Poland

CARE has responded to crisis in Poland since World War II. We returned after the 1956 general strike to provide aid through 1970, and again in the 1980s responding to severe food crisis.

CARE returned to Poland in March 2022 in response to the needs of millions fleeing conflict in neighboring Ukraine. More than three years into the crisis, more than 9.6 million people have arrived in Poland, seeking refuge or onward travel to other parts of Europe and beyond. CARE and our partners have reached nearly 1 million people, providing protection, psychosocial support, food, water, health services, education, support for accommodation, and employment. The biggest number of refugees from Ukraine in the region remains in Eastern Europe. Some 90% of them are women, children, elders, and people with disabilities. CARE will continue to support these people, especially women and girls in need of help.

Dear all,

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you on behalf of the CARE Refugee Response Program in Poland. We are grateful for your visit and continued partnership, which enable us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the most at-risk people affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

Since the onset of the crisis, CARE has been working in Poland to provide vital support to Ukrainian refugees, particularly women, children, and youth. Our teams are dedicated to addressing refugees’ immediate needs while also focusing on long-term solutions that promote equality and resilience. Through partnerships with local organizations, we strive to create lasting change for both refugees and host communities.

Despite the ongoing challenges of the refugee crisis, we continue to be inspired by the resilience and strength of those we serve. From providing critical humanitarian assistance to new arrivals in Przemyśl to supporting survivors of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and ensuring access to education for children and youth, we remain committed to alleviating hardships for displaced families and individuals.

Your support is essential to sustaining these efforts. Your commitment ensures that CARE’s work remains impactful, responsive, and sustainable. We hope your visit deepens your understanding of the context in which we work and provides an opportunity to exchange insights, share experiences, and explore ways to strengthen our collective response.

Once again, thank you for your generosity. We look forward to showing you the work being done here in Poland and to strengthening our partnership.

Sincerely,

Piotr Sasin

Country Director
CARE Poland

All day: Arrive in Warsaw, check in at the hotel, and rest and acclimate to the time difference.​

4:00 pm: Welcome Dinner with Bill Mosakowski.

9:00 am: Breakfast at the hotel and meeting with CARE Poland team.

11:30 am: Walk through Warsaw’s historic Old City and enjoy lunch.

1:30-4:00 pm: Visit projects supporting Ukrainian students and teachers in the Polish education system.

4:30 pm: Rest break.

6:30 pm: Dinner with representatives of the diplomatic missions in Poland.

Morning: Breakfast at hotel.

9:30 am: Visit to clinic providing health services to Ukrainian refugees, meet Ukrainian nurses supported by CARE, and participate in the Wen-Do workshop.

12:00 pm: Lunch break.

1:30 pm: Afternoon visit to school supporting adolescent refugees as they integrate into the Polish school system.

6:00 pm: Dinner on your own.

8:00 am: Breakfast roundtable discussion on inclusive education with CARE partner Center for Citizenship Education (CCE).

10:30 am: Drive to Krakow and check into the hotel.​

2:30 pm: Tour Wieliczka Salt Mine, the world’s oldest operating salt mine.

6:00 pm: Dinner in the historic city center.

8:00 am: Breakfast at hotel. ​

9:00 am: Full day tour of Auschwitz reflecting on 20th century history and its enduring lessons.

7:00 pm: Group dinner with reflections from the visit.

8:00 am: Breakfast at the hotel, followed by checkout.​

9:30 am: Drive to Przemyśl.​

1:00 pm: Lunch at the Ukrainian House, followed by visits to the train stations where Ukrainian refugees enter Poland and to the CARE shelters providing accommodations for refugees. ​

5:30 pm: Check into hotel and rest.

6:30 pm: Closing diner and final reflections with the CARE Poland team.

9:00 am: Breakfast at hotel followed by checkout.

10:30 am: Drive to Warsaw and depart.

Poland is a member of the Schengen Borders Agreement. If you are a qualified visitor for tourism or business with a valid US passport, you can apply to enter the Schengen area without a visa for a period of 90 days within each 180 day period. To enter the Schengen area you need a US passport (with applicable visas, if needed), valid for at least 90 days beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen area.

Thanks to increasingly warmer temperatures and moderate rainfall, May is an excellent month for tourists to visit Poland and enjoy warmer spring temperatures.

• Temperature: The average temperature during this time is 14°C (about 57°F), the average high is warm 20°C (around 68°F). It still gets cool, however, with an average low of 8°C (around 46°F).
• Weather: You can expect an average of six hours of sunshine each day, but also be prepared for rainy days, as the city averages 16 days of rainfall in May.

Clothing:

• 2-3 light fabric long-sleeved shirts
• 2-3 light fabric short-sleeved shirts
• 2-3 pairs of lightweight pants
• 2 cocktail attire outfits for formal events
• 2-3 warm sweaters or sweatshirts for layering
• 1 waterproof/windproof jacket for potential rain showers
• 1 warm jacket, as temperatures can be chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings
• 1 hat with a wide brim or visor for sun protection during daytime activities

Footwear:

• 2 pairs of comfortable, sturdy walking shoes
• 1 pair of dress shoes for formal events
• Several pairs of lightweight socks for varying conditions

Miscellaneous:

• Sunglasses, sunscreen
• Camera, battery charger
• Snacks: Trail mix, energy bars (snacks will also be available throughout the trip)
• Hand sanitizer, hand wipes

We advise you to work directly with your healthcare provider or a travel specialist to determine your personal vaccination and medication needs. Below are vaccines and preventive measures for travel to Colombia, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here are recommended guidelines for your upcoming trip to Poland:

• Vaccinations: While no specific vaccines are required for entry into Poland, the CDC recommends ensuring that routine vaccinations are up to date. These include:
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis
  • Influenza
  • Polio
  • Chickenpox
• Additional vaccine considerations: 
  • Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended for most travelers
  • An adult polio booster is advised due to a global increase in cases

Poland’s history as a state began near the middle of the 10th century. By the mid-16th century, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth ruled a vast tract of land in Central and Eastern Europe.

During the 18th century, internal disorder weakened the nation, and in a series of agreements between 1772 and 1795, Russia, Prussia, and Austria partitioned Poland among themselves.

Poland regained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite state following the war.

Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union Solidarity that over time became a political force with over 10 million members. Free elections in 1989 and 1990 won Solidarity control of the parliament and the presidency, bringing the communist era to a close.

A “shock therapy” program during the early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most robust in Central Europe. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004.

Source: CIA Country Factbook

Population and demographics

• Nationality: Polish
• Population: Approximately 38.54 million (2024)
• Ethnic groups: Predominantly Polish (over 90%), with small communities of Ukrainians, Germans, Belarusians, and other minorities
• Languages: The official language is Polish. There are minority languages, including German, Ukrainian, and Kashubian
• Religion: Predominantly Christian (over 90%), primarily Roman Catholic, with small Protestant, Orthodox Christian, and Jewish communities

Economy

• GDP per capita: Estimated at $22.100 (2023)
• Major exports: Machinery, vehicles, electronics, food products, coal, and copper
• Exchange rate: 1 USD = 4.04 Polish zloty (as of 1/29/2025)

Geography and natural resources

• Area: 312,679 sq km (120,728 sq miles)
• Terrain: Poland features diverse geography, with flat plains in the central and northern regions, mountain ranges in the south (Carpathians and Sudetes), and a Baltic coastline to the north

Government

• Government type: Parliamentary republic
• Executive branch: The President serves as head of state, and the Prime Minister is head of government. The current president is Andrzej Duda, elected in 2015.
• Legislative branch: Bicameral parliament, with the Sejm (lower house) having 460 members and the Senate (upper house) consisting of 100 members

Source: CIA Country Factbook

What currency is used in Poland, and what is the exchange rate?
The official currency of Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN). The exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 4.04 PLN (as of 1/29/2025). Please check the updated rate at the time of travel.

What are the power outlets used in Poland?
In Poland, the power outlets are of Type E, like most European countries. You will need an adapter for your electrical devices.

Will my cell phone work while traveling in Poland?
You should contact your cell phone provider to confirm that you are set up for international roaming and usage prior to departing for the trip. Phone and data service are generally reliable.

What is the security situation in Poland?
Poland is generally considered safe for both residents and visitors. The country has a low crime rate compared to other European nations, and major cities like Warsaw and Kraków are very secure for tourists.

What is standard food in Poland?
Polish cuisine is hearty, featuring dishes like pierogi (dumplings filled with cheese, meat, or fruit), bigos (a cabbage and meat stew), and żurek (sour rye soup). Kielbasa (sausage) is common, and placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes) are often served with sour cream. For dessert, sernik (cheesecake) and pączki (doughnuts filled with jam) are popular.

What is the appropriate way to handle tipping at restaurants, hotels, and on tours?
Tipping in Poland is discretionary but appreciated. It is common in mid-tier to upscale restaurants, hotels, and for tour guides. A 10-15% tip is generally appropriate.

Can I take photos during field visits?
CARE staff will assist you with determining when it is acceptable to take photos and of which subjects. Read our full brief on ethical travel guidelines here.

Reading recommendations from Piotr Sasin, CARE Poland Country Director:

Warsaw Tales, edited by Helen Constantine and Antonia Lloyd-Jones

Twilight of Democracy by Anne Appelbaum

The Russo-Ukrainian War by Serhii Plokhy

Ferdydurke by Witold Gombrowicz

Poland: A History by Adam Zamoyski

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk

Pan Tadeusz by Adam Mickiewicz

Ashes and Diamonds by Jerzy Andrzejewski

The Doll by Bolesław Prus