Poland Travel 2025 Safe and Welcoming Destination with Low Crime Rates and Efficient Public Transportation

The U.S. Department of State reissued its travel advisory for Poland on June 5, 2025, maintaining the country at Level 1, which means travelers are advised to exercise normal precautions. This update comes after a routine review and reflects Poland’s stable situation, making it one of the safest European destinations for international visitors. Travel and tourism outlets such as TravelandTourWorld and Men’s Journal emphasize that Poland currently enjoys a peaceful environment, providing peace of mind for Americans and other tourists considering a visit.

While general crime rates remain low, there are a few important travel considerations. The U.S. State Department highlights that Poland has the fourth-highest road fatality rate in the European Union. Roads can be narrow, poorly lit, frequently under repair—especially during summer—and are often shared with pedestrians and cyclists. Driving after dark poses additional risks, with accidents involving pedestrians making up about one-fourth of all road fatalities. If you intend to drive in Poland, you must have both a valid U.S. driver’s license and an International Driving Permit, since you cannot obtain the permit in Poland. For stays longer than six months, you’ll need to secure a Polish driver’s license to continue driving legally.

Public transportation in Poland is praised for being efficient, inexpensive, and reliable. However, bus and tram travelers must purchase and validate tickets immediately upon boarding to avoid fines. When using taxis, only select those clearly associated with a company and displaying a phone number on the light bar. The driver’s license should be visible inside the cab and the meter must be in use. At airports, only use taxis from designated stands to avoid unauthorized services. App-based ride-sharing options like Uber, iTaxi, and Freenow are legal and increasingly popular, though some restrictions may apply in certain city centers.

There are no COVID-19 entry requirements for Poland as of June 2025—travelers are not required to show proof of vaccination or negative tests. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 2 advisory for global polio, urging travelers to be sure their routine vaccinations, including polio, are up to date.

Due to the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine, Poland has experienced an influx of Ukrainian refugees, prompting heightened security measures at borders and transport hubs. This influx has not affected the overall safety or vibrancy of Polish cities, and visitors continue to enjoy the country’s rich arts, music, and culture.

Travelers are advised to stay aware of surroundings, secure valuables, and know the local emergency number, which is 112 for police, fire, or medical help. For those planning to travel internationally, the CDC recommends being fully vaccinated against measles due to outbreaks in Europe and transmission risks in busy travel settings.

With its Level 1 advisory status and robust infrastructure, Poland remains a welcoming and largely safe destination in Europe for summer 2025. As with any trip, exercising common sense and staying informed of local regulations will help ensure a pleasant and trouble-free experience.