A Safe Journey

Remember: a journey is truly safe only when it ends with your safe return home.

Check your documents

- Ensure your passport or ID card is valid, typically for at least six months beyond your return date.

Information from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and register with the Odyseusz system. This will make it easier for consular services to contact and assist you in emergency situations.
Monitor travel advisories issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before and during your trip to stay informed about safety in your destination.

Contact numbers

Save the phone number of the Polish diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in the country where you plan to travel.

Insurance

travel insurance that includes medical expenses and personal accident coverage, especially if you are traveling to exotic or long-haul destinations.

protection

you are traveling within the European Union (EU) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which entitles you to treatment on the same terms as citizens of your destination country.

Copies of documents

Take photos or make copies of your passport, ID card, and insurance documents and store them securely in the cloud.

the registration

Every legitimate travel company must be listed in the Central Register of Tour Operators and Businesses Facilitating the Purchase of Linked Travel Arrangements (CEOTiPUN).

Insurance guarantee

A reputable tour operator should have a substantial financial guarantee or insurance coverage in place to protect your money in the event of insolvency.

Reputation and experience

Look for travel agencies with a long-standing presence in the market and a solid reputation for professionalism and reliability.

24/7 support

Check whether the company provides 24/7 contact with a resort representative or an emergency helpline.

Cash and cards

Stay vigilant and avoid openly displaying cash or valuables in public.
Do not keep all your cash and bank cards in one place. Use the hotel safe when possible.
Disable contactless payments without a PIN or set low transaction limits.

Online security

Avoid logging into online banking via public Wi-Fi networks in cafés or hotels; instead, use a VPN.

Be cautious in crowds

Pickpockets operate in tourist areas, on public transport, and on beaches. Never keep your wallet in your back pocket. Use a bum bag worn across your chest or around your waist at the front.

Safe restaurants and bars

Choose well-lit, busy venues.
Avoid empty venues tucked away in dark side streets, especially in the evening.
Never leave your belongings unattended. Do not hang your handbag on the back of a chair or leave your phone on the table—these are common mistakes exploited by thieves.
Never leave your drinks unattended, and always watch them to ensure no one adds anything.

Contacting the local police

If your money is stolen or you are the victim of any other crime, you should first contact the local police.
In most EU countries, as well as many other European nations, the universal free emergency number is 112. It can be dialed from both landlines and mobile phones, even without a SIM card. Operators often speak English or other languages, making it easier to report an incident.
You may also go to the nearest police station to report the theft in person. Be sure to ask for written confirmation of the report (such as a “police report” or “denuncia”). This document is essential if you wish to make a claim on your travel insurance.

Contacting your insurer

If you have insurance, report the theft to your insurer and follow their procedures.
Contact the Polish embassy or consulate in the country concerned. They may provide support, help you deal with local authorities, and, if necessary, issue temporary documents (such as an emergency passport if your documents were also stolen).
Remember, reporting a crime abroad is essential, and failure to obtain written confirmation from the police may make it difficult to pursue an insurance claim.

Evening outings

Limited trust

Be cautious around people you have just met, especially if they offer “bargain” excursions or free drinks.

Behaviour at the airport

Remain only in areas accessible to passengers.
Never joke about carrying dangerous items, bombs, or weapons—this is treated as a direct threat and may result in arrest.
Never leave your luggage unattended—an unattended suitcase may be destroyed by security services.
Do not agree to carry luggage for strangers, as it may contain concealed items that carry severe criminal and financial penalties, including drugs, antiques, or large amounts of cash.

Contact with the Polish consular services

If you are detained by law enforcement officers for any reason, insist on immediate telephone and in-person contact with a representative of the Polish diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate).