Poland Country Report
Poland is a stable free market democracy in Central and Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, and Ukraine, Belarus, and Lithuania to the east. Poland is bordered by the Baltic Sea to the northwest and Kaliningrad Province, a region of the Russian Federation, to the northeast. Poland is a major player in European and world affairs, a member of NATO and the European Union, and provides military support to several NATO and US-led operations. Predominantly Catholic and deeply influenced by the Catholic Church, Poland is one of the most socially conservative countries in Europe. Efforts to form effective governing coalitions are often undermined by animosity and differences between major parties, and the main threat to political stability is the collapse of coalition governments. Despite steps taken to reform the law, corruption remains a potential risk in Poland. Petty crimes and traffic accidents are the most important threats to foreign tourists. Poland’s national infrastructure is fairly developed throughout the country and is well connected to neighboring countries. Poland currently hosts the majority of Ukrainian refugees who fled the country after the conflict in Ukraine began in early 2022. Poland is the main center of humanitarian and military ground aid to Ukraine from other NATO and EU countries.
Last updated: February 22, 2023
Security
Poland does not face any imminent internal or external security threats. Poland faces a border crisis on its eastern border from July 2021 to 2022 due to a sudden influx of migrants from the Middle East organized by Belarus. It is said that this incident is the reaction of the Belarusian side to the sanctions of the European Union, which were imposed against Minsk after the Belarusian elections in 2020. Border security has increased since then. Although there have been some incidents that have increased the overall tension, there is no serious security threat to the country.
Since the start of hostilities in Ukraine in early 2022, Poland has taken in the largest number of refugees from the conflict and has experienced severe disruption on its eastern border with Ukraine. Polish authorities have increased border security to control the influx of asylum seekers. Men of military age sometimes try to flee to Poland to avoid conscription in Ukraine, which is currently under military rule. Poland does not face an increased risk of armed conflict.
Petty crime can affect tourists in Poland, especially in popular tourist towns, and foreigners can also become victims of opportunistic theft. Poland has a relatively low violent crime rate and no known active terrorist groups.
Last updated: April 28, 2023
Infrastructure
There are no serious concerns regarding air travel to or within Poland.
Land travel can be dangerous due to local unsafe driving habits and poor road conditions.
Ports are considered efficient.
Public facilities are good, with more than 40% of households having central heating from district heating plants.
Cybercrime is not a serious concern.
Last updated: February 22, 2023
Environment
Environmental risks are low in Poland. Severe winter weather conditions may cause regular travel and service interruptions. Heavy rains in spring and summer can make flooding a problem, especially in rural areas and in the southern and eastern regions of the country, including Warsaw.
Last updated: March 3, 2022
Health and Medical
Medical care may be sufficient for routine problems, but evacuation may be required for complex treatments. Doctors are well trained and medical care in Warsaw is excellent, but care can be lacking once you leave the big cities.
Last updated: September 14, 2022
Political
Poland is a multi-party democracy with a bicameral parliament. In the 2019 election, Andriy Duda’s right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) government, which has precarious control of parliament and faces growing hostility from the European Union, was re-elected.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine will have major consequences for Poland. The country is currently facing a large influx of asylum seekers, which could overwhelm the Polish authorities and lead to political instability in the country. Poland will also be disproportionately affected by trade sanctions and the risk of energy disruption.
Last updated: September 7, 2023
