When crossing the border of a country, travelers go through two types of control: passport, during which they check personal documents, and customs, focused on the inspection of things. Different states establish their own rules regarding the transport of goods and personal items into their territory. Knowledge of these rules will allow you to freely cross the border and stay in the country for the required amount of time. Polish customs rules change quite often, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the procedure for transporting things to the territory of this country shortly before the trip.
Customs information
Polish customs officials have significant powers. They have the right to ask any questions they are interested in regarding baggage, personal information and the purpose of the tourist's trip, inspect baggage, evaluate it in accordance with the standards.
This sector of state control is subordinate to the Ministry of Finance, as it is associated with monetary and property circulation.
If there are inconsistencies, border officials are authorized to seize items that do not meet the import rules and demand payment of a duty.
In the event of a particularly serious violation, customs officers can cancel the visa permit, initiate the deportation of the tourist from the country and impose a fine on him. If a repeated violation is detected, they may decide to ban entry into the country for a period of five years.
The official website of the Polish customs.
Duty-free import rules
The norms relate to the import of personal items and some goods in limited quantities and a certain value. If the total value does not exceed the norm, the duty is not levied on items in hand luggage: gifts, medicines, vintage items from 1945.
The cost of medicines is not included in the price of carry-on baggage when evaluating it. The amount of things that you can take with you duty-free differs depending on the age of the tourist and the way of his arrival in the country.
What applies to things for personal use
As of 2021, tourists traveling by plane have the right to bring things into Poland with a total value of 430 euros. For those traveling by land, you can bring your luggage for 300 euros. The luggage of a minor tourist can “cost” no more than 150 euros.
The customs officer evaluates the value of hand luggage visually.
On land and air transport, it is allowed to carry personal hygiene products, several changes of clothes, gifts in the amount of 1 piece of each unit, food weighing up to 2 kg, precious jewelry weighing up to 50 g. You can also import musical instruments, equipment, sports equipment for personal use.
Import restrictions
There will be no problems with the import of products if the quantity is calculated for you alone. Poland will be given permission to import tobacco products from Russia, Ukraine and other countries: two cartons of cigarettes, 50 cigars, or up to 250 grams of tobacco if traveling by plane. Passengers of land transport will be allowed to carry 10 cigars, 50 g of tobacco or four packs of cigarettes.
Alcohol import regulations are less stringent. Those who fly by plane are allowed to take 16 liters of any kind of beer, 4 liters of any wine or 1 liter of strong alcohol.
Those who cross the land border will be allowed to import into the country 0.5 liters of spirits, wine, low alcohol or 2 liters of beer of their choice. It is permissible to take no more than 2 kg of honey, 5 kg of vegetables and fruits. Seafood is allowed to take up to 20 kg per person.
Restrictions on the import of products are also set for coffee: it can be transported across the Polish border no more than 0.5 kg.
Medicines that contain exclusively non-narcotic substances are passed freely with a doctor's prescription. It is also allowed to take one unit of each technique - laptop, smartphone, etc.
Existing bans
Prohibited foods include perishable foods and foods that may carry infectious diseases. Meat, any meat, dairy products and chocolate cannot be imported into the country. An exception is made for baby and special dietary food in an amount of no more than 2 kilograms of each, provided that it is transported in an airtight container.
Prohibited foods are confiscated at customs upon detection and a fine is imposed on the offender.
The ban also applies to drugs, explosive, radioactive and poisonous substances, weapons, representatives of flora and fauna. To take a weapon with you, you will need a special permit or pass from a representative of the customs department in the country.
Features of the export of goods from Poland
Restrictions are imposed on the import of goods from Poland to other countries, which are determined by each specific state. Most often, the ban applies to meat products, the transport of animals, plants, weapons, and unmarked goods.
Also, restrictions apply to the cost of goods - this aspect is controlled by the Polish side. So, you cannot export goods worth more than 50 euros from the country, provided that you stay in the country for less than a day.
Violation of customs regulations
If a person unknowingly took more goods with him than is allowed, they will be confiscated with a warning. Intentional smuggling is punished much more severely - initially with a fine of 50 to 1 thousand euros.
The total amount depends on the volume of violations and the frequency with which a person was caught in the illegal import of goods. For example, the initial fine for importing cigarettes is calculated on the basis of € 50 per pack. Failure to pay the fine for cigarette smuggling will result in the cancellation of the entry visa.
FAQ
How to declare money?
An amount up to 10 thousand euros is not subject to declaration, it can be imported in any currency. Any amount in excess of this limit must be declared.
When leaving the country at customs posts, they check the amount in the declaration with the actual amount in your hands for excess. Tourists must have at least PLN 900 for every three days of stay, and students leaving for study - at least PLN 545 per month.
How do I transport animals?
According to the rules for importing pets, you can take no more than five pets with you at a time, which have passports, veterinary certificates, as well as identifiers in the form of a chip. If the animals do not have any documents or vaccinations, it is possible to do them directly at the customs from the specialist on duty. For the period of paperwork, taking care of the animal falls on the customs officers.
What is the difference between air and ground border crossing regulations?
The requirements for transported goods when crossing the border by car are more stringent than when importing baggage by air. For example, you can import about 3-4 times less alcohol and cigarettes during overland travel than when traveling by plane. The total cost of baggage at ground crossing of the border must be within 300 euros, and for air travel - no more than 430 euros.
Finally
The customs regulations for the importation of products into Poland limit the number of things that one person can take with him outside his personal use. The standards apply to technology, medicines, food, clothing and pets. There are also certain bans on the import of products, which ensures the safety of citizens of the Republic of Poland. Knowledge of the customs rules of this country and strict adherence to them will make entering Poland comfortable and fast.
