Europe

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• There are confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Poland (including some human to human transmission). The incidence of Swine Flu in Poland is still relatively low. There has been an increase in cases in recent weeks but with only mild symptoms and quick recovery. The Polish Government continues implementation of contingency plans.  There are no restrictions on travel nor any other special measures in place in Poland.  The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website at: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.
  
  
• If you intend to travel by train on popular routes such as Warsaw-Moscow you will also need to obtain the appropriate transit visa for Belarus before travelling. See Travel Advice for Moldova and the Entry Requirements section of this advice for more details
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public places, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. 
  
  
• There are risks of robbery on rail and bus journeys and driving can be hazardous.  See the Local Travel section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Most visits to Poland are trouble-free.  92 British nationals required consular assistance in Poland in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (24 cases); hospitalisations (15 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (41 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (80 cases).  If you need to contact the emergency services in Poland call 112.
  
  
• Holders of dual Polish and British nationality should note that we may only be able to offer them a limited consular service.   
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance  for more details.