Krakow. Cheap rates apply between 4pm and 6am, and on 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.
Duty Free: Travellers to Poland over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 250 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre wine and 1 litre spirits; cosmetics and medicines for personal use; gifts up to the value of €175. Travellers to Poland arriving from within the EU do not have to pay duty on 800 cigarettes or 200 cigars or 1kg smoking tobacco; 10 litres spirits, 90 litres wine and 110 litres beer. Prohibited items include birds and poultry arriving from countries infected with Avian influenza. The export of all articles of artistic, historic or cultural value are subject to special regulations.

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.

Warsaw is divided into two distinct halves by the Vistula River, with the Old Town, the modern city centre and most of the attractions on the western side. The eastern side of the river comprises of uninteresting residential suburbs and business districts. The post-war appearance of Warsaw is a modern urban landscape of high-rise buildings, and the years of communist rule have left an uninspiring architectural legacy of drab concrete structures and uniform prefab-style housing. Dominating the skyline is the city's eyesore, the massive shape of the Palace of Science and Culture, Stalin's bequest to its citizens.

Lying in determined contrast to the concrete greyness are traces of Poland's grand past, including castles and palaces, open parklands, impressive churches and the restored streets of the historic old centre. Signs of former political austerity have been replaced by modern progression, with dreary state shops turned into fashionable boutiques, and consumerism a growing trend.

Although many people give scant regard to Warsaw as an appealing tourist destination, it is still Poland's largest city and the political, economic, scientific and cultural hub of the country. It has many museums and historical monuments, galleries and historic attractions, a variety of restaurants and open-air cafes, and an energetic nightlife. With green open spaces and classical music concerts, this modern bustling city is a far cry from the severe Communist-era images of post-war Warsaw.

Poland Health Overview
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. Bird flu was first discovered in northern Poland in March 2006; there is little risk to travellers, but close contact with live birds should be avoided and all egg and poultry dishes well cooked as a precaution. 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 low-cost emergency medical treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but full health insurance cover is still advised. Medical facilities and standards of health care are good, but not many nurses or doctors speak English.

Tick-borne encephalitis
Cause: The tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus, which is a flavivirus. Other closely related viruses cause similar diseases. Transmission: Infection is transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. There is no direct person-to-person transmission. Some related viruses, also tick-borne, infect animals such as birds, deer (louping-ill), rodents and sheep. Nature of the disease: Infection with tick-borne encephalitis may induce an influenza-like illness, with a second phase of fever occurring in 10% of cases. Encephalitis develops during the second phase and may result in paralysis, permanent sequelae or death. Severity of illness increases with age. Geographical distribution: Tick-borne encephalitis is present in large parts of Europe, particularly Austria, the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), the Czech Republic, Hungary and the Russian Federation. The disease is seasonal, occurring mainly during the summer months in rural and forest areas at altitudes up to 1,000 metres. Risk for travellers: In endemic areas during the summer months, travellers are at risk when hiking or camping in rural or forest areas. Prophylaxis (protective treatment): A vaccine against TBE is available. Precautions: Avoid bites by ticks by wearing long trousers and closed footwear when hiking or camping in endemic areas. If a bite occurs, the tick should be removed as soon as possible. Source: WHO.