Travel Vaccines and Advice for Poland
Poland is located in Central Europe and is a parliamentary republic. It is a unitary state that is divided into 16 administrative subdivisions. The capital is Warsaw, and it’s Poland’s largest city.
Poland has history, peaceful mountain areas, and cities for travellers to explore. There are so many sites to see like Warsaw’s Museums and Palaces, Stowinski National Park and so much more.
Whether you love to explore, learn or taste cuisine, Poland has everything you need to have the time of your life.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Poland?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Poland
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Poland?
What Is the Climate Like in Poland?
How Safe Is Poland?
The Crooked Forest
What Should I Take to Poland?
Canadian Embassy in Poland
Do I Need Vaccines for Poland?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Poland. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Poland: hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Poland |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Poland |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A, caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), is a contagious liver infection. It spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Preventive measures include vaccination, good hygiene, and avoiding raw shellfish. The hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective, requiring two doses for long-term protection.
- Rabies – Rabies, a deadly viral disease, spreads via bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for suspected exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals with regular animal contact or travellers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, primarily spread through blood and bodily fluids. The hepatitis B vaccine, given in a series of injections, effectively prevents the infection, offering long-term protection against this potentially life-threatening disease.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious diseases with potentially severe consequences. Preventing their transmission is possible through vaccination with the MMR vaccine. This two-dose vaccine not only safeguards individuals but also helps create herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks within communities.
Some European countries have recently had routine disease outbreaks. Make sure your MMR, TDaP and other routine vaccinations are up-to-date.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Poland
Prevent Bug Bites in Poland
Safeguard against bug bites by following PHAC-recommended practices like donning long attire and using EPA-registered repellents like DEET or picaridin. Be mindful of bug activity times and bolster your sleeping space with nets and screens. In the event of bug bites, clean the area, resist itching, and use over-the-counter treatments to help with itching. Be sure to seek medical help for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Poland
Safeguard your health while abroad by consuming cooked and hot foods, opting for bottled or sealed drinks, and practicing proper hand-washing. Limit your exposure to risky local dishes. To prevent travellers’ diarrhea, maintain these precautions: eat carefully prepared foods, avoid untreated water, sanitize your hands, consider probiotics, and exercise caution with unfamiliar cuisine.
Altitude Sickness in Poland
Altitude sickness, triggered by low oxygen levels at high elevations, presents with symptoms such as headache and fatigue. Avoiding AMS involves gradual ascent, hydration, and possibly using medications like acetazolamide. If AMS symptoms emerge, swift descent to lower altitudes, rest and medical attention are imperative.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Poland?
A visa is not required for stays under 90 days. A valid passport with six months validity is required for entry.
Poland Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Poland? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Poland and Canadian Travel and Tourism
The same rules apply for business travellers.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Poland?
It has a moderate continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. It is also one of the driest countries in Europe.
When there is precipitation, summer thunderstorms may occur. Temperatures are not easy to predict in Poland. In the wintertime temperatures may go down from around freezing to far below it. Winter may change to spring within 24 or 48 hours. This pattern is also seen during autumn.
The summers in Poland are warm with temperatures of 22-24 degrees Celsius but at night it may be cold. There’s a warm current that comes from Russia that makes the temperatures rise in Poland.
The southwest part of Poland is the wettest area. The Sudetes is a mountain range in Poland that gets 800-1,200 milliliters of rain annually. In the wintertime it becomes snow or glazed frost.
How Safe Is Poland?
Terrorist groups may be plotting possible attacks in Europe. Action is being taken by the European government to prevent more attacks.
But, Europe is still vulnerable to attacks by terrorist organizations. Canadian citizens should stay away from all demonstrations. Travellers should be aware of what is happening in the media.
Crime in Poland is low, but there are some cities where there are higher rates of crime. You can protect yourself by keeping your belongings safe. Don’t leave valuables in plain sight.
Change money at banks and exchange kiosks that are legitimate. Stay away from adult entertainment venues and use a legitimate taxi driving company.
The Crooked Forest
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There are a lot of cool and unusual things to do in Poland. The Crooked Forest is one of those places. You can discover this unusual site in Gryfino, Poland. 400 trees are mysteriously bent in an abnormal way. They hover a few centimetres above the ground and have a j like shape that point to the sky. Although we don’t know for sure what makes the trees look so strange, the stores range from normal to weird.
Some people believe the trees were buried under a snowstorm in their infancy. Others believe that the reason for the trees’ appearance is due to gravitational pull in the area. The most unique explanation is that foresters in the local area manipulated the trees. They wanted to make furniture and left the trees in bent condition.
Despite their weird shapes, the trees have thrived in their environment. The site continues to bring awe to the people who travel to Poland today.
What Should I Take to Poland?
When you pack for Poland, there are some things you should take with you before you leave.
- Visa and Passport — You need a visa to travel to Poland, depending on how long you plan to stay. You also need to bring a passport that has at least six months validity.
- Clothes — Comfortable shows are essential if you’re planning to see the sites. In the spring you should pack clothes for the rain, snow, cold winds, and sunshine. In the summer you should bring a sun hat, sandals, t-shirts, and an umbrella for the rainy days. In autumn and wintertime you should pack warm clothes.
- Money — The currency for Poland is Polish zIoty (zI, PLN). In some places you can pay with euros or USD. ATMs are available to withdraw Polish money. You can also use exchange offices. Some shops accept credit cards. Traveller’s checks are not accepted.
- Pack for Health — It’s important to pack for your health when travelling to Poland. You should also consider bringing supplies to prevent injury or illness and a first aid kit.
Canadian Embassy in Poland
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Poland, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Canadian Embassy Warsaw
ul. Jana Matejki 1/5
00-481 Warsaw
Poland
Tel.: (+48 22) 584 3100
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Poland
“The nurse was a very knowledgeable and conscientious lady. She answered many questions for my wife and I regarding our upcoming travel plans in Poland. We feel we are much better informed medically wise about our trip.”
“After a run around and misinformation about travel health from our doctors office this was a great experience. The nurse was very personable, organized, knowledgeable, had all the information ready pertaining to Poland. Everything was explained to us in a very easy to understand manner . We left very comfortable with the next steps required by us.”
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