What you can take into Poland by bus

This is probably one of the most popular questions for those who are not going to Poland one-way, but are planning to return or traveling on a regular basis. Even if it is your first trip to Poland, knowing what you can and cannot import is very important! Let's get to the bottom of it in this article. 

Foodstuffs

Any customs office takes this seriously, Poland is no exception. This is what CAN be imported:

1. Seafood, up to 20 kg per person. If it is fish or any products to which this applies - everything must be gutted and cleaned. That is, "fresh" and unprocessed fish cannot be imported.

2. Honey and red caviar, not more than 2 kg and 125 grams per person, respectively.

3. Baby food, only in original packaging.

And now about what foodstuffs are strictly FORBIDDEN to be imported and exported:

1. Any canned foods (no exceptions).

2. Meat and any meat products, lard.

3. Any dairy products (cheese, cottage cheese, etc.).

4. Any vegetables and fruits. Exception: pineapples, bananas, coconuts, dates and durians (exotic fruits from Southeast Asia, taste like sweet cream, but have a very specific odor). 

It is important to note that in almost all cases, the permitted import and export of products is calculated per person. That is, if you are traveling with friends and acquaintances, a company of, for example, 5 people, you will be allowed to import or export not 2 kg of honey, but 10, and so on. 

Cash

This question is pretty specific. Let's discuss it point by point:

1. If we are talking about electronic money in any form (bank account, cryptocurrency, e-wallets, etc.) - there are no prohibitions, you can have as much electronic currency as you want.

2. Cash. Here things are a bit more complicated. First, you are not allowed to have more than 10,000 euros (or any other currency equivalent to 10,000 euros). That said, you are required to have a certain amount of money to show that you have something to live on in the country. Basically, it's just proof that you will be able to support yourself, rent a place to live and so on. The amount is calculated based on your time in the country and your purpose.

For refugees, it is properly greatly simplified and it is enough to have at least some money to get to your destination and live for the first time until you find a job.

Read also: How to get from Ukraine to airports in Poland

Alcohol and tobacco products

Quite an urgent question for many people. First of all, it should be clarified that the norms for importing such products by land transport (buses, cars, trains) are very different from those for air transportation.

As of 2024, persons over 18 years of age are allowed to carry the following quantities of alcoholic beverages when crossing the border with Poland:

• Wine - up to 4 liters

• Beer - up to 16 liters

• Alcoholic beverages with a strength of more than 22% vol. - up to 1 liter

• Ethyl alcohol 80% vol. or more - up to 1 liter

• Fortified or sparkling wines - up to 2 liters

• Other alcohol with a strength of less than 22% vol. - up to 2 liters

Those crossing the border are allowed to import tobacco products in volume:

• Cigars - 10 pcs.

• Cigarillos - 20 pcs.

• Cigarettes - 40 pcs.

• Tobacco - 50 grams

• IQOS Stiki - 8 grams

• Vape liquid - 10 ml

Medications

The importation of narcotic, psychotropic and similar drugs into Poland is strictly prohibited. However, there is an exception for medicines necessary for continuing treatment on the territory of the Republic of Poland. For such cases, the import of medicines is allowed only after obtaining a separate authorization from the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspector.

In other cases, the import of medicines for personal use is allowed up to 5 minimum packs of each medicine. The medicine must be clearly identified.

Is it possible to carry antibiotics?

There are no separate regulations for the importation of antibiotics; up to 5 minimum packs of antibiotics are allowed.

Weapons 

Normally, it is not allowed to import weapons. But there are situations when it is necessary, for example, for sport, hunting or diplomatic protection. In such cases, it is necessary to obtain a permit, translate the documents and obtain a weapon permit already in Poland after entry.

Plants

If we consider the import of plants from Ukraine (both live and cut plants), theoretically it is not prohibited. However, it requires a phytosanitary certificate, which confirms that the plants do not contain certain pests.

This document is quite expensive and not quick to obtain, so it is worth applying for it only in cases of extreme necessity.

Bottom line: what you can take into Poland by bus

International bus travel: The rules may change from time to time. There are common European standards, but each country has the right to temporarily set its own restrictions. Before travelling, it is recommended to check the current regulations on official resources.

You might also be interested in this route: bus Kiev Warsaw.