A traveler may choose the green “NOTHING TO DECLARE” channel if he or she does not transport goods exceeding value and quantitative limits for travelers.

 

All goods that exceed value limits must be declared prior to leaving the Arrivals Hall at the "GOODS, FOREIGN/NATIONAL CURRENCY TO DECLARE" in the red channel.

 

Quantitative limits for travelers

From The European Union to Poland

Tobacco products

• 800 cigarettes
• 400 cigarillos
• 200 cigars
• 1 kg of tobacco for smoking

Novel products

• 0.16 kg

E-cigarette liquid

• 200 ml

Vaporizing devices

• 2 units

Nicotine pouches

• 0.2 kg

Other nicotine products

• 0.2 kg

Alcoholic beverages

• 10 liters of ethyl alcohol
• 90 liters of wine and fermented beverages, including 60 liters of sparkling wine
• 110 liters of beer
• 20 liters of intermediate products

From outside the European Union to Poland

Tobacco products

• cigarettes – 200 or
• cigarillos (cigars with a weight not exceeding 3g/piece) - 100 pieces or
• cigars – 50 or
• tobacco for smoking – 250 g
• or a set of products specified in points a–d, provided that the sum of the percentage values of the utilization of the standards established for the individual products does not exceed 100%.

Novel products

• 0.04 kg (40g)

E-cigarette liquid

• 50 ml

Nicotine pouches

• 0.04 kg (40g)

Other nicotine products

• 0.04 kg (40g)

Vaporizing devices

• 2 units

The exemption under the standards may be applied to any combination of cigarette fluid, novel products, nicotine pouches, or other nicotine products, provided that the sum of the percentages of use of the standards set for individual products does not exceed 100%.

Alcoholic beverages

• undenatured ethyl alcohol with an actual alcoholic strength by volume exceeding 22% – 1 liter or
• ethyl alcohol, fermented beverages, sparkling wine and intermediate products with an actual alcoholic strength by volume below 22% – 2 liters in total
• or a set of excise goods specified in points a and b, provided that the sum of the percentage usage of the established quotas for the individual goods does not exceed 100%
• still wines – 4 liters
• beer – 16 liters.

 

Value limits for travelers

Imports of goods carried in personal luggage of a traveler arriving from the territory of a third country (outside the EU) into the country are exempt from tax, provided that the quantity and type of goods indicate that the import is of a non-commercial nature, and the total value of the goods does not exceed EUR 430. It is not permitted to divide the value of a single item to benefit from the EUR 430 monetary limit.

Non-commercial importation shall be understood as importation that meets the following conditions:

1. it occurs occasionally,
2. it includes only goods for the personal use of the travelers or their families, or goods intended as gifts. 

If you meet the above conditions, you may proceed through the green channel marked 'NOTHING TO DECLARE' upon arrival. Otherwise, you must declare your goods at the red channel marked "GOODS, FOREIGN/NATIONAL CURRENCY TO DECLARE." 

 

Products of plant and animal origin

What cannot be transported in personal luggage outside the EU:

products of animal origin:

• meat and meat products (meat, cured meat, animal fat, sausages, canned meat, dough with meat or containing meat, pasta (if it contains meat or milk), sauces, soups, etc.,
• milk and milk products (milk, yoghurt, cream, cottage cheese, kefir, butter, condensed milk, ice cream, etc.,
• pet food containing meat or milk (pet food, chew toys for dogs).

products of plant origin:

• fresh plants,
• fresh vegetables,
• fresh flowers,
• fresh seeds,
• fresh fruits, except for bananas, coconuts, dates, pineapples and durians.

Details are available on the website of the State Plant Health and Seed Inspection Service.

What can be transported from outside the EU in personal luggage:

other products of animal origin:

• gutted fresh fishery products, or prepared or processed fishery products up to 20 kg, or 1 fish (if it weighs more), 
• powdered infant formula, baby food, and special medical-purpose foodstuffs, up to a maximum of 2 kg, provided that: 
  • they do not require refrigeration until opened,
  • branded packaged products intended for direct sale to the end consumer
  • the packaging is intact, unless its contents are currently in use,
• pet food required for health reasons, up to a maximum of 2 kg, provided that:
  • the products are intended for a pet accompanying the passenger,
  • the products are stable at room temperature (do not require refrigeration),
  • branded packaged products intended for direct sale to the end consumer
  • the packaging is intact, unless its contents are currently in use,
• honey, live oysters, live mussels, and snails, maximum 2 kg per person.

 

CITES species threatened with extinction covered by the Washington Convention 

Before importing souvenirs made from plants and animals from exotic countries, ensure they are not subject to wildlife protection regulations. If the souvenir you plan to purchase is made from endangered species covered by these regulations, it does not mean that it cannot be brought into the country. However, you must ensure that the specimen was legally obtained and complete all required export and import procedures. This matter is regulated by the Washington Convention (CITES) and the relevant European Union regulations.

Please note that under the regulations, it makes no difference whether the transport involves live animals or items made from them.

The regulations allow certain exemptions and exceptions from the general rules, but their application requires a thorough analysis of each specific case. Examples are provided below:

• caviar of sturgeon species (Acipenseriformes spp.) up to 125 grams per person in packages that have been individually labeled,
• rain sticks made from Cactaceae spp., up to three pieces per person,
• dead processed specimens of Crocodylia spp. (excluding meat and hunting trophies), up to four pieces per person,
• shells of Strombus gigas, up to three pieces per person,
• Hippocampus spp., up to four dead specimens per person (commonly known as seahorses),
• shells of Tridacnidae spp., up to three specimens per person, with a total weight not exceeding 3 kg; one specimen is defined as either one undamaged shell or two matching halves,
• samples of agarwood (Aquilaria spp. and Gyrinops spp.) – up to 1 kg of wood chips, 24 ml of oil, and two sets of beads or prayer beads (or two necklaces or bracelets) per person.

Useful websites:
biznes gov.pl
CITES Convention
Attachments to CITES Convention

CITES species search engine: 
speciesplus.net
checklist.cites.org

 

Importing and exporting money

Travelers are not subject to any limits on the import and export of money. However, when traveling outside the European Union or returning from outside the European Union, you are required to declare to the customs authorities the possession of domestic and/or foreign means of payment equivalent to at least EUR 10,000.

The declaration must be made at the “GOODS, FOREIGN/NATIONAL CURRENCY TO DECLARE” counter. You may complete the Monetary assets declaration electronically via PUESC, or in writing at the Customs and Tax Service counter. The declarations are available for download on granica.gov.pl.

Monetary assets mean:

• Cash,
• Bearer negotiable instruments,
• Commodities used as highly liquid stores of value:
  • coins containing at least 90% gold (with a value of at least EUR 10,000) and
  • precious metal in the form of bars, nuggets, or grains containing at least 99.5% gold,
• Pre-paid cards.

Warning!
The above regulation does not apply if you are traveling to a European Union country, or returning from a European Union country to Poland. You are not required to declare monetary assets.

 

Importing and exporting medicines for personal use

Persons carrying medicines should have a medical certificate confirming the necessity of their use. Under the applicable regulations, it is permitted to bring into Poland for personal use no more than 5 smallest packages of a medicinal product, provided that it does not contain narcotic, psychotropic, or new psychoactive substances. 

The transport of medicinal products containing psychotropic substances, narcotics, and new psychoactive substances, including medical marijuana, across the border requires preparation and possession of appropriate documents (Regulation of the Minister of Health regarding the list of psychotropic substances, narcotics, and new psychoactive substances).

Depending on the travel destination, it is necessary to obtain a permit from the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspector (for travel to countries outside the EU) or from the Regional Pharmaceutical Inspector (for travel within the EU in the Schengen area). 

Please remember not to delay submitting your application and to do so at least 15 days before your trip. The permit is issued for a fixed period not exceeding 30 days.

It is also advisable to familiarize yourself with the regulations applicable in the destination country. Some substances may be prohibited or require additional documentation; therefore, before traveling, it is advisable to consult the information published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Remember to carry documentation confirming the legality of the medicinal products you possess and to comply with the laws both in Poland and abroad.

Useful website:
Transport of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances

 

Cultural goods, monuments

The export of cultural goods outside the customs territory of the EU is permitted upon presentation to the customs authorities of the appropriate export permit (in accordance with Article 1(1) of Commission Regulation No. 1081/2012):

• Standard permit: applies to any export subject to Regulation No. 1081/2012, i.e., the export of cultural goods outside the customs territory of the EU,
• Special open permit: covers recurring temporary export of certain cultural goods carried out by a specific person or organization, in accordance with the provisions of Article 10 of the aforementioned Regulation No. 1081/2012,
• General open permit: covers any temporary export of such cultural goods that form part of the permanent collection of a museum or other institution, in accordance with the provisions of Article 13 of the aforementioned Regulation No. 1081/2012.

The concept of cultural goods refers to the 15 categories listed in Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No. 116/2009.

Export of cultural goods and monuments abroad from the Republic of Poland (Polish law).

The export of cultural goods outside the borders of the Republic of Poland is permitted upon presentation to the customs authorities of the appropriate export permit (in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage on the export of monuments abroad):

• single permit for the permanent export of a monument abroad,
• sSingle permit for the temporary export of a monument abroad,
• multiple individual permit for the temporary export of a monument abroad,
• multiple general permit for the temporary export of a monument abroad.

Detailed information regarding permits and the rules for their issuance are specified in the Act on the Protection and Care of Monuments. There are no restrictions or prohibitions on import, except for value-related limitations.

 

Weapons and ammunition

The import of weapons and ammunition purchased abroad by Polish citizens may take place based on:

• a certificate issued by the competent Consul of the Republic of Poland – in the case of a transaction carried out in the territory of a non-EU country,
• transport authorization – in the case of a transaction carried out in the territory of an EU Member State, issued by the competent authority of that state 

Transport through the territory of the Republic of Poland and the import of weapons and ammunition by foreigners may take place on the basis of:

• a certificate issued by the competent Consul of the Republic of Poland,
• European Firearms Pass – in the case of citizens of EU Member States.

Export of weapons and ammunition abroad by Polish citizens – required documents:

• export permit issued by the competent police authority,
• European Firearms Pass, which entitles the holder to export firearms and ammunition to European Union Member States and to re-import them into the Republic of Poland.

Foreigners who have purchased firearms or ammunition in the Republic of Poland may export them on the basis of:

• an export permit for weapons or ammunition – in the case of citizens of non-EU countries,
• an import permit – in the case of citizens of other EU Member States.

Legal basis: Act of 21 May 1999 on Weapons and Munitions.

 

Traveling with pets for non-commercial purposes: dogs, cats, and ferrets

EU regulations facilitate travel to another EU country (the 27 EU countries as well as Norway and Northern Ireland) with a dog, cat, or ferret. These regulations also govern travel to the EU from a country or territory outside the EU.

With a few exceptions, your pet can travel with you to another EU country or from a non-EU country to an EU Member State, provided that:

• it has an implanted microchip (in accordance with the technical requirements specified in Annex II of the EU Regulation on the movement of pet animals) or a readable tattoo if it was done before July 3, 2011,
• it has been vaccinated against rabies,
• it has undergone rabies antibody titration testing during travel from a non-EU country (check whether this is required for the non-EU country you are traveling from on the EU Pet Travel Rules page - Your Europe),
• it has undergone treatment against the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm if the destination area is free of this tapeworm (Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and Northern Ireland),
• it holds a valid European pet passport when traveling from an EU country or Northern Ireland to another EU country or Northern Ireland, or an EU animal health certificate when traveling from a non-EU country.

More information regarding the movement of companion animals can be found on the website of the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate.

 

Export of goods under the TAX FREE procedure

If you have permanent residence outside the European Union, you may receive a VAT refund on goods purchased in Poland if:

• you purchase goods worth at least PLN 200 at points of sale marked with the TAX FREE logo,
• you inform the seller of your intention to use the TAX FREE scheme,
• you receive a TAX FREE document from the seller (in electronic form sent to your email address; you can ask the seller to print the document),
• WARNING – Poland uses an electronic TAX FREE system, so the document from the seller will be transmitted automatically at the border,
• at the border, when leaving the territory of the European Union, prepare to show to the Customs and Tax Service officer:
  • TAX FREE documents (printed or on a mobile device),
  • passport or another identity document confirming permanent residence outside the territory of the European Union,   
  • goods for inspection (remember, they must be in an unopened condition),
  • boarding pass.

The TAX FREE system will generate an electronic export confirmation for the presented Polish TAX FREE documents.  If you have a printed document, you can ask the officer to stamp it with the “Poland–Customs” seal.

If you have a TAX FREE document issued in another EU Member State and you are leaving the European Union through a Polish border crossing, the export confirmation will be the “Poland–Customs” stamp.

If you are leaving the territory of the European Union through another Member State with a Polish TAX FREE document, you must obtain export confirmation of the goods in that country according to the regulations applicable there.

Goods purchased under the TAX FREE scheme must be exported outside the territory of the European Union no later than the last day of the third month following the month in which the sale took place (e.g., goods purchased on 2 January must be exported by 30 April at the latest).

For Polish TAX FREE documents, you can use the mTAX FREE PL app.  The app facilitates access to the electronic form of the TAX FREE document issued by the seller and allows you to check the document's status online. A detailed description and accessibility statement for the app can be found on the website granica.gov.pl.

 

Duty-free Stores

At the Katowice International Airport in Pyrzowice, duty-free shops operate in the departure halls of Terminals A and B, offering passengers traveling internationally and leaving the territory of the Republic of Poland goods intended exclusively for export.

 

Contact with the Customs and Tax Service at Katowice Airport

Use the intercom (Terminals A and B at the station labeled “GOODS, FOREIGN/NATIONAL CURRENCY TO DECLARE”) or ask for us at the Airport Information Desk in Terminal A.

Information on customs and foreign exchange regulations is provided by the National Tax Information Service at the phone number:

+48 22 330 03 30 (from mobile phones)
801 055 055 (from landlines)
+48 22 330 03 30 (from abroad)

For more information, please visit “Legislation” at granica.gov.pl.