Officially dubbed as the Republic of Poland, Poland is a country located in Central Europe, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes like the Baltic Sea coast, central lowlands, lakes (like in Masuria), and mountain ranges (such as the Carpathians and the Tatra Mountains). It shares borders with Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the east, and Lithuania and the Baltic Sea to the north. Its capital, Warsaw (Warszawa), is situated in east-central Poland, on the Vistula River, and it's the largest city in the country. The city is known for its significance as the home to the Polish government, president, parliament, and major institutions, and being the political, economic, and cultural heart of Poland. It is also home to landmarks like the Royal Castle, Łazienki Park and the Palace of Culture and Science, including modern business centres, museums, theatres, and universities. Although Warsaw was nearly destroyed in World War II, it was meticulously rebuilt, especially its Old Town (which is now a UNESCO world heritage site), and has become a growing tech and start-up scene.
UTC+1 daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October.
Heatwaves, floods, landslides, and earthquakes.
Fines for traffic and driving offences include:
Other violations include:
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side, but cannot overtake at intersections, bus/tram stops, pedestrian crossings, and railway crossings. Turning right on red is allowed, but only if a green arrow signal is present, and headlights must be on at all times, even in the daytime.
The minimum driving age is 18, but it is 21 to rent, along with the requirement of having a licence held for at least one year. The renting age may vary on car category and rental company, and some companies may apply a surcharge to drivers under 25. UK licence holders don't need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Poland, but you must carry your licence, along with your vehicle's registration and insurance documents at all times. If you have an old paper licence, or one issued from Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, then you may need an IDP.
Some highway segments have tolls (A1, A2, A4) that would cost around 18zł (~£3.67) at most. Payment is accepted via cash, card, or e-toll systems. And watch out for parking zones, meters, and signage. Fines for improper parking can range from 100zł to 800zł (~£20 - £163).
Unleaded petrol (benzyna; typically in 95 and 98 octane), diesel and LPG (autogas) are common in Poland, CNG (compressed natural gas) is rare but present in major cities in limited locations, but Ethanol blends (E85, E100) are hardly found. Winter-grade diesel (with lower CFPP for cold resistance) are available during winter months (mid-November to February).
The legal limit is 0.02% for all drivers.
Mandatory for all passengers.
Children under 12 or 150cm must use a certified child seat.
Check out more of our Country Guides: