Travel information
Do I need a visa to travel to Poland?
As a general rule you need a visa to enter Poland. There are several countries that are free of this requirement. To find out if you qualify for no visa entry to Poland, please refer to the visa policy page.
Citizens of these countries are required to obtain a Polish visa prior to their arrival to Poland. They should contact the Polish Consulate or Embassy in their country of residence.
In most cases you will have to register through the website e-konsulat.gov.pl.
General information
Citizens of non-EU/EFTA countries which are not listed as “visa free countries” may enter Poland and stay within its territory on a basis of Schengen or national visa. Visas are issued for multiple or single entry and for various purposes of stay.
Schengen Visa (“C” type) – is issued when the planned stay on the territory of the Schengen area does not exceed 90 days within each 180-day period.
National Visa (“D” type) – entitles to entry and a continuous stay in the territory of Poland or to several consecutive stays which jointly last longer than 90 days, the period of validity of a national visa cannot exceed one year. Also permits to travel in the territory of other Schengen Area Member States for up to 90 days during a 180-day period, during the validity period of the visa.
For more information on visa applications visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Poland page.
Note: Your passport needs to be valid for three months beyond the ending date of your whole trip. Please ensure that you have travel insurance for this trip. We suggest getting basic travel insurance that covers flight cancellations, loss of baggage and medical expenses.
Transportation and Airport Information
Brothers should purchase their own airline tickets. Please book flights to the Warsaw Chopin Airport, Airport Code: WAW. Brothers will need to make private arrangements for ground transportation from the airport to their respective hotels. Taxis and ride-share services are available at the airport and most signage is available in English and Polish.
See additional transportation and airport information
Weather
Temperatures in Warsaw in October range from 13-15°C (55-59°F) during the day and 5-7°C (41-44°F) at night. Remember to bring a warm jacket. In Warsaw in October, you can expect about 3-8 days of rain. When going outdoors, it is advisable to bring an umbrella and wear attire fit for a rainy day.
See: Weather in Warsaw, Poland
Time
During ITERO in Warsaw, Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2h) will be in effect.
See: Time Zone in Warsaw
Safety
Poland and Warsaw are considered safe places for foreigners. Poland is one of the safest countries in the world (according to the Global Peace Index 2023). Following the outbreak of war, millions of Ukrainians sought refuge beyond the borders of their own country. Many of them found it in Poland, including in Warsaw.
Emergency Contact
Emergency services in Poland
In Poland, you can reach emergency services by dialing the following numbers:
- Ambulance: Dial 999 or 112 from your mobile phone.
- Fire Brigade: Dial 998 or 112 from your mobile phone.
- Police: Dial 997 or 112 from your mobile phone.
- Road Assistance: Dial 981.
- Municipal Police (City Guard): Dial 986.
Remember that when using mobile phones, you should dial the local code before the number. For instance, to call the police in Warsaw, dial 22-997. Emergency calls from phone boxes are free of charge.
Additionally, if you’re in danger it is recommended that you use the direct emergency numbers (997, 999, 998) because in some areas, the general emergency number (112) may not work properly. However, if you’re unsure of the local code, dial the general emergency number for mobile phones: 112.
Serving ones in Poland
For any emergency, you can contact serving ones in Poland via phone number +48 451 094 749. You can also contact us using WhatsApp, Viber or Telegram through this number.
Embassy or consulate
If you need to contact your embassy or consulate, see: Diplomatic Missions in Poland