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Poland

Overview (for pilgrims)

Poland is a land of deep Catholic tradition and home to great saints.
Key shrines:
Jasna Góra in Częstochowa – the Black Madonna icon, Poland’s national Marian shrine.
Kraków-Łagiewniki – Shrine of Divine Mercy, linked to St. Faustina Kowalska.
Wadowice – birthplace of St. John Paul II.
Auschwitz (Oświęcim) – martyrdom site of St. Maximilian Kolbe.
Pilgrimages to Poland often combine these sites with visits to Warsaw and other cultural-religious landmarks.

  • Overview (for pilgrims)

  • Documents & Entry

  • Money & Payments

  • Electricity & Emergency Numbers

  • What to Pack (Pilgrim-Focused)

  • Language

  • Weather

  • Religious Events & Dress Code

  • Transportation

  • Food, Water & Tipping

  • Etiquette in Holy Places

  • FAQs

Before you go

Documents & entry

  • U.S. citizens: No visa required for stays up to 90 days in Schengen (incl. Poland). Passport must be valid for the entire stay (recommended: at least 6 months).

  • EU/EEA citizens: May travel with ID card or passport.

  • UK/other nationals: Check Schengen entry rules.

Money & payments

  • Currency: Polish złoty (PLN). The euro is not officially used. In larger cities cards are widely accepted, but in shrines and small shops carry some cash.

Electricity

  • 230V/50Hz, plugs Type E (compatible with C). U.S. travelers need an adapter.

Emergency number

  • 112 (EU-wide).


What to pack (pilgrim-focused)

  • Comfortable walking shoes (especially for Jasna Góra and Kraków’s sites).

  • Umbrella or light rain jacket (weather is changeable).

  • Warm clothing in autumn/winter; layered clothing in spring/fall.

  • Rosary, prayer book.

  • Small daypack for daily excursions.


Language

  • Polish is the official language.

  • In shrines and larger cities, English is often spoken; at Jasna Góra and Kraków guides and translators for pilgrims are available.


Weather (quick guide)

  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm (20–30°C / 68–86°F), occasional rain.

  • Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cool, 5–15°C / 41–59°F.

  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, snow, often below 0°C / 32°F.

  • Spring (Mar–May): Mild, 10–20°C / 50–68°F, but changeable.


Religious program & dress code

  • Jasna Góra: Daily Masses, confessions, processions, and prayer before the Miraculous Icon.

  • Łagiewniki: Chapel of St. Faustina and the International Shrine of Divine Mercy.

  • Wadowice: Basilica dedicated to St. John Paul II.

  • Dress code: modest clothing, shoulders and knees covered in shrines.


Getting around

  • Poland has good rail and bus connections between major cities and shrines.

  • Kraków and Warsaw have public transport (trams, buses).

  • For pilgrimage groups, organized buses or vans are the best option.


Water, food & tipping

  • Tap water is generally safe to drink.

  • Food: traditional Polish cuisine (pierogi, soups, hearty meat dishes).

  • Tipping: not required, but common to leave 10% in restaurants.


Etiquette in holy places

  • Maintain silence and prayerful atmosphere, especially before the Black Madonna icon and in St. Faustina’s chapel.

  • Photography is usually allowed, but avoid during liturgy.


FAQs

Do I need a visa?

  • U.S., EU, and most other travelers: No, for stays up to 90 days.

What are the main shrines?

  • Jasna Góra (Black Madonna), Łagiewniki (Divine Mercy), Wadowice (JP2), Auschwitz (Kolbe).

Is it safe to travel in Poland?

  • Yes, Poland is safe, with normal city awareness (pickpocketing possible in crowded areas).

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