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COUNTRY DATABASE

POLAND

Map of Poland

Background Note: Poland
   
OFFICIAL NAME:
Poland
  Flag of Poland
   

BACKGROUND

Poland is an ancient nation that was conceived near the middle of the 10th century. Its golden age occurred in the 16th century. During the following century, the strengthening of the gentry and internal disorders weakened the nation. In a series of agreements between 1772 and 1795, Russia, Prussia, and Austria partitioned Poland amongst themselves. Poland regained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite state following the war, but its government was comparatively tolerant and progressive. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union "Solidarity" that over time became a political force and by 1990 had swept parliamentary elections and the presidency. A "shock therapy" program during the early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most robust in Central Europe, but Poland still faces the lingering challenges of high unemployment, underdeveloped and dilapidated infrastructure, and a poor rural underclass. Solidarity suffered a major defeat in the 2001 parliamentary elections when it failed to elect a single deputy to the lower house of Parliament, and the new leaders of the Solidarity Trade Union subsequently pledged to reduce the Trade Union's political role. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004. With its transformation to a democratic, market-oriented country largely completed, Poland is an increasingly active member of Euro-Atlantic organizations.

ECONOMY

The Polish economy grew rapidly in the mid-1990s, slowed considerably in 2001 and 2002, and returned again to healthy growth rates in 2003. Poland’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized rate of 5.2% in the first quarter of 2006. Faster growth has begun to reduce persistently high unemployment, from nearly 20% in the middle of 2004 to 16.5% in May 2006. Tight monetary policy and dramatic productivity growth have helped to hold down inflation, which was 2.1% in 2005. Likewise, Poland's current account deficit, which grew rapidly in the late 1990s, has since moderated to 1.4% of GDP in 2005. The 2005 budget deficit was 27.5 billion zloty, or 2.8% of GDP in 2005, and the government pledged to restrain the 2006 and 2007 budgets at 30 billion zloty. Throughout the 1990s, the United States and other Western countries supported the growth of a free enterprise economy by reducing Poland's foreign debt burden, providing economic aid, and lowering trade barriers. Poland graduated from U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) assistance in 2000 and paid the balance of its U.S.-held Paris Club debt in 2005. Poland officially joined the European Union (EU) on May 1, 2004.

CLIMATE

temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers

TELEPHONE SYSTEM

general assessment: modernization of the telecommunications network has accelerated with market based competition finalized in 2003; fixed-line service, dominated by the former state-owned company, is dwarfed by the growth in wireless telephony
domestic: mobile-cellular service available since 1993 and provided by three nation-wide networks with a fourth provider beginning operations in late 2006; cellular coverage is generally good with some gaps in the east; fixed-line service is growing slowly and still lags in rural areas
international: country code - 48; international direct dialing with automated exchanges; satellite earth station - 1 with access to Intelsat, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, and Intersputnik

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION

Poland is a stable, free-market democracy. Tourist facilities are not highly developed in all areas, and some services taken for granted in other European countries may not be available in some parts of Poland, especially in rural areas.  On May 1, 2004, Poland became a member of the European Union (EU).  Read the Department of State Background Notes on Poland for additional information.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:  A valid passport is required.  Be sure to check your passport's validity -- Poland will not admit you if your passport is expired.  (Remember that U.S. passports for persons under 16 are valid for five, not ten, years).  On December 21, 2007, Poland joined the Schengen Zone.  U.S. citizens do not need visas for stays of up to 90 days for tourist, business, or transit purposes. That period begins when you enter any of the Schengen countries:  Austria, Belgium, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Note:  Although European Union regulations require that non-EU visitors obtain a stamp in their passports upon initial entry to a Schengen country, many borders are not staffed with officers carrying out this function.  If an American citizen wishes to ensure that his or her entry is properly documented, it may be necessary to request a stamp at an official point of entry.  Under local law, travelers without a stamp in their passports may be questioned and asked to document the length of their stay in Schengen countries at the time of departure or at any other point during their visit, and could face possible fines or other repercussions if unable to do so.

Polish immigration officials may ask travelers for proof of sufficient financial resources to cover their proposed stay in Poland.  The general rule-of-thumb is 100 zlotys per day.  Additionally, citizens of non-EU countries, including the United States, should carry proof of adequate medical insurance in case of an accident or hospitalization while in Poland.  Polish immigration officials may ask for documentation of such insurance or proof of sufficient financial resources (at least 400 zlotys per day) to cover such costs.  Those who lack insurance or access to adequate financial resources may be denied admission to Poland.  Medicare does not cover health costs incurred while abroad.

Poland requires Polish citizens (including American citizens who are or can be claimed as Polish citizens) to enter and depart Poland using a Polish passport.  Americans who are also Polish citizens or who are unsure if they hold Polish citizenship should contact the nearest Polish consular office for further information.

For further information on entry requirements, please contact the consular section of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland at 2224 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel. (202) 234-3800, or the Polish consulates in Chicago, Los Angeles or New York.  Visit the Embassy of Poland web site at http://www.polandembassy.org/ for the most current visa information.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

SAFETY AND SECURITY:    Poland remains largely free of terrorist incidents.  However, like other countries in the Schengen area, Poland™s open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility of terrorist groups entering/exiting the country with anonymity.  Americans are reminded to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution. 

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs™  web site at http://travel.state.gov/,  where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, including the Worldwide Caution , can be found.  Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

CRIME:  While Poland generally has a low rate of violent crime, the incidence of street crime, which sometimes involves violence, is moderate.  Major cities have higher rates of crime against residents and foreign visitors than other areas.

Organized groups of thieves and pickpockets operate at major tourist destinations, in train stations, and on trains, trams, and buses in major cities.  Theft has occurred on overnight trains.  Most pick-pocketing on trains occurs during boarding; in the most common scenario, a group of well-dressed young men will surround a passenger in the narrow aisle of the train, jostling/pick-pocketing him or her as they supposedly attempt to get around the passenger.  Keep an eye on cell phones; they are prized by thieves.  Beware of taxi drivers who approach you at the airport or who do not display telephone numbers and a company name; these drivers usually charge exorbitant rates.  Order your taxi by telephone and at the airport use only taxis in the designated taxi ranks.

Car thefts and car-jackings are experiencing a significant decline; however, theft from vehicles remains a constant concern.  Drivers should be wary of people indicating they should pull over or that something is wrong with their cars.  When such drivers pull over to see if there is a problem, they may find themselves suddenly surrounded by thieves from a second vehicle.  If drivers encounter someone indicating that there is trouble with their car and the problem is not apparent, they should continue driving until they find a safe spot (a crowded gas station, supermarket, or even police station) to inspect their vehicles.  There also have been incidents of thieves opening or breaking passenger-side doors and windows in slow or stopped traffic to take purses or briefcases left on the seat beside the driver.  Those traveling by car should remember to keep windows closed and doors locked.  Extremist youth gangs are a threat, particularly in urban areas.  Verbal harassment and physical attacks have been directed against members of racial minorities or those who appear to be foreign, particularly those of Asian or African descent.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available.  Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law.  In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.  More information on this serious problem is available at http://www.cybercrime.gov/18usc2320.htm.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME:  The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.  The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred.  Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:  Adequate medical care is available in Poland, but hospital facilities and nursing support are not comparable to American standards.  Physicians are generally well trained but specific emergency services may be lacking in certain regions, especially in Poland's small towns and rural areas.  Younger doctors generally speak English, though nursing staff often does not.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.  Medications are generally available, although they may not be specific U.S. brand-name drugs.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC™s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization™s (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en.  Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.

MEDICAL INSURANCE:  Polish immigration law requires travelers either to carry adequate medical insurance in case of accident or hospitalization while in Poland or to be able to document access to sufficient financial resources (at least 400 zlotys per day) to cover such medical emergencies.  Failure to carry insurance or the inability to provide documentation of sufficient financial resources if requested may result in a traveler being denied admission to Poland.  Medicare does not cover Americans in Poland.

The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.  Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:  While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning Poland is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

An International Driving Permit (IDP), obtained prior to departure from the U.S., must accompany a U.S. driver's license.  A U.S. driver's license without an IDP is insufficient for use in Poland, and Americans cannot obtain IDPs in Poland.  Only two U.S. automobile associations the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) have been authorized by the U.S. Department of State to distribute IDPs.  Polish roadside services, while not at Western levels, are rapidly improving.  Polski Zwiazek Motorowy Auto-Tour has multilingual operators and provides assistance countrywide; they can be reached by calling 9281 or 9637 preceded by the city code (outside of Warsaw 022-9281).  The police emergency number is 997, fire service is 998, and ambulance service is 999.  Mobile phone users can dial 112 for emergency assistance.  Seat belts are compulsory in both the front and back seats, and children under the age of 10 are prohibited from riding in the front seat.  Headlights must be used at all times, day and night.  The use of cellular phones while driving is prohibited, except for “hands-free” models.

There has been a substantial increase in the number of cars on Polish roads.  Driving, especially after dark, is hazardous.  Roads are generally narrow, poorly lighted, frequently under repair (especially in the summer months), and are often also used by pedestrians and cyclists.  The Ministry of Infrastructure has a program called “Black Spot” (Czarny Punkt), which puts signs in places with a particularly high number of accidents and/or casualties.  These signs have a black spot on a yellow background, and the road area around the “black spot” is marked with red diagonal lines.

Alcohol consumption is frequently a contributing factor in accidents.  Polish laws provide virtually zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol, and penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol (defined as a blood alcohol level of 0.02 or higher) include a fine and probation or imprisonment for up to two years. Penalties for drivers involved in accidents can be severe.  If an accident results in injury or death, the penalty can be imprisonment from six months to eight years.

Within cities, taxis are available at major hotels and designated stands or may be ordered in advance. Some drivers accept credit cards and/or speak English.  Travelers should be wary of hailing taxis on the street, especially those that do not have a telephone number displayed, because these may not have meters, and many of them charge more.  Do not accept assistance from “taxi drivers” who approach you in the arrivals terminal or outside the doors at Warsaw Airport.  Travelers availing themselves of these “services” often find themselves charged significantly more than the usual fare.  Use only taxis at designated airport taxi ranks.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.  Visit the web site of Poland's National Tourist Office at http://www.poland.travel/en-us/ and Poland's Ministry of Transport responsible for road safety at http://www.mt.gov.pl/.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Poland™s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Poland's air carrier operations.  For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:    Visitors importing more than 10,000 Euros should, as part of the arrivals process, complete a form to declare currency, traveler's checks, and other cash instruments.  This form should be stamped by Polish Customs and retained by the traveler for presentation on departure.  Undeclared cash may be confiscated upon departure, and visitors carrying undeclared cash may be prosecuted.  Most banks now cash traveler's checks, ATMs are readily available, and credit cards increasingly accepted.  Polish customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the export of items such as works of art, particularly those created before 1953.  Works produced by living artists after 1953 may be exported with permission from the Provincial Conservator of Relics.  Some works of art produced after 1953 may still be subject to a ban on exportation if the artist is no longer living and the work is considered of high cultural value.  If you are importing an item or work of art like those described above, even if only temporary (i.e. for an exhibit or performance) you should declare it to customs upon entry and carry proof of ownership in order to avoid problems on departure.  Contact the Polish Embassy in Washington, D.C., or one of the Polish consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.  Please see our Customs Information.

Poland does not recognize (although it does not prohibit) dual nationality.  A person holding Polish and U.S. citizenship is deemed by Poland to be a Pole and subject to Polish law.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES:  While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.  Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.  Persons violating Polish laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Poland are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.  Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.  Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES:  For information, see our Office of Children™s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION:    Americans living or traveling in Poland are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department™s travel registration web site and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Poland.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw is located at Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31.  The Consular Section entrance is located around the corner at Ulica Piekna 12.  The Embassy's telephone number is (48) (22) 504-2000.  This number can be called 24 hours/day: for emergencies after business hours. The Embassy's fax number is (48) (22) 504-2688 and the fax number for the Consular Section is (48) (22) 627-4734 (consular fax only checked during normal business hours).  The U.S. Consulate General in Krakow is located at Ulica Stolarska 9.  The Consulate General's telephone number is (48) (12) 424-5100; fax (48) (12) 424-5103; after-hours cellular phone (for emergencies only) 601-483-348.  A Consular Agency providing limited consular services in Poznan is located at Ulica Paderewskiego 8.  The Consular Agency's telephone number is (48) (61) 851-8516; fax (48) (61) 851-8966.  The Embassy's web site is at http://poland.usembassy.gov/.

SOURCE:
Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State.

CIA World Factbook

 


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