Customs regulations and required documents
Personal effects import regulations
Poland
Customs regulations
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Bill of lading (telex preferred) / CMR / AWB
- Packing list
- Work permit (if required depends on nationality)
- Residence permit
- Confirmation of staying abroad at least 12 months
- Copy of passport (ID page and visa stamp)
- Letter of Employment (from future and previous employer)
- Copy of Polish ID (returning citizens)
- Confirmation of Polish address (returning citizens)
- Written Statement (returning citizens)
- Copy of diplomatic passport (diplomats)
- Detailed inventory in Polish and signed by the owner of the goods
- Certificate from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (diplomats)
Specific Information
- Documents confirming that the owner of the goods spent more than 12 months abroad.
- The letter of employment must state the person is employed in Poland, the duration of employment and the specific start and end dates.
- The employment period cannot be shorter than 12 months.
- The document must be prepared on company letterhead, signed, and stamped by the person identified in the company’s officially registered documents.
- The Letter of Employment from the owner of the goods’ previous employer must state the exact employment dates (minimum 12 months), that the owner of the goods has terminated his permanent stay in country of origin, and is now changing his permanent place of residence to Poland.
- The document must be written in the official language of the origin country and a copy provided in Polish or translated into Polish by a sworn translator.
- The copy of Polish ID must include the page with the photograph, number, and address.
- The written statement must affirm that the owner of the goods is not importing guns or narcotics.
- The certificate from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs must confirm the list of goods being imported into Poland (diplomats).
- Citizens coming from non-European Union countries can import goods duty-free if they have been abroad for a 12 month period prior to re-entry and must present documents proving residence abroad for the entire 12 months.
Poland as one of the 27 member states of the European Union is a member of the Customs Union.
The EU Customs Union means there are common customs duties on imports from outside the EU, common rules of origin for products from outside the EU, and no customs duties at internal borders between the EU Member States.
Customs Information Service
Poland as a member of the European Union is also a member of the EU Customs Union. The basic rules of the EU Customs Union include: no customs duties at internal borders between the EU Member States; common customs duties on imports from outside the EU; common rules for origin of products from outside the EU; and common definition of a customs value. Poland has adopted the Common Customs Tariff (CCT) of the EU that applies to goods imported from outside Europe, while transactions carried out between Poland and the European Economic Area (EEA) countries are free of duty. In general, EU external import duties are relatively low, especially for industrial goods (4.2% on average). Applicable customs duty for a specific product imported from a selected country of origin, can be found on the TARIC website. The combined Nomenclature of the European Community (EC) integrates the HS nomenclature and has supplementary eight figure subdivisions and its own legal notes created for community purposes. For goods from outside Europe, customs duties are calculated ad valorem on the CIF value, in accordance with the Common Customs Tariff (CCT) for all the countries of the Union. Customs authorities are primarily responsible for the supervision of the Community’s international trade.
Polish police take a strict approach to public drunkenness. You are not allowed to consume alcohol in public places or you may be fined. If you are found drunk in a public place you may be taken to a drying out clinic where a doctor or nurse will medically assess you. You will not be released until you have sobered up and you may need to stay overnight. You will have to pay for the cost of the stay.
The drink-drive limit in Poland is 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood – which is lower than the UK. If you are caught driving a car over the alcohol limit or after taking drugs you can be punished by up to 2 years in prison. You might also be prosecuted for cycling on public roads under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
You should only cross the road at signposted crossing points like zebra crossings. If you do not cross the road at a signposted point and you are caught by the police you will be fined.
Many Poles are traditional about social issues, but people in larger towns and cities are generally more open-minded about LGBT issues. There is an active gay scene in Warsaw with a number of gay clubs and bars. Homosexuality is legal and same sex partners may live together but marriage or civil partnership is not allowed for same sex couples. The age of consent is the same for all people (15). See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
The the Integrated Tariff of the European Community (TARIC) database is available to help determine if a license is required for a product. Moreover, the European Commission maintains a trade helpdesk with information on import restrictions of various products.
Many EU member states maintain their own list of goods that are subject to import licensing.
Poland’s “Import List” includes goods for which licenses are required, their code numbers, any applicable restrictions, and the agency that will issue the relevant license. The Import List also indicates whether the license is required under Polish or EU law
Although there are no limits on the amount of alcohol and tobacco one can bring in from EU countries, customs officials are more likely to ask you questions if you have more than:
Tobacco products:
– 800 cigarettes;
– 400 cigarillos (max. 3g each);
– 200 cigars;
– 1kg smoking tobacco;
Alcoholic beverages:
– 10 litres of spirits over 22%;
– 20 litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22%;
– 90 litres of wine (though no more than 60 litres of sparkling wine);
– 110 litres of beer.
These quantities can be seized if customs are satisfied that they are of a commercial nature.
Free Import quantities when travelling from outside EU
Alcohol and alcoholic beverages
Over 17 years olds can bring (in personal luggage) the following quantities:
• 1 litre of alcohol that does not exceed 22% volume of alcohol, or un-denatured ethyl alcohol 80% volume and over
• 2 litres of alcohol that does not exceeds 22% volume of alcohol
• 4 litres of still wine
• 16 litres of beer.
The passengers can combine the first two types of alcohol as long the alcohol volume does not exceed 100%.
Over 17 years old that belong to the following categories:
• persons residing in the frontier zone (region beyond the expanding borders of the European Union including: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro)
• frontier-zone workers,
• the crews of means of transport used between third countries and the Community,
may bring (in your personal luggage) alcohol in the following quantities:
• 0,5 litre of alcohol exceeding 22% volume, or un-denatured ethyl alcohol of 80% volume and over
• a total of 0,5 litre of alcohol and alcoholic beverages of an alcoholic strength not exceeding 22% volume
• 0,5 litre of still wine
• 2 litres of beer.
The passengers can combine the first two types of alcohol as long the alcohol volume does not exceed 100%.
Note that the consideration of what constitutes frontier countries lies entirely with EU and the list outlined above may change.
Tobacco products
When travelling by air or sea , over 17 years old can bring tobacco products for personal use only the following:
• 200 cigarettes or
• 100 cigarillos or
• 50 cigars or
• 250 g of smoking tobacco.
Each amount specified in above points will amount to 100% of the total allowance for tobacco products.
When travelling by land, over 17 years old can bring tobacco products for personal use only the following:
• 40 cigarettes or
• 20 cigarillos or
• 10 cigars or
• 50 grams of smoking tobacco.
Each amount specified in all the points will amount to 100% of the total allowance for tobacco products.
Other goods
• Medication – for personal use only
• Personal items of non-commercial nature worth up to 430 euro when travelling by air or sea
• Personal items of non-commercial nature worth up to 300 euro when travelling by land
• Personal items of non-commercial nature worth up to 150 euro for travellers under 15 years of age.
Non-commercial item are of an occasional nature and consist exclusively of goods for the personal or family use of the traveller, or of goods intended as presents. The nature and quantity of the goods must not be such as to indicate that they are being imported for commercial reasons.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Medications that are for personal use only
- Plants:
- Plants may be imported only if they are intended to be used in the shipper’s home in Poland.
- Plants may only be imported from European Union countries
- A phytosanitary certificate is not required.
- Alcohol and Tobacco:
- The allowance limit for the import of wine and spirits for personal consumption is indicated as follows:
- Importing from Non-EU Country:
- Alcohol not exceeding 22% alcohol (wine, beer, etc.) 2 liters
- Spirits 1 liter
- Tobacco 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g tobacco
- Importing from EU Country:
- Wine 90 liters (but no more than 60 liters of sparkling wine)
- Beer 110 liters
- Other alcohol 10 liters
- Tobacco 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars, or 1 kg tobacco
IAM Note: Excess amounts brought into Poland are not recommended as the cost is greater than the retail price. It is also very difficult to obtain a license to import alcohol or tobacco. There are extremely high taxes, excise and duties that apply to any amount brought into Poland over the limit.
Prohibited Items
The import of certain commodities into Poland is prohibited, usually as the result of international sanctions. A variety of goods and commodities are subject to import (and export) restrictions to protect the safety and lives of humans, animals and plants, safeguard national security, or to protect artistic, cultural or intellectual property. Examples are restrictions and controls on the import of certain food products, drugs, pharmaceuticals, environmentally hazardous products, seeds, weapons, explosives, and antiques.
As an EU member, Poland adheres to EU-wide business directives and requires local market compliance.
There is an online customs tariff database, called TARIC, which is designed to show various rules applying to specific products being imported into the customs territory of the EU or, in some cases, when exported from it. To determine if a product is prohibited or subject to restriction, check the TARIC for that product for the following codes:
- CITES Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species
- PROHI Import Suspension
- RSTR Import Restriction
For information on how to access the TARIC, see the Import Requirements and Documentation Section.
- Food, fluids, alcohol
- Chemicals
- Inflammable materials
- Weapons of all kinds
- Pornography
- Narcotics
- Plants
- Medications that are for personal use only
- Toxic and radioactive materials
- Protected animal species
- Meat and milk and any items thereof from non-EU countries with the exception of limited amounts from Andorra, Croatia, the Faeroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and small amounts of specific products from other countries
- Protected species and products thereof as listed by the CITES (Washington Convention) for example ivory, tortoise shell, coral, reptile skin, wood from Amazonian forests.
Miscellaneous (Pets, Motors, and others.)
Arms and Ammunition regulations:
Prohibited: It is not allowed to import arms and ammunition from Russian Fed. and Syria.
Currency
Currency Import regulations:
Same regulations as for Export apply (see: Export).
Currency Export regulations:
Local currency (Polish Zloty-PLN) and foreign currencies: no restrictions if arriving from or traveling to another EU Member State . If arriving directly from or traveling to a country outside the EU: amounts exceeding EUR 10,000.- or more or the equivalent in another currency (incl. banker’s draft and cheques of any kind) must be declared.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Invoice / bill of sale
- Proof of insurance
- Original registration, or copy if original is not available
- Signed valuation submitted by owner of the goods
- Original vehicle documents proving ownership
Specific Information
- The vehicle must be registered in the name of the current owner of the goods.
- An owner of the goods may import only one of each type of a vehicle, trailer, or motorcycle.
- The owner of the goods must have lived out of the European Union legally and continuously for at least 12 months.
- The vehicle must have been used in the place of origin for at least 6 months.
- After importation, the vehicle must continue to be used in the same manner.
- In order to import duty and tax free, a person returning to Poland should submit proof to the Customs Office that they have both owned and operated the given vehicle they are importing for a minimum of 6 months.
- Additionally, a vehicle imported into Poland cannot be sold, lent, rented, or used by another person (either free of charge or charged) for a period of 12 months following importation.
- Infringement of this rule evokes a Customs charge on the vehicle in an amount based on the condition of the car, its value, and duties and tariff rates in force on the day the car was transferred.
- Utility vehicles and company cars are not covered under the exemption.
- If the car is imported from outside the European Union all duties and taxes must be paid.
- Prior to import, it is advised to check with the local agent in Poland to obtain an estimate regarding possible duties and taxes.
- A certificate of origin is needed in order to receive preferential treatment when Customs assessed duties.
Pets
Documents Required
- Pet passport issued by a veterinarian
- Copy of owner of the goods’ passport
- Anti-rabies vaccination
- Declaration of pet’s value
- Copy of owner of the goods’ ticket as proof of residence
- International health certificate
Specific Information
- Pet must be chipped or tattooed if arriving from a non-EU country.
- The vaccination record must be issued at least 30 days prior to arrival and cannot be more than 9 months old.
- Protected species cannot be imported.
- The anti-rabies vaccination record must be issued at least 30 days prior to arrival, but no more than 9 months old if the pet is arriving from a non-EU country.
- Declaration of pet’s value if the pet is arriving from a non-EU country.
- The international health certificate must not be issued more than 10 days prior to arrival, in compliance with European Union standards if the pet is arriving from a non-EU country.
Antiques, Artifacts, Carpets, Paintings
Documents Required
- Detailed inventory
- Certificate of antiquity
- Two photographs for each item
Specific Information
- The certificate of antiquity must be from a recognized authority for items older than 100 years.
- The two photographs for each item made prior to 1945.
- Detailed inventory with a full description and quantity of each item.
- When importing jewelry, paintings, antiques and carpets two photos of each item of value are required.
- These pieces must be registered upon arrival in Poland.
- Items over 100 years old may be exempt from duties and taxes if the proper documentation is produced.
- Items that originate prior to 1945 should be clearly marked on the packing list upon import.
- The items should also be packed so that it is readily available when the shipment proceeds through Customs.
- All forms and documentation acquired during the import process may be required for future export.
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Entry requirements
The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and is the UK government’s understanding of the current rules. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport.
The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the entry rules. If you’re unclear about any of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
UK nationals, their spouses and children are included in the list of those who are exempt from entry restrictions related to COVID-19, found on the Polish Border Guards website (in Polish).
Quarantine requirements
The Polish Government has introduced a mandatory 10-day self-isolation period for all people arriving in Poland by public transport from 28 December. Details are found on the Polish Border Guards website (in Polish and English). You do not need to self-isolate if you are:
- the holder of a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued within 48 hours before you cross the Polish border – both PCR and lateral flow antigen tests are acceptable;
- fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and produce a certificate of vaccination for a vaccine authorised for use in the EU;
- entering Poland in a private car;
- aircraft crew, crew of a ship or crew of another transport type;
- a public transport driver (of a vehicle able to carry 9 people or more) or a lorry driver;
- a diplomat or family member of;
- a student studying in Poland (including a parent/guardian who crosses the border with them);
- a student or researcher carrying out academic activities;
- legally residing in EU/EEA but transiting Poland;
- participating as a competitor or staff in an international sports competition;
- travelling for professional, official or employment reasons.
If you are a visitor to Poland, you must hold a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued in the 48 hour period before arrival. These rules apply for entry by private and public transport or on foot.
However, if you enter Poland from the Czech Republic or Slovakia and live or study in Poland, you must self-isolate unless you hold a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued in the 48 hour period before arrival or have a vaccination certificate showing you have received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine authorised for use in the EU.
In addition, regardless of when and how you arrived in Poland, you must self-isolate if you develop any coronavirus symptoms or if you are notified that you have come into contact with someone who is infected or potentially infected with coronavirus. You must follow the advice of a medical professional who may instruct you to self-isolate for longer than 10 days.
If you live with someone who has tested positive you must self-isolate for at least 7 days (or longer if you also test positive). If you live with someone who must self-isolate but has not tested positive, you are not required to self-isolate (unless you later develop symptoms).
If you suspect you are infected with COVID-19 you must contact the Ministry of Health 24 hour hotline on 800 190 590 and press 6 for English language advice. A list of hospitals equipped to deal with coronavirus patients can be found on the Polish Government website.
If you are self-isolating you must not walk your dog or go shopping. You must not visit your doctor unless instructed to do so by them and you may leave your place of stay if you are required to travel to a COVID-19 testing centre.
Entry to Poland
Entry checks remain in place on land borders with Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Some countries also have checks in place on exiting Poland and if you travel to another country from Poland you may need to self-isolate in that country. Check country specific FCDO travel advice for any country that you plan to visit for details.
British nationals do not need a visa to enter Poland or any other EU/EFTA country. Poland now allows direct flights into its territory from a wide number of countries. The list of countries from which flights are not permitted could change at short notice and is updated on the Polish Government website (in Polish).
Regular entry requirements
Visas
The rules for travelling or working in European countries changed on 1 January 2021:
- you can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training
- if you are travelling to Poland and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days
- to stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you will need to meet the Polish government’s entry requirements. Check with the Polish Embassy what type of visa and/or work permit you may need
- if you stay in Poland with a visa or permit, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit
Any time you spent in Poland or other Schengen countries before 1 January 2021 does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
At Polish border control, you may need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit. You may also need to:
- show a return or onward ticket
- show you have enough money for your stay
Passport
Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip, and renew your passport if you do not have enough time left on it.
You must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).
If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
You can use a UK Emergency Travel Document to enter, airside transit and exit from Poland.
UK nationals resident in Poland
There are separate requirements for those who are resident in Poland. If you are resident in Poland, you should carry proof of residence as well as your valid passport when you travel. For further information on these requirements, see the Polish Border Guards guidance (in Polish) and our Living in Poland guide.
Dual nationals
If you are a Polish passport holder you will be treated as a Polish national while in Poland, even if you hold a passport from another country. If you are a dual Polish-British national you must enter and exit Poland with a Polish passport or Polish national identity card. Check with the Polish Embassy in London if in doubt.
Safety and security
Crime
Most visitors to Poland experience no difficulties. Serious crime against foreigners is rare, but crimes do occur and in some cases attacks have been racially motivated. You should be alert to the possibility of street crime and petty theft, and that foreigners may appear to be easy targets. Keep valuables and cash out of sight, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots where pickpockets and bag snatchers operate.
There is a higher risk of robbery at main rail stations and on all train services, especially overnight sleeper trains. You are most at risk while boarding and leaving trains.
Unregulated taxi drivers operate at Warsaw airports and elsewhere. They often overcharge. Only use official taxis, which have the name and telephone number of the taxi company on the side of the door and on the top of the taxi. They will also show a rate card on the window of the vehicle. Taxis with a crest but no company name are not official taxis.
Don’t leave drinks or food unattended and beware of accepting drinks from strangers. There have been a small number of reports of drinks being spiked and visitors having their valuables stolen.
Check your bill carefully when buying drinks in bars and nightclubs. There have been some reports of overcharging and of large amounts of money being charged to debit or credit cards.
Demonstrations
Public demonstrations in Poland are common. Large scale protests have been taking place across Poland since late October 2020 following a court ruling on abortion. Marches and gatherings are mostly peaceful and well-policed, but you should take extra care as in any crowded place. Peaceful demonstrations can turn violent. You should monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Local travel
Walkers and cyclists must wear a reflective item during darkness when outside a built-up area. Anyone hit by a car or a bike when not wearing a reflective item may be held responsible for the accident. You may get a 100PLN (around £20) police fine for not wearing reflective items.
Public transport
You must validate a public transport ticket at the start of a journey. You will be fined on the spot if you’re travelling with an invalid ticket, usually 266PLN (around £54). You can buy tickets at most newspaper stands and kiosks with a sign reading ‘Bilety’ or ticket machines found in cities.
If you think you may qualify for a cheaper fare (e.g. you are a student or an older person) always double-check the rules as some cheaper fares may only be available to Polish nationals. You’ll be fined if you travel with a cheaper fare ticket that you’re not entitled to.
Road travel
In 2019 there were 2,904 road deaths in Poland (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 7.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2019.
Licences and documents
You can drive in Poland with your UK photocard driving licence without the need for an international driving permit.
If you’re living in Poland, check the Living in Guide for information on the rules for residents.
You must carry a driving licence, ID, original vehicle-registration papers, ownership documents and insurance papers when you drive. You will need to show these documents if you are stopped by the police or if you cross non-Schengen borders. This includes rental vehicles. If you do not have these papers the police may take your vehicle and charge you for this. If you drive a vehicle in Poland it must meet local technical requirements.
Driving regulations
If you drive and have been drinking (even a single unit of alcohol) you can be charged. If you break Polish driving laws you should be prepared to pay an on the spot fine of between 100 and 500 PLN (around £20-100) in cash in Polish currency to the police. If you live in Poland and have a permanent address you may be given a fine that can be paid later.
If you turn right on a traffic light flashing green arrow look out for people on the zebra crossing. They have priority before you.
You must at all times have your headlights on, at least dipped beam.
You must wear a seatbelt in both the front and back seats, even in taxis.
You must not use a mobile phone while driving (unless ‘hands free’).
See the European Commission,AA and RAC guides to driving in Poland.
Tolls
You may need to pay a road toll on some parts of motorways, expressways and national roads. More information is available on the toll operator website.
Road safety
Poland ranks high among European Union countries for road fatalities. Poland is a major east-west transit route for heavy vehicles. The road network is being constantly upgraded, and roadworks are frequent, particularly in summer. Even some main roads between major towns and cities can be narrow and poorly surfaced, making driving after dark particularly challenging.
Dual nationals
If you are a dual Polish-British national and are arrested or detained in Poland, you will be treated as a Polish national by the Polish authorities. You will have the same rights as any other Polish citizen in these circumstances (including the right to legal representation).
