Poland travel guide for New Zealanders

New Zealand passport holders may stay in Poland (and the Schengen area) visa‑free for up to 90 days within any 180‑day period. From 2025 an ETIAS travel authorization is mandatory; apply online and pay a small fee (≈ NZ$10).

The stay must be for tourism, business or family visits; work or study longer than 90 days needs a national visa.

Poland does not host a New Zealand embassy. The nearest mission is the New Zealand Embassy in Warsaw, located at ul. Nowy Świat 15, 00‑029 Warsaw. Consular services include passport assistance and emergency support.

A 10‑day itinerary (3 nights Kraków, 2 nights Warsaw, 2 nights Gdańsk, travel and meals) typically costs:

Flights from Auckland to Warsaw round‑trip: NZ$1,800‑2,200 (economy, check).

Accommodation (mid‑range hotels/guesthouses): NZ$80‑120 per night, total NZ$800‑1,200.

Meals: NZ$30‑45 per day, total NZ$300‑450.

Transport (train, airport transfers, local transit): NZ$250‑350.

Entry fees (Auschwitz, Wieliczka, museums): NZ$100‑150.

Direct flights from Auckland to Warsaw involve one stop (usually in Asia or the Middle East) and take about 24‑28 hours total travel time.

Poland is in Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) and observes daylight saving (CEST, UTC+2) from late March to late October. New Zealand is NZST (UTC+12) or NZDT (UTC+13). The time difference ranges from 10 hours (winter) to 11 hours (summer).

Power plugs are type E; a universal adapter that accepts type C/E plugs works, and voltage is 230 V 50 Hz.

In restaurants, round up the bill or leave about 10 % if service is not included. Bars and cafés usually do not expect a tip, but leaving small change is appreciated.

Poland is generally safe for tourists. Keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas, especially in major cities and on public transport. Emergency number 112 connects to police, ambulance and fire services.

Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN); approximately NZ$0.25 per zł.

Power plugs are type E; a universal adapter that accepts type C/E plugs works, and voltage is 230 V 50 Hz.

Poland is in Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) and observes daylight saving (CEST, UTC+2) from late March to late October. New Zealand is NZST (UTC+12) or NZDT (UTC+13). The time difference ranges from 10 hours (winter) to 11 hours (summer).

In restaurants, round up the bill or leave about 10% if service is not included. Bars and cafés usually do not expect a tip, but leaving small change is appreciated.