Poland travel guide for Americans

US passport holders may stay in Poland for up to 90 days without a visa, as part of the Schengen short‑stay rule. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date.

From 2025 an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is mandatory for visa‑free travellers. Apply online before travel; the fee is €7 and approval is usually instant.

If you need to stay longer than 90 days, work, study or join family, you must obtain a national visa from a Polish consulate before arrival.

The US Embassy in Warsaw handles consular services for Americans in Poland. It is located at ul. Ujazdowa 1, 00‑950 Warsaw.

Accommodation: $60–$150 per night for mid‑range hotels; $30–$80 for private rooms on Airbnb.

Meals: $8–$15 for a main dish in a restaurant, $3–$6 for street food or fast‑casual.

Transport: Intercity train (Warsaw‑Kraków) $30–$45, domestic flights $50–$120.

Sightseeing: museum entry $5–$12, Auschwitz‑Birkenau day‑trip $45 (incl. transport).

Main US departure airports with direct or one‑stop service to Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) include New York (JFK/EWR), Chicago (ORD), and Washington Dulles (IAD). Typical flight time is 8–10 hours non‑stop, or 11–14 hours with one stop in a European hub.

Poland uses the European Type E plug (two round pins). Type C plugs also fit. Voltage is 230 V, frequency 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter and, if your devices are not dual‑voltage, a voltage converter.

Service charge is not usually included. Round up the bill or leave about 10 % in restaurants, cafés and bars. For taxis, round up to the nearest złoty. Hotel staff (porters, housekeeping) appreciate small tips of 5–10 zł.

Dial 112 for any emergency (police, fire, ambulance). Specific numbers: 999 – ambulance, 997 – police, 998 – fire, 985 – mountain and water rescue.