Visa and Travel Information

Visa information

Poland Entry formalities

Travel Documents
There are no frontier controls at the borders between 22 EU countries. This is thanks to the Schengen rules which are part of EU law. These rules remove all internal border controls but put in place effective controls at the external borders of the EU and introduce a common visa policy. All EU countries are full Schengen members except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom.
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are also Schengen members but are not in the EU.

To enter the territory of a Schengen State, third-country nationals must be in possession of a valid travel document and a visa (if required).

Passport
The only document that can confirms identity and nationality and therefore entitles a person to cross a border is a passport.

ID card
You will therefore need to present a valid passport or ID card when travelling to the five non-Schengen countries and when entering or leaving the EU at the external borders. Carry them when travelling in the EU because they may be required for identification or security purposes. Be aware that the only valid ID is the one obtained from national authorities.

Visa Requirements
No Visas are required for EU and US citizens. Visas will be required for participants of some countries whose nationals require a visa to enter Polish territory. For a list of those countries, please visit the following web page:
http://www.msz.gov.pl/en/p/msz_en/travel_to_poland/entering_poland/
For the list of diplomatic and consular missions of Poland with their respective countries of jurisdiction, please visit http://www.msz.gov.pl/en/travel_to_poland/polands_missions_abroad/

Note:
Due to European Union regulations, NO visas-on-arrival can be issued. Participants are kindly requested to make the necessary arrangements to obtain their visas beforehand.

Visa application supporting documents can be obtained on request from the Conference Secretariat

Good to know before travelling

Foreign Consulates in Warsaw

A list of foreign embassies and consulates in Warsaw can be found here.

Electricity

Electric power is 230 Volts, 50 Hertz alternating current. Outlets take plugs with two round pins. In any case, please take adaptors for different plug types with you. Please make sure that the electrical devices you will be using (computers, mobile phone chargers, electric shavers, etc.) are suitable for this voltage, otherwise transformers or batteries are advisable.

Local currency

The official currency of Poland is the Zloty (PLN). The exchange rate is approximately 1 EUR to 4.65 PLN (1 USD to 4.25 PLN). Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 09:00/10:00 to 18:00. Exchange offices can be found all around Warsaw, and are clearly marked. ATMs are widely available around the city and shops accept major credit cards.

Local time

Current time in Warsaw

Official language

Official language is Polish.
English is widely spoken.

Weather

In September, Warsaw enjoys pleasant days. The average maximum temperature range between 14 to 19 ºC while the average minimum is 8 ºC. You should prepare for the rain too.

Current weather conditions in Warsaw.

WARSAW WEATHER

Emergency, healthcare and security

First Aid

A first aid service will be available at the venue at all times during the congress. Please note, however, no other medical service will be provided. Participants are expected to cover the costs of any medical expenses incurred in Poland. Therefore, it is highly recommended that participants have an insurance policy covering medical expenses in Poland and elsewhere during their travel.

EU citizens should carry the European Health Insurance Card.

Participants requesting an entry visa will also be required to submit proof of medical insurance.

Medical services

Warsaw has a good network of health centres (primary care services) and hospitals.
In the case of an emergency, injury, sudden disease or health deterioration, patients should either call an ambulance or go directly to a hospital, to the A&E department. In such cases, medical transport is free of charge. In hospital, you must present your valid European Health Insurance Card or a replacement certificate or insurance.