Health risks

Poland is a moderately developed European nation and a democracy rapidly implementing a free market transformation. While improving rapidly, tourist facilities are not highly developed in all areas, and some of the services taken for granted in other European countries can be difficult to find in some parts of the country.

CRIME: Crime rates in Poland vary. Warsaw, Krakow, and other major cities have higher rates of crime against residents and foreign visitors.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Adequate medical care is available in Poland, but it generally does not meet Western standards Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Arthropod borne diseases:

  • Tick-borne encephalitis

Water & food transmitted diseases :

  • Hepatitis A
  • Giardiasis
  • E.coli infection

Other diseases:

  • Diphtheria
  • Hepatitis B
  • HIV

Vaccination recommended:

  • Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
  • Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
  • Rabies - if risk for contact with wildor domestic animals
  • Tick-borne encephalitis if visiting forest areas from April to August
  • A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.

Prevent illness by:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Wash and/or peel all raw vegetables and fruits before eating.
  • Use uncontaminated water to wash all food that is to be eaten raw
  • Use latex condoms for protection against sexually transmitted diseases

Reciprocal health: Participant in E111 system which allows visitors on short-term stays to other member countries to use the public health care sector on the same terms as a local resident and provides all covered visitors with emergency and necessary care. Form E111 is being replaced by the EU Health Insurance Card, please contact relevant health authorities for further details.

Compulsory vaccinations: none.

Recommended immunisations: *diphtheria, *hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, polio, tetanus, *tick-borne encephalitis, *typhoid.
* recommended in some circumstances, travellers making 3 or more visits per year, stays of more than 3 months in a rural area, high-risk occupational groups & backpackers staying more than 1 month.

Risks: rabies.

Blood transfusion & tissue transplantation risk according to UK BTS:

  • Malaria: No
  • Trypanasoma Cruzi Risk: No
  • Sub Saharan Africa: No
  • West Nile Virus Risk: No
  • Chikungunya Virus Risk: No

Yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations and malaria situation in Poland
Food and Water Safety
HIV Risk
Check travelers health risks by CDC before, after and while traveling to Poland and prevention before arrival at Poland.

Travel data, health safety, warnings and recommendations for Canadian who willing to visit Poland