Travel to Poland: Flights, Airports, and Customs Regulations
International Air Travel and Major Airports
Poland is well-connected to international destinations through several major airports. Upon arrival, airport procedures differ depending on whether the flight originates from within the Schengen Area or from a non-Schengen country.
Key International Airports
- Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW): The largest airport in Poland, located approximately 10 km from Warsaw city center. It handles the majority of long-haul international flights and serves as the main hub for the national carrier, LOT Polish Airlines.
- Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK): The second-busiest airport, located in Balice, serving the southern region of Poland.
- Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN): The primary hub for northern Poland and the Baltic Sea region.
- Katowice Airport (KTW): A major hub for charter flights and low-cost carriers, serving the Silesian metropolitan area.
- Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI): Located about 40 km from Warsaw, primarily serving low-cost airlines (e.g., Ryanair).
Schengen vs. Non-Schengen Arrivals
Poland is a member of the Schengen Area. Border control procedures at airports are divided into two zones:
- Schengen Arrivals: Passengers arriving from other Schengen countries usually do not undergo passport control. They proceed directly to baggage claim and customs.
- Non-Schengen Arrivals: Passengers arriving from outside the Schengen Area (including the UK, USA, Canada, and Ireland) must undergo border control checks. Valid travel documents (passport and visa or residence card, if applicable) are required.
Customs Regulations: General Principles
Customs rules in Poland are enforced by the National Revenue Administration (Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa - KAS). Regulations strictly distinguish between travelers arriving from within the European Union (EU) and those arriving from non-EU countries (third countries).
1. Arriving from an EU Member State
Goods transported between EU countries are generally free from customs duties if they are for personal use and not for resale. There are no strict limits on quantity, provided the amount is consistent with personal consumption. However, "indicative levels" exist to determine if goods are commercial:
- Tobacco: Up to 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, or 1 kg of smoking tobacco.
- Alcohol: Up to 10 liters of spirits, 20 liters of fortified wine, 90 liters of wine (including max 60 liters of sparkling wine), or 110 liters of beer.
2. Arriving from a Non-EU Country
Travelers entering Poland from outside the EU face strict quantitative limits on alcohol, tobacco, and other goods. Exceeding these limits requires declaring the goods and paying applicable customs duties and taxes.
Allowances for Air Travelers (Non-EU):
| Category | Limit (Per Person, Aged 17+) |
|---|---|
| Tobacco Products |
200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250 g smoking tobacco |
| Alcohol |
1 liter of spirits (>22% ABV) OR 2 liters of fortified/sparkling wine (<22% ABV) (These can be combined proportionally) PLUS: 4 liters of still wine 16 liters of beer |
| Other Goods (Value) | Up to €430 (for air and sea travelers) |
Cash and Currency Declarations
Travelers entering or leaving the European Union via Poland must declare cash funds if the total value equals or exceeds €10,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies).
- Definition of Cash: Includes currency (banknotes and coins), bearer negotiable instruments (cheques, traveler’s cheques, money orders), and gold.
- Procedure: The declaration must be made in writing to the customs officer or Border Guard using the official declaration form.
- Consequences: Failure to declare cash or providing false information may result in fines and the confiscation of funds.
Restricted and Prohibited Items
Certain items are subject to strict controls or total bans when entering Poland, particularly from outside the EU.
Food and Animal Products
Imports of meat, meat products, milk, and dairy products from non-EU countries are strictly prohibited for personal travelers. These items will be confiscated and destroyed at the border to prevent the spread of animal diseases. Exceptions exist for limited quantities of powdered infant milk, special pet food needed for medical reasons, and special foods required for medical reasons.
Medications
Travelers may bring medications for personal use. Generally, up to five smallest package units of a medicinal product are allowed without a permit.
- Prescription Drugs: It is recommended to carry a medical certificate or a copy of the prescription, especially for prescription-only medicines.
- Psychotropic/Narcotic Substances: Strictly regulated. Transporting these requires specific permits issued by the Main Pharmaceutical Inspectorate (Główny Inspektorat Farmaceutyczny) or relevant authorities in the country of departure.
Resettlement Property (Moving Belongings)
Individuals permanently moving to Poland from outside the EU may be eligible for an exemption from customs duties on their personal property (Mienie przesiedleńcze). Conditions typically include:
- The person must have resided outside the EU for at least 12 months continuously.
- The goods must have been used by the person for at least 6 months prior to the move.
- The goods are intended for the same use in Poland.
- The import must occur within 12 months of establishing residence in Poland.
Official Resources
Customs regulations are subject to change. It is advisable to verify specific details with official Polish government sources prior to travel.