smart traveller poland

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

Poland Traveler View

As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022 , CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight. For more information, see  Rescission: Requirement for Negative Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test Result or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for all Airline or Other Aircraft Passengers Arriving into the United States from Any Foreign Country.

Travel Health Notices

Vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Poland.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Poland.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Poland. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Poland.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Poland is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

For travelers moving or traveling to TBE-endemic areas

TBE vaccine is recommended for persons who will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned outdoor activities and itinerary.

TBE vaccine may be considered for persons who might engage in outdoor activities in areas ticks are likely to be found. 

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet.

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Poland, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although Poland is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Poland include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Poland’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Poland, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Poland for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Other Destinations

If you need help finding travel information:

Message & data rates may apply. CDC Privacy Policy

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Countries, economies and regions

Select a country, economy or region to find embassies, country briefs, economic fact sheets, trade agreements, aid programs, information on sanctions and more.

International relations

Global security.

• Australia and sanctions
• Australian Safeguards and Non-proliferation Office (ASNO)
• Counter-terrorism
• Non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control
• Peacekeeping and peacebuilding

Regional architecture

• Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• East Asia Summit (EAS)
• Australia and the Indian Ocean region
• Pacific Islands regional organisations

Global themes

• Child protection
• Climate change
• Cyber affairs and critical technology
• Disability Equity and Rights
• Gender equality
• Human rights
• Indigenous peoples
• People Smuggling, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
• Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment
• Australia’s treaty-making process

International organisations

• The Commonwealth of Nations
• United Nations (UN)
• World Trade Organization

Foreign Arrangements Scheme  

Trade and investment, about free trade agreements (ftas).

• The benefits of FTAs
• How to get free trade agreement tariff cuts
• Look up FTA tariffs and services market access - DFAT FTA Portal
• Discussion paper on potential modernisation – DFAT FTA Portal

About foreign investment

• The benefits of foreign investment
• Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS)
• Australia's bilateral investment treaties
• Australia's foreign investment policy

For Australian business

• Addressing non-tariff trade barriers

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

Stakeholder engagement.

• Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment
• Trade 2040 Taskforce
• First Nations trade

Australia's free trade agreements (FTAs)

• ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand (AANZFTA)
• Chile (ACLFTA)
• China (ChAFTA)
• Hong Kong ( A-HKFTA & IA)
• India (AI-ECTA)
• Indonesia (IA-CEPA)
• Japan (JAEPA)
• Korea (KAFTA)
• Malaysia (MAFTA)
• New Zealand (ANZCERTA)
• Peru (PAFTA)
• Singapore (SAFTA)
• Thailand (TAFTA)
• United Kingdom (A-UKFTA)
• USA (AUSFTA)
• Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
• European Union (A-EUFTA)
• India (AI-CECA)
• Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
• Australia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Trade and investment data, information and publications

• Fact sheets for countries and regions
• Australia's trade balance
• Trade statistics
• Foreign investment statistics
• Trade and investment publications
• Australia's Trade through Time

WTO, G20, OECD, APEC and IPEF and ITAG

Services and digital trade.

• Service trade policy
• Australia-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement
• Digital trade & the digital economy

Development

Australia’s development program, performance assessment.

• Development evaluation
• Budget and statistical information

Who we work with

• Multilateral organisations
• Non-government organisations (NGOs)
• List of Australian accredited non-government organisations (NGOs)

Development topics

• Development issues
• Development sectors

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

• Sustainable Development Goals

Where we deliver our Development Program

Humanitarian action.

Where and how Australia provides emergency assistance.

People-to-people

Australia awards.

• Australia Awards Scholarships
• Australia Awards Fellowships

New Colombo Plan

• Scholarship program
• Mobility program

Public diplomacy

• Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program
• Australia now
• UK/Australia Season 2021-22

Foundations, councils and institutes

• Australia-ASEAN Council
• Australia-India Council
• Australia-Indonesia Institute
• Australia-Japan Foundation
• Australia-Korea Foundation
• Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR)
• Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR)

International Labour Mobility

• Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme
• Agriculture Visa

Australian Volunteers Program

Supporting organisations in developing countries by matching them with skilled Australians. 

Sports diplomacy

Australia is a successful global leader and innovator in sport.

A global platform for achievement, innovation, collaboration, and cooperation

About Australia

Australia is a stable, democratic and culturally diverse nation with a highly skilled workforce and one of the strongest performing economies in the world.

Australia in Brief publication

This is the 52nd edition of Australia in Brief, revised and updated in February 2021

Travel advice

To help Australians avoid difficulties overseas, we maintain travel advisories for more than 170 destinations.

• Smartraveller – travel advice

International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate

Prove your COVID-19 vaccinations when you travel overseas.

• Services Australia

The Australian Passport Office and its agents are committed to providing a secure, efficient and responsive passport service for Australia.

• Australian Passport Office

24-hour consular emergency helpline

• Within Australia: 1300 555 135
• Outside Australia: +61 2 6261 3305
• Getting help overseas
• Visas for Australians travelling overseas
• Visas to visit Australia

Bilateral, economic and trade information

• Poland country brief - bilateral fact sheet
• Poland trade/economic fact sheet [PDF]

Travel information

• Read the travel advice for Poland
• Subscribe to updates
• Get the right travel insurance
• For how we can help Australians overseas, see the Consular services charter
• Australian Passports Office
• Visa information

Heads of Government

Heads of State, Prime Ministers, Foreign, Trade and Aid Ministers

Embassies and consulates

• Australian Embassy in Poland
• Embassy of the Republic of Poland
• Consulate-General and Consulates of the Republic of Poland

• KAYAK for Business NEW

Poland Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from Australia to Poland

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Ready to travel?

Find flights to poland, find stays in poland, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, netherlands, new zealand, philippines, south korea, united arab emirates, united kingdom, united states, know when to go.

Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know.

Can I travel to Poland from Australia?

Most visitors from Australia, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Poland.

Can I travel to Poland if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from Australia can enter Poland without restrictions.

Can I travel to Poland without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from Australia can enter Poland without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Poland?

Visitors from Australia are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Poland.

Can I travel to Poland without quarantine?

Travellers from Australia are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Poland?

Mask usage in Poland is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Poland?

Restaurants in Poland are open. Bars in Poland are .

• PL - polski

Poland in Australia

Travel to poland – current rules and restrictions.

On 28 March 2022, all existing restrictions related to COVID-19 were lifted .

Therefore, there is no obligation to:

• present a vaccination certificate when crossing the border;
• quarantine after crossing the border;
• possess a negative SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test result when crossing the Polish border.

Detailed information on the regulations governing entry into Poland is available on the website of the Government of Poland .

Legal basis: Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 25 March 2022 on establishing specific restrictions, orders, and prohibitions in relation to the state of epidemic (Polish Journal of Laws, item 679).

• First Name is a required field.
• Last Name is a required field.
• Please enter your email address.
• Please enter a valid email address.
• At least one Country must be selected.
• Travel.State.Gov
• U.S. Embassies & Consulates
• Country Information
• Latest Travel Advisories

24 Hour Consular Emergency Line: U.S. 1.888.407.4747 / Outside the U.S. 1.202.501.4444

This site is managed by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.

OMB Control No: 1405-0152, Estimated Burden: 20 minutes, Expiration Date: 6/30/2026.

Situation in Haiti April 13, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update april 12, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents, before you go.

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Crisis and Disaster Abroad: Be Ready

What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis

Information for U.S. Citizens about a U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuation

Traveler's Checklist

Safety and Security Messaging

Best Practices for Traveler Safety

Staying Connected

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Traveler Information

LGBTQI+ Travelers

Adventure Travel

High-Risk Area Travelers

Travelers with Dual Nationality

Journalist Travelers

Faith-Based Travelers

Pilgrimage Travelers (Hajj and Umrah)

U.S. Students Abroad

Cruise Ship Passengers

Women Travelers

Travelers with Disabilities

Older Travelers

U.S. Volunteers Abroad

Travelers with Pets

Travelers With Firearms

Travel Agents

Travel Safety - Race and Ethnicity

U.S. Travelers in Europe's Schengen Area

Your Health Abroad

Insurance Coverage Overseas

Driving and Road Safety Abroad

Customs and Import Restrictions

Information for U.S. Citizens in Russia – Travel Options Out of Russia

Lodging Safety

Are you traveling or living outside the U.S.? STEP is a free service that sends you emails with updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate. If there’s an emergency where you are, it helps us contact you with instructions on what to do.

Why join STEP?

• Get real time updates about health, weather, safety, and security in the country.
• Plan ahead using information from the local U.S. embassy.
• Help the embassy or consulate contact you if there’s an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency.

What kind of messages does STEP send? Currently, STEP sends emails only. STEP can send you several types of information:

• Routine Messages : News and updates about the country you picked.
• Alerts : Messages about short-term security, terrorism, health, weather, or disaster situations that could impact your travels.
• Travel Advisories : We re-evaluate the situation in each country every 6-12 months. Advisories include a simple 1-4 rating system, details about specific risks in the country, and clear steps U.S. citizens should take to stay safe.

Join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

After you set up your account, you can pick what types of messages you want to get.

Stay in touch during an emergency.  Signing up for STEP helps the U.S. embassy get in touch with you if there’s an emergency. And, if your family or friends in the U.S. can’t reach you with urgent news while you’re traveling, we can use the information in STEP to try and contact you.

Become a Smart Traveler Now!   STEP is an easy first step to being a smart traveler. You should also always research your destination , and consider additional ways to get safety and security information from the U.S. Department of State, like on social media.

Enroll in STEP

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Learn about your destination

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Search Smartraveller

Czech Republic

Latest update.

Exercise normal safety precautions in the Czech Republic.

Czech Republic (PDF 239.45 KB)

Europe (PDF 2.62 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies, advice levels.

Exercise normal safety precautions  in the Czech Republic.

• Petty crime is common in Prague, including passport theft. Be wary of strangers who offer help or ask to see your passport. Only use ATMs in secure places, such as banks, shops and shopping centres. Never leave your belongings unattended in public places or on transportation.
• Drink spiking can happen. Keep an eye on your food and drink. Stay with people you trust in bars and nightclubs.
• Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Terrorism is a threat worldwide. ​Be alert, especially in places known to be possible targets.

Full travel advice: Safety

• The standard of medical facilities is similar to Australia. However, you may need to pay for healthcare upfront, even in an emergency.

Full travel advice: Health

• Penalties for drug offences are severe and may include long prison sentences.
• It's illegal to photograph some buildings, including indoor shopping centres. If in doubt, ask local authorities before you take a photo.

Full travel advice: Local laws

The Czech Republic is a part of the Schengen Area , along with many other European countries. This may allow you to enter the Czech Republic without a visa in some situations, such as short tourism stays.

• Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the Czech Republic for more details.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The Consular Services Charter tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
• For consular help, contact the Australian Consulate in Prague .
• You can also get consular assistance from the  Australian Embassy in Warsaw, Poland.
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Australian Embassy, Warsaw social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Petty crime.

Pickpocketing is common in Prague. It happens on the road to Prague Castle, at tourist sites and on public transport.

Passport and car theft is also common, particularly during the summer, from June to August.

Travellers have been robbed in nightclubs, bars and restaurants. This includes fast-food shops in the centre of Prague.

Be careful of strangers who offer help. Travellers have had bags stolen at Prague's main railway station. Do not leave your bags unattended while on public transport. 

Travellers have been robbed or assaulted after drinking a spiked drink.

Only use ATMs in secure places, such as banks, shops and shopping centres.

Always carry ID, for example, a copy of your Australian passport.

To stay safe in the Czech Republic:

• keep an eye on your food and drink - never accept them from strangers
• stay with people you trust in bars and nightclubs
• be wary of strangers who offer to help you
• keep your bags, wallets and passports safe

Report any thefts in person to the Czech police within 24 hours and get a police report crime number. Prague police station (Jungmannovo namesti 9, Prague 1, nearest metro stop is Mustek) is open 24 hours and has English translators. You can also get a police report from the police station at the airport.

Every lamppost in Prague has a 6-digit number posted at eye level. These codes will help you tell the police where you are if you can't give an exact address.

Scams and fraud

Criminals using fake police ID may ask to check the authenticity of your foreign currency and passport. These criminals often operate near ATMs. However real police officers can ask for ID at any time.

If you think you're dealing with a criminal posing as a police officer, either:

• offer to go with them to the nearest police station
• call the police on 112 to confirm their identity

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:   

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Civil unrest and political tension

Demonstrations and protests.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• monitor local media and other sources
• avoid crowds, protests and demonstrations
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

Demonstrations and civil unrest

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in the Czech Republic, they can still happen.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Attacks have occurred in some European cities. 

Climate and natural disasters

Flooding can happen, especially in spring, from March to May.

Other natural disasters are rare.

​If there's a natural disaster or severe weather :

• ​​​​follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media and other local sources

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in the Czech Republic. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Ticks are common in country areas. They're active from spring to autumn.

If you're in forest or country areas, you're at risk of tick-borne diseases, such as tick-borne encephalitis (World Health Organization).

• Infectious diseases

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Medical facilities are of Western standards. The quality of care in the Czech Republic is generally good, with private facilities usually being of a higher standard than public ones.

Healthcare providers often request payment in advance for services, including emergency care.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and may include long jail terms

Carrying or using drugs

It is a criminal offence in the Czech Republic to place a child into the hands of another for profit or gain.  Seek independent legal advice. 

The Australian Embassy can't provide:

• legal advice about surrogacy
• information on clinics
• Going overseas for international surrogacy
• Going overseas to adopt a child

It's illegal to photograph some buildings, including indoor shopping centres.

These buildings usually have signs banning photos.

If in doubt, ask local authorities before you take a photo.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual nationality

The Czech Republic recognises dual nationals.

Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Visitor visas

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice.

Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the Czech Republic for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

See the Ministry of the Interior Immigration Portal for information on entering and staying in the Czech Republic. 

More information

• Immigration portal  (Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic)

Other formalities

Children travelling alone must have a letter of consent from a parent. If a child is travelling with one of their parents, a letter of consent isn't needed.

Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the Czech Republic  for more information.

Registering accommodation

If you're staying in private accommodation for more than 3 days, you must register with the local Foreigner's Police Branch. If you don't register, you could be fined.

To register, take your: 

• evidence of your health insurance
• completed Registration of Accommodation  form (Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic)

Check if registration is part of the check-in process at your paid accommodation.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. You could receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTI travellers  

The currency of the Czech Republic is the Koruna (CZK). Payments by card are common and accepted in most places.

Change money at official marked exchange offices such as banks and exchange bureaus.

Declare any foreign currency valued at 10,000 euros or more if you're travelling between the Czech Republic and any non-EU country. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

If you don't declare, or if you give wrong information, authorities will fine you.

You should check with local authorities in the countries you are leaving, entering or passing through whether you must declare higher amounts of currency.

Local travel

Carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen Area .

To stay up to date on border conditions:

• check local media
• ask transport providers

Driving permit

You need to be at least 18 years old to drive.

To drive, you'll need either:

• a local or EU driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Check if your licence is valid with the Ministry of Transportation  (Czech).

Road travel

Speed is the main cause of road accidents and road deaths.

Roads in rural areas may be poorly maintained.

Always keep car headlights on.

You need a motorway sticker (vignette) for your car to travel on major highways. You can buy the sticker at petrol stations.

The Czech Republic has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Always wear a helmet.

Only use a motorbike if you have a motorcycle licence.

Check with your travel insurer to see if your policy covers motorcycles.

Some taxi drivers refuse to use taxi meters and can overcharge.

Don't hail taxis on the street.

Use a Fair Place Taxi stand or call for an official taxi. Confirm with the driver that the taxi meter is running.

Public transport

Keep your ticket until the end of your journey. Show it to the inspector if asked.

Transport and getting around safely

Rail travel

You must buy a ticket that is valid for your whole journey. Tickets can be purchased online or at the stations. If you board without a ticket, you may be fined.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check the Czech Republic's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Emergency operators will often speak English and other languages.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in the Czech Republic, headed by an Honorary Consul. The consulate provides consular and passport services by appointment.

Australian Consulate, Prague

Klimentska 10 110 00 Prague 1, Czech Republic Phone: (+420) 221 729 260 Fax: (+420) 296 578 352 Website:  austrade.gov.au/czech-page/consulate-english  Email:  [email protected]

Australian Embassy, Warsaw, Poland

Rondo ONZ 1 8th floor 00-124 Warsaw, Poland Phone: +48 22 521 3443 Fax: +48 22 627 3500 Website:  poland.embassy.gov.au Email:  [email protected] Facebook:  Australia in Poland, Czech Republic and Lithuania   Twitter:  @AusAmbPoland

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Czech Republic?

Sign up to get the latest travel advice updates..

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

Deals of the Week   European Long Weekends   Up to 50% OFF

Tour of Poland and Baltic States

• In-depth Cultural
• Partially Guided

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 ARRIVAL KRAKOW
• Day 2 Krakow
• Day 3 KRAKOW-WARSAW
• Day 4 WARSAW
• Day 5 WARSAW-BIALYSTOK
• Day 6 BIALYSTOK-KAUNAS-VILNIUS
• Day 7 VILNIUS
• Day 8 VILNIUS-SIAULIAI-BAUSKA-RIGA
• Day 10 RIGA
• Day 11 RIGA-PARNU-TALLINN
• Day 12 TALLINN
• Day 13 TALLINN DEPARTURE

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Reviews about this operator.

• Tour Operator Smart Travel OU 4.5
• Raymond · August 9th, 2023 Am excellent tour that provided fine accommodations and a good mix of organized touring and free time. It was novel... Show more
• Devin · January 16th, 2024 I had a wonderful trip visiting all 3 Baltic States. Alex the overall tour guide was friendly, easy to talk to and... Show more
• Bettina · August 26th, 2023 Guides including local city guides and palace guides were great Logistics especially combination of several groups... Show more

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 28 May, 2024 Sunday 9 Jun, 2024 English , German, Italian, Spanish +3 more Multiple Room Types £1,354 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 18 Jun, 2024 Sunday 30 Jun, 2024 English , German, Italian, Spanish +3 more Multiple Room Types £1,354 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 2 Jul, 2024 Sunday 14 Jul, 2024 English , German, Italian, Spanish +3 more Multiple Room Types £1,354 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 16 Jul, 2024 Sunday 28 Jul, 2024 English , German, Italian, Spanish +3 more Multiple Room Types £1,354 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 30 Jul, 2024 Sunday 11 Aug, 2024 English , German, Italian, Spanish +3 more Multiple Room Types £1,354 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 6 Aug, 2024 Sunday 18 Aug, 2024 English , German, Italian, Spanish +3 more Multiple Room Types £1,354 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 13 Aug, 2024 Sunday 25 Aug, 2024 English , German, Italian, Spanish +3 more Multiple Room Types £1,354 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 27 Aug, 2024 Sunday 8 Sep, 2024 English , German, Italian, Spanish +3 more Multiple Room Types £1,354 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

Got a question about this tour?

Reach out to our travel experts.

Good to Know

• Currencies € Euro zł Zloty Poland

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Ideally 6 months before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for Latvia and Lithuania. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before May 29th, 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after May 29th, 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Smart Travel OU. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 45 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Smart Travel OU will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Smart Travel OU" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
• Australia: Holiday Here This Year
• Cyber Monday Travel Deals
• Best time to walk the Camino de Santiago (Wea…
• Ranthambore Travel Guide: What to Know Before…
• Training for Himalayan trekking
• Tourradar Expands Organized Adventures Reach …
• How to get to the Scottish Highlands

Similar Tours

Keep Exploring Europe

• Best 3 Weeks Europe Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• 10 Best Luxury River Cruises & Lines 2022
• 10 Best Cultural Travel Companies
• 10 Best Cultural Experiences in The World 2024/2025
• Europe from Krakow
• Europe In-depth Cultural
• 13 days Europe
• From Krakow to Tallinn
• Operators in Europe
• Tour of Poland and Baltic States Tours in Baltic
• In-depth Cultural Tours
• Baltic Tours
• Europe Tours
• Family Tours
• Group Tours
• Partially Guided Tours
• Explorer Tours
• Poland tours
• Lithuania tours
• Latvia tours
• Estonia tours

Home › All Tours › Europe › Central Europe › Poland

No Tours Found

• North America
• South America
• Health & Safety Information
• Passports & Visas
• Travel Insurance
• Travel Smart Blog
• Senior Travel
• Solo Travel
• Travel Alerts
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Deals Newsletter
• Refer a Friend
• Veterans Discount
• Find a Roommate
• smarTours Catalog
• Why We’re Different
• How We Travel
• In the News
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Destinations

Ways to save.

Join Our Email List

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Middle East crisis: threat of Iranian attack on Israel ‘still viable’, says White House – as it happened

This live blog is now closed, you can read more on this story here

• 2d ago The day so far
• 2d ago White House: prospect of attack by Iran on Israel remains 'a viable threat'
• 2d ago Poland: aid worker's killing in Gaza should be brought before Israeli court
• 2d ago Indian foreign ministry advises against travel to Iran and Israel
• 2d ago 89 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours, says health ministry
• 2d ago Israeli forces kill two Palestinians near Tubas
• 2d ago Israeli food trucks enter Gaza
• 2d ago France warns its citizens to 'refrain from travel' to Iran, Lebanon, Israel and Palestinian territories
• 2d ago Australia urges Iran not to escalate tensions in the Middle East
• 2d ago Aid worker says convoy shot at in Gaza mission
• 2d ago OCHA say assessment by UN team in Khan Younis found 'widespread destruction' and 'unexploded 1,000 pound bombs'
• 2d ago Aid ‘still not reaching Gaza’, as top US official warns famine has started
• 2d ago Two Palestinians shot dead by Israeli forces in West Bank, says Palestinian news agency
• 2d ago Hamas says it does not have 40 hostages who fit criteria for deal with Israel
• 2d ago Hundreds of ultra-orthodox men and boys clash with Israeli police at Jerusalem demonstration
• 2d ago US seeking to deter Iran from strike on Israel, officials say
• 2d ago Irish taoiseach and Spanish PM to discuss Palestine nation state plan
• 2d ago Opening summary

White House: prospect of attack by Iran on Israel remains 'a viable threat'

John Kirby , the White House national security spokesperson, has told reporters that the prospect of an Iranian attack on Israel is “still a viable threat”, after concerted efforts by Israel and the US to deter it.

“We are in constant communication with our Israeli counterparts about making sure that they can defend themselves against those kinds of attacks,” Kirby said.

He confirmed that the head of US Central Command, Gen Erik Kurilla, is in Israel talking with Israeli defence officials, about how Israel can be best prepared.

It is also likely Kurilla is there to influence and moderate any Israeli response. The Biden administration is very concerned about the possibility of out-of-control escalation.

The day so far

It has just gone 6.46pm in Gaza and 7.46pm in Tel Aviv and Beirut . We will be pausing this blog, but you can stay up to date on the Guardian’s Middle East coverage here .

Here is a recap of the latest developments:

The White House warned on Friday that the prospect of an Iranian attack on Israel is “still a viable threat”. This comes as the US sought to deter Iran with concerted declarations of commitment to Israeli security , but also restricted the movements of its diplomats in Israel over security fears. “We are in constant communication with our Israeli counterparts about making sure that they can defend themselves against those kinds of attacks,” said John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson.

The first trucks carrying food aid have entered Gaza through the newly opened northern crossing point on Thursday, the Israeli military said on Friday. It said the trucks were inspected at the Kerem Shalom crossing point on the border with Egypt before moving north to cross.

France on Friday warned its citizens to “imperatively refrain from travel in the coming days to Iran, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories” , the foreign minister’s entourage told Agence France-Presse (AFP). France’s foreign minister, Stéphane Séjourné, at a crisis meeting also asked that family members of French diplomats in Iran be evacuated, and no French civil servants be sent on missions to the listed countries.

The Australian foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, said on Friday she had spoken with her Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and urged his nation to “use its influence in the region to promote stability, not contribute to escalation”. “Australia is deeply concerned by indications Iran is preparing military action against Israel,” she said in a post on X. “Further conflict will only add to the devastation in the Middle East.” Wong also called on Iran to push Hamas towards an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and a hostage release.

India advised its citizens on Friday against travelling to Iran and Israel until further notice in view of the “prevailing situation in the region”. India’s foreign ministry said its citizens in the two countries should observe “utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum”.

Poland’s government on Friday called the killing of a Polish aid worker by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza “murder” , and said the case should be brought before an independent court in Israel. Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski , Poland’s deputy foreign minister, said Poland is demanding compensation from Israel over the death of Polish volunteer Damian Soból , 35, who was killed along with six other workers of the World Central Kitchen charity in an Israeli airstrike.

Germany will face a fresh call to revoke all arms sales to Israel on Thursday in a lawsuit that puts more pressure on Berlin amid a rising outcry about the scale of deaths and destruction in the war on Gaza. The lawsuit has been issued by four human rights groups on behalf of five named Palestinians who say they are in fear of their lives in Gaza , and are suffering a form of collective punishment by Israel.

Residents reported heavy Israeli fire in central Gaza on Friday. Authorities reported dozens of new airstrikes in Gaza’s central region. The Hamas media office said 25 people were taken to hospital in Deir al-Balah city “as a result of an airstrike on a house of the al-Tabatibi family”. Israel’s military said its aircraft had struck more than 60 militant targets in Gaza over the previous day.

Unicef spokesperson Tess Ingram says she was on an aid mission on Tuesday when the UN-marked, armoured Toyota LandCruiser she was in was shot , she told ABC News on Friday. Ingram, an Australian citizen, said the IDF and Hamas were aware of the convoy’s movements as part of the mission, but she did not see the source of the gunfire. “It appeared to come from the direction of the checkpoint towards civilians who then turned and ran in the other direction,” she said.

Israeli forces shot dead two Palestinians, including a member of the armed wing of Hamas , near Tubas in the occupied West Bank after a raid on the town earlier in the morning, the Israeli military said. It said Mohammad Omar Daraghmeh, whom it described as the head of Hamas infrastructure in the Tubas area of the Jordan valley, was killed during an exchange of fire with security forces. The official Palestinian news agency Wafa said a Palestinian man was killed by Israeli forces conducting a raid in Al-Fara refugee camp in Tubas. Hamas said it mourned the man’s death but did not claim him as a member.

China urged the US to play “a constructive role” in the Middle East on Friday after its top diplomat, Wang Yi, spoke with his US counterpart, Antony Blinken, over the phone. Blinken used the call to ask Beijing to use its influence to dissuade Iran from striking Israel, the US Department of State said.

Hundreds of ultra-orthodox men and boys clashed with Israeli police on Thursday evening at a demonstration in Jerusalem against plans to end the community’s sweeping exemption from military service. Thousands of men had arrived, many with young sons in tow, to say prayers and hear speeches under a banner reading “don’t touch the yeshivot [religious schools]” down the street from a conscription office.

At least 33,634 Palestinians have been killed and 76,214 have been injured in Israeli strikes on Gaza since 7 October , according to the latest figures from the Gaza health ministry, which is run by Hamas. This includes 89 Palestinians who were killed and 120 injured in Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours. The ministry does not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants.

Hamas has indicated it does not have 40 captives who are still alive who meet the “humanitarian” criteria for a proposed hostages-for-prisoners ceasefire agreement with Israel . A senior Israeli official confirmed claims made at the weekend by Hamas during talks in Cairo that it does not have 40 hostages in Gaza who meet the exchange criteria.

An assessment conducted by a UN team in Khan Younis after the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the area has reported “widespread destruction”. Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN’s secretary general, António Guterres, said: “Street and public spaces in Khan Younis are littered with unexploded ordnance posing a severe risk to civilians, especially for children. Our team found unexploded 1,000-pound bombs lying on the main intersection and inside schools.”

A Turkish state television journalist was badly injured and another slightly hurt in Gaza on Friday, the TRT channel said, adding that the team had been targeted by an Israeli strike. “The vehicle of a team from TRT Arabi [TRT’s Arabic-language channel] that was preparing to broadcast from the Nuseirat camp … was targeted by an Israeli army strike,” the broadcaster said, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP). It called the attack “Israeli brutality” and said that Sami Shahada, a freelance cameraman, had “lost a foot and is currently in surgery”.

The UK government’s continued refusal to suspend arms sales to Israel is inconsistent with previous wars and could make it complicit in war crimes , Oxfam has warned. Writing ahead of an open letter that the charity is delivering to ministers, Oxfam said: “The prime minister and the foreign secretary have repeatedly defended the UK’s decision to continue arms sales. Yet in every previous escalation of violence in Gaza and against Palestinians in the region, the UK has at least revoked some licenses or otherwise suspended arms transfers to Israel.”

Scotland’s migration minister has urged the government to expand the number of Palestinian people who can join their family in the UK. In a letter to UK minister Tom Pursglove, Emma Roddick pushed for the Refugee Family Reunion scheme to include “immediate and extended family, including parents, children over 18, siblings and their children”. The current system allows only for partners and children under 18 to join family in the UK.

The NGO Action for Humanity projected slogans calling for a ceasefire on to Tower Bridge in London, alongside the Save the Children charity, on Thursday evening. The projection read: “Over 14,000 children killed in Gaza. What are you waiting for? Stop arming Israel. Ceasefire now.”

Iran reportedly told other Arab countries last week that US bases in the region will be attacked if the US gets involved in any fighting concerning Iran and Israel , Axios first reported.

Three US officials told Axios that Iran communicated the message to other Arab nations and views the US as responsible for a previous Israeli attack that killed an Iranian general in Damascus.

Iran has thus threatened to attack US bases if the US further involves itself.

One US official told Axios:

The Iranian message was we will attack the forces that attack us, so don’t f--k with us and we won’t f--k with you …

In response, the US has reportedly asked Israel to have a say before any attacks are launched against Iran.

From Axios:

US officials say the Biden administration asked Israel to notify the US and for the US to have a say before decisions are made about any retaliation by Israel.

Read the full report here .

The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is expected to meet with his war cabinet as the threat of an Iranian attack against Israel looms, BBC reports citing local media reports.

The meeting will feature top officials, including the defence minister, Yoav Gallant, and top opposition figure Benny Gantz.

Here’s more from BBC on how the possibility of an attack from Iran is affecting Israel:

The possibility of an Iranian attack has led to concern and anxiety in Israel. But the government has not issued any new advice to the population on top of existing guidance to stock up on water, food for three days and essential medicine. Israeli radio, however, reported local authorities had been told to prepare for the possibility of an attack, including by assessing the readiness of public shelters.

Information on the attack is still forthcoming, but a US official who spoke to CBS News warned that Iran could launch more than 100 drones as well as dozens of missiles.

The attack could be aimed at military targets within Israel.

More on the White House’s warning on the “viable threat” of an impending attack by Iran on Israel:

Reporters pressed John Kirby , the White House national security spokesperson, on why the US does not release more detailed intelligence as it did in the run up to Russia full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He said the White House was “comfortable” with the messaging it had put out. But he added:

“What we are not going to sit back and be comfortable on is knowing exactly what this is going to look like. And that’s why we are working so intensively to make sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself. And we have had conversations with others in the region too. Nobody’s sitting back and resting easy on this. It’s a serious threat. We’re taking it seriously and we believe that it’s best for those conversations to happen away from the public eye so that we can make sure Israel is as prepared as possible.”

The White House did not release any further details on the “viable threat” of an impending attack by Iran on Israel .

“I can’t speak to what the intelligence picture tells us in terms of the size, scale, scope of what that attack might look like, except to say that we’re taking this seriously,” said John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson.

US officials have said that Washington and Tehran have been exchanging messages in recent days, including a message from Iran warning the US to stay out of a Israel-Iran conflict, which elevated the level of alarm in the administration.

Kirby would not go into details about US messaging but said it included emphasis on America’s “iron clad” commitment to Israel’s security, the phrase used by Joe Biden earlier this week. Kirby added: “It has also been made clear that we will do what we have to do to protect our own people and our own facilities as appropriate. I think I just need to leave it at that.”

Poland: aid worker's killing in Gaza should be brought before Israeli court

Poland’s government on Friday called the killing of a Polish aid worker by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza “murder”, and said the case should be brought before an independent court in Israel , the Associated Press is reporting.

In an address to parliament, Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski , Poland’s deputy foreign minister, called the 1 April killings of Polish volunteer Damian Soból, 35, and six other works of the World Central Kitchen charity, were “shocking and disturbing”, and said that Poland expects Israel’s “full cooperation” in the murder investigation opened by Polish prosecutors in Przemyśl, Soból’s hometown. Poland was working with other countries whose citizens were killed in the shelling — Australia, Britain, Canada and the US — to jointly press for a detailed investigation into how cars marked as humanitarian convoy could have become targets of repeated shelling by the Israeli army, Bartoszewski said.

The dismissals and disciplinary measures applied to the officers responsible for the killings were “inadequate”, he said, and demanded that the case be tried by an independent court in Israel. He stressed that all international rule of defence were violated by that attack, and that Poland is demanding compensation to Soból’s family.

A number of countries have issued statements in recent days as a result of the threats being traded between Iran and Israel after the bombing of an Iranian consular building in Damascus .

Here is a round up of what countries, such as France, Australia, the US and Russia, have said and any travel advice they have announced so far:

France on Friday warned its citizens to “imperatively refrain from travel in the coming days to Iran, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories” , the foreign minister’s entourage told Agence France-Presse (AFP). France’s foreign minister Stéphane Séjourné at a crisis meeting also asked that family members of French diplomats in Iran be evacuated, and no French civil servants be sent on missions to the listed countries.

Australia has urged Iran not to escalate tensions in the Middle East. Australian foreign affairs minister Penny Wong said on Friday she had spoken with her Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and urged his nation to “use its influence in the region to promote stability, not contribute to escalation”.“Australia is deeply concerned by indications Iran is preparing military action against Israel,” she said in a post on X. “Further conflict will only add to the devastation in the Middle East.”

The Australian government’s Smartraveller website has urged Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories , with updated warnings citing the potential for airspace closures, flight cancellations and diversions

China urged the US to play “a constructive role” in the Middle East on Friday after its top diplomat Wang Yi spoke with his US counterpart Antony Blinken over the phone. According to the report by AFP, Blinken used the call to ask Beijing to use its influence to dissuade Iran from striking Israel , the US Department of State said.

US president Joe Biden has vowed that US commitment to defend Israel against Iran was “ironclad” as concerns rose in Washington that a “significant” Iranian strike could happen within days. US and allied officials fear that a strike is imminent and could come in the form of a direct missile launch from Iran, rather than an attack through a proxy like Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The US have restricted the movements of its diplomats in Israel over security fears , the embassy said. “Out of an abundance of caution, US government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel” outside the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheeva areas “until further notice”, an embassy notice on Thursday said.

The US envoy to the Middle East reportedly called the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Iraq asking them to deliver a message to Tehran to lower tensions with Israel.

The UK prime minister said Iran’s threats of an attack were “unacceptable” . Rishi Sunak’s office said he reaffirmed British support for Tel Aviv’s right to defend itself. Speaking to broadcasters on Thursday, Sunak said: “We, like the Americans, fully support Israel’s right to defend itself against that.” The UK foreign secretary, David Cameron, said on Thursday he had made clear to Amirabdollahian that Iran should not draw the Middle East into a wider conflict. “I am deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence,” Cameron said on X.

Today I made clear to Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian that Iran must not draw the Middle East into a wider conflict. I am deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence. Iran should instead work to de-escalate and prevent further attacks. — David Cameron (@David_Cameron) April 11, 2024

Germany’s foreign minister called her Iranian counterpart to urge “maximum restraint ” to avoid further escalation.

German airline Lufthansa extended a suspension of its flights to Tehran . Lufthansa said on Wednesday it had suspended flights to Tehran due to the situation in the Middle East. On Thursday, the airline said this had been extended until probably 13 April.

Austrian Airlines said it was still planning to fly on Thursday but was adjusting timings to avoid crew having to disembark for an overnight layover .

Russia’s foreign ministry on Thursday advised against travel to the Middle East, especially to Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories . Also on Thursday, the Kremlin urged all Middle East countries to show restraint and prevent the region slipping into chaos. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus was a violation of all the principles of international law.

Indian foreign ministry advises against travel to Iran and Israel

India advised its citizens on Friday against travelling to Iran and Israel until further notice in view of the “prevailing situation in the region”, reports Reuters.

The advisory from the foreign ministry came amid Iran’s threats to retaliate against a suspected Israeli airstrike on its embassy in Syria this month.

Countries including the US and Russia have issued similar travel advisories for their staff and citizens in the region.

According to Reuters, India’s foreign ministry said its citizens in the two countries should observe “utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum”.

A Turkish state television journalist was badly wounded and another slightly hurt in Gaza on Friday, the TRT channel said, adding that the team had been targeted by an Israeli strike.

“The vehicle of a team from TRT Arabi [TRT’s Arabic-language channel] that was preparing to broadcast from the Nuseirat camp … was targeted by an Israeli army strike,” the broadcaster said, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

“Sami Shahada, a freelance cameraman, was badly wounded,” it added.

TRT’s chief Zahid Sobaci said Shahada had “lost a foot and is currently in surgery”, calling the attack “Israeli brutality”. The channel reported that other journalists were wounded in the central Gaza refugee camp.

A tally from the New York -based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) numbers at 95 the number of media workers killed in fighting since 7 October, 90 of them Palestinians At least 16 more have been injured.

Germany will face a fresh call to revoke all arms sales to Israel on Thursday in a lawsuit that puts more pressure on Berlin amid a rising outcry about the scale of deaths and destruction in the war on Gaza .

A lawsuit in the German domestic courts will ask judges to urgently direct the government to revoke all arms licences to Israel issued since 7 October, when Hamas launched its attack on Israel.

Germany is widely seen as the second largest arms exporter to Israel behind the US, and is certainly a more significant provider of arms than the UK .

The lawsuit has been issued by four human rights groups on behalf of five named Palestinians who say they are in fear of their lives in Gaza , and are suffering a form of collective punishment by Israel.

The legal action is directed against the Green party-led federal ministry for economic affairs and climate action , the department responsible for export licences under the weapons of war control act.

You can read more on this story by the Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour , here:

• Israel-Gaza war
• Middle East crisis live
• Palestinian territories
• Middle East and north Africa

More on this story

Iranian attack on Israel expected ‘sooner rather than later’, says Joe Biden

Aid ‘still not reaching Gaza’, as top US official warns famine has started

I believe in another Israel – one not defined by Benjamin Netanyahu and his cronies

US seeking to deter Iran from strike on Israel, officials say

Hamas says it does not have 40 hostages who fit criteria for deal with Israel

Biden vows ‘ironclad’ US commitment to Israel amid fears of Iran attack

Germany faces domestic lawsuit over its arms sales to Israel

Israel’s security at core of German foreign policy due to Holocaust, ICJ hears

‘A new abyss’: Gaza and the hundred years’ war on Palestine

‘This cannot be Eid’: Gaza’s survivors mark the end of Ramadan in the shadow of war

Most viewed.