Explore: Poland - Formalities
Clearance
The Q flag is not used, and it is your responsibility to report your arrival.
Non-EU boats, or boats arriving from outside the Schengen Area, must check in with Border Control at a Port of Entry. The authorities should be contacted on Channel 16 or working channel (usually 10 or 12) before entering the port. English is understood, but it may be necessary to speak slowly.
Official Border Control is also required on departure from the last Polish port.
For EU members arriving from EU countries, this is only passport control. In practice it may be necessary to report in and out of every port in Poland. With the exception of the first and last port, a verbal report over the VHF radio giving boat name, names and nationality, number of persons on board and previous or next port of call appears to be all that is required.
Swinemunde, Ziegenort, Stettin and all larger ports on the Polish coast have Immigration offices or stations.
Only Gdynia and Swinoujcie can be entered under all weather conditions.
Peenestrom Channel Yachts coming from Germany through the Stettiner Haff (Zalew Szczecinski in Polish) must show their papers to the Polish patrol boat stationed at the border (marked by buoys) before continuing to Nowe Warpno, Trzebiez or Swinoujscie for clearance.
You must not continue south on the Odra River without clearing in.
Last updated August 2017.
Immigration
Poland is a member of the Schengen Agreement Area. See Noonsite’ Schengen page for more details on the immigration rules.
See EU Schengen Visa Policy website for details of visa requirements.
To see the detail requirements for a visa to enter the Schengen Area via Poland, see www.schengenvisainfo.com/poland-visa
Last updated August 2017.
Customs
Firearms must be declared.
EU regulations apply concerning temporary importation. See EU VAT page for more information.
Last updated August 2017.
BioSecurity
While the protocols below are as accurate as per the last date recorded, the situation is constantly changing with regards to Covid-19 protocols for yacht arrivals and skippers should always check with their intended port of arrival before getting underway to be 100% certain of what is required.
COVID-19: OPEN
Yachting Protocols:
01 March, 2021
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All travelers arriving in Poland, regardless of their country or origin, are required by law to undertake a mandatory 10-day home quarantine (this can be carried out on board your yacht). This requirement is waived, in respect of a number of classes of persons, details at: https://dziennikustaw.gov.pl/DU/2020/2316 (Polish).
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From Saturday 23 January 2021, travelers arriving in Poland can be exempted from this requirement, if they produce proof of a negative test for COVID-19 on arrival, and within 48 hours of the result being obtained. This proof must be in either English or Polish.
- Also exempt are travelers that have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and can produce a certificate of vaccination for a vaccine authorised for use in the EU.
Our thanks to Mikolaj Trzeciecki for confirming these details.
History:
- At the start of May 2020, Poland closed to visitors, including the maritime border.
- This entry ban was continually extended until 15 June when borders re-opened to EU nationals.
Resources:
Health
The medical services are good and Private medical facilities are comparatively inexpensive and of a good standard. However, medicines are scarce and expensive.
Tick-borne encephalitis is common in Poland, especially if you are planning to visit forested areas in the summer months.
Documents
Fees
Restrictions
There are restricted areas near Ustka and along the Hel peninsula, where passage is occasionally prohibited. Hel fishing harbor is now open to foreign yachts.
There is a zero tolerance for drink driving in Poland. If you drive and have been drinking (even 1 unit of alcohol) you can be charged.
Jaywalking is an offense and if caught by the police you will be fined.
Local Customs
Pets
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) applies in Poland and animals require a passport, to have been microchipped and have a current Health Certificate and Rabies Vaccination Certificate issued by recognized Veterinary Service and have been blood tested prior to travel.
