Poland customs rules & duty-free allowances
Poland is in the EU but uses its own currency (PLN). The biggest trap: you must be 18 to bring in any alcohol or tobacco, and the limits are per person — if you're travelling with family, each adult gets their own allowance. Also, Poland has strict biosecurity: no meat or dairy from outside the EU, and land travellers from non-EU countries face a much lower duty-free goods allowance than air/sea travellers.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use without prior authorization)
- Counterfeit goods (brand fakes, pirated software)
- Endangered species products (CITES items like ivory, tortoiseshell, caviar without permit)
- Weapons, ammunition, explosives (including pepper spray over 50ml, knives over 12cm blade)
- Pornographic material depicting minors
- Meat and dairy products from outside the EU (except limited quantities from Andorra, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland)
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medications containing controlled substances (require prescription and declaration)
- Plants, seeds, and soil (require phytosanitary certificate and declaration)
- Firearms and ammunition (require Polish permit or EU Firearms Pass)
- Cash over 10,000 EUR (must declare)
- Drones over 250g (must be registered in Poland or have EU drone operator certificate)
Arriving: red vs green channel
Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare (goods within limits, no prohibited/restricted items). Use the red channel if you have goods to declare, cash over 10,000 EUR, or restricted items. No arrival card required; random checks occur.
Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds
Tourists from non-EU countries can claim VAT refund on purchases over 200 PLN at a single store. Look for 'Tax Free' signs. Get a Tax Free form at the store, then present goods, receipts, and passport at the VAT refund desk (e.g., Global Blue, Planet) at the airport before check-in. Refund is typically 13–15% of the purchase price.
Bringing medication
Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed without a prescription. For controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, ADHD meds), carry a doctor's prescription in English or Polish, and a letter stating the condition and dosage. Some common Western meds like codeine-based painkillers are controlled here.
Food, plants & animal products
No meat, dairy, or products containing them from outside the EU. Fruits, vegetables, and plants from non-EU countries must be declared and may require phytosanitary certificates. Seeds and soil are generally banned. From EU countries, most food is allowed.
Rules worth knowing
EU vs non-EU origin matters
Goods bought duty-free in another EU country are not subject to Polish customs if for personal use. But if you're arriving from outside the EU, the 300 PLN limit applies. Keep receipts.
Tobacco and alcohol age limit strictly enforced
You must be 18 to bring in any alcohol or tobacco. Customs officers may ask for ID. If you're under 18, your allowance is zero.
Cash declaration is electronic or paper
You can declare cash online via the PUESC platform before arrival, or fill out a paper SAD form at the red channel. Failure to declare cash over 10,000 EUR can result in seizure and fines up to 100% of the amount.
No duty-free for land travellers from non-EU countries
If you arrive by car or bus from a non-EU country (e.g., Ukraine, Belarus, Russia), the duty-free goods allowance is only 150 PLN (~$38) — much lower than the 300 PLN for air/sea travellers.