Poland Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens can visit Poland visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Poland is one of Europe's best value destinations, offering vibrant cities, poignant history, and excellent food and nightlife.
Great news! New Zealand passport holders can enter Poland without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for NZ citizens for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Warsaw Chopin (WAW) and Krakow Balice (KRK) are the main international airports. Days in Poland count toward the Schengen 90-day limit. Ryanair and Wizz Air serve both airports extensively from across Europe, making Poland very accessible from any European hub. ETIAS will apply in the future.
Poland is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay and at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Poland, such as a return flight booking or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying in Poland.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover your expenses during your stay in Poland.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for Schengen travel. Some countries may require it. Should cover medical emergencies and repatriation.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to Poland: What You Need to Know
Poland has emerged as one of Central Europe's most compelling destinations for New Zealand travellers. Warsaw, rebuilt after WWII, combines Soviet-era architecture with a thriving modern culture. Krakow is one of Europe's most beautiful historic cities, largely untouched by WWII. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial (90 min from Krakow) is one of history's most important memorial sites. The Tatra Mountains (Zakopane) offer hiking and skiing. Poland's food scene (pierogis, bigos, kielbasa, zurek) is hearty and cheap. Polish craft beer culture has exploded in recent years.
How to Get There
Poland is easily reached from any European hub via Ryanair, Wizz Air, or LOT Polish Airlines. Most NZ travellers reach Warsaw via London, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt connections. Warsaw to Krakow is 2.5h by express train (PKP Intercity). Krakow to Prague is 7h by bus (FlixBus) or train. A Warsaw-Krakow circuit takes 5-7 days comfortably. Poland is a natural addition to a broader Central European trip.
Money & Banking
Poland uses the Polish Zloty (PLN). Currently around 2.80-3.20 PLN per NZD. Poland is excellent value by European standards. A plate of pierogis costs PLN 20-35. A Zywiec beer at a Krakow bar costs PLN 7-12. Mid-range hotels in Krakow's Old Town cost PLN 200-400/night. Card payments widely accepted in cities, though carry some PLN cash for markets and budget eateries.
Practical Tips
Book Auschwitz-Birkenau tickets well in advance as a guided tour is highly recommended and spots fill months ahead. Krakow's Old Town (Rynek Glowny, the main market square) is beautiful and walkable; the Wawel Castle overlooking the Vistula River is excellent. Warsaw's Old Town (rebuilt faithfully post-WWII) is a UNESCO site. Polish zloty cash is preferred at markets and smaller restaurants. Nightlife in Krakow's Kazimierz district and Warsaw is vibrant and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for Poland?
No. NZ citizens can visit Poland visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the Schengen Agreement.
Is Krakow worth visiting for NZ travellers?
Absolutely. Krakow is one of Poland's highlights and one of Central Europe's most beautiful cities. The UNESCO-listed Old Town (Rynek Glowny main square, Wawel Castle, and Royal Cathedral) survived WWII intact. The Jewish Kazimierz district is culturally rich. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is 90 minutes away and is one of history's most important sites. Krakow is excellent value compared to Western European cities.
How do I visit Auschwitz-Birkenau from Krakow?
Auschwitz-Birkenau is located near Oswiecim, approximately 70 km from Krakow. Organized tours from Krakow (recommended for their guided context) depart daily and cost PLN 100-200. Alternatively, take a bus or train to Oswiecim (1.5-2h) and walk to the main camp. Tickets to the memorial are free but timed and must be booked in advance at auschwitz.org. A guided tour adds essential historical context.
What is Polish food like and what should NZ visitors try?
Polish cuisine is hearty and affordable. Must-try: pierogi (dumplings filled with potato/cheese, meat, mushroom/cabbage, or fruit dessert versions), bigos (hunter's stew with sauerkraut and meat), zurek (sour rye soup), kielbasa (sausage), zapiekanki (baguette with mushrooms and cheese), and Polish craft beers. Polish vodka (Zubrowka, Wyborowa) is world-class. Milk bars (bar mleczny) are excellent budget options.
How affordable is Poland for NZ visitors?
Poland is among Europe's best value destinations. Krakow is the most tourist-heavy and most expensive Polish city, but still cheaper than Prague, Budapest, or Vienna. A half-liter of local beer at a Krakow bar costs PLN 7-12. A plate of traditional pierogi at a milk bar costs PLN 20-30. Mid-range accommodation in Krakow Old Town costs PLN 200-400/night.
What is Warsaw like and is it worth visiting?
Warsaw was almost completely destroyed in WWII and rebuilt. Its history is fascinating: the Warsaw Uprising Museum is one of Europe's best WWII museums. The Old Town (entirely reconstructed post-war, UNESCO) is charming. The Jewish History Museum (POLIN) is world-class. Warsaw is more business-focused than Krakow but has improved dramatically as a tourist destination. A Warsaw-Krakow combination is recommended.
What is the best time to visit Poland?
May-September is generally ideal: warm temperatures and outdoor festivals. Krakow's Old Town Jazz Festival is in October. Polish winters are cold (December-February) but Christmas markets in Krakow and Warsaw are beautiful and affordable. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and lower accommodation prices than summer peak.