Location: Countrywide
Event: The U.S. Embassy is committed to the safety and security of all U.S. citizens, organizations, and businesses in Poland.
The holiday season in Poland is upon us and, unfortunately, this may bring an increase in crime, weather-related vehicle accidents, and security-related incidents. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and to utilize appropriate personal security practices.
Crime
While Poland continues to be one of the safest countries in Europe, the crime rate may increase during the holiday season. To mitigate the risk of becoming a crime victim the following actions are recommended:
· Maintain situational awareness and be aware of your surroundings.
· When possible, walk with others, avoiding poorly lit streets, narrow alleys, and isolated locations.
· Be wary when approached by unfamiliar people.
· Keep purses and handbags close to your person and zippered or closed when on public transportation and at Christmas markets. Pickpockets work in groups to distract you as they take your items.
Residential Security
Residential burglaries and property theft incidents do occur in Poland, although on at a much lower rate when compared to other countries. Please utilize all security features that may be available in your residence. This may help to deter or defeat attempted burglaries, thefts, and break-ins.
· Keep residential doors and windows always locked, including when at home.
· If you have a residential alarm, use it when your home is unoccupied and at night while you are asleep.
· Secure items of value that may normally be stored outside (such as bicycles) and lock your vehicles.
Cybersecurity Awareness
Financially motivated cybercriminals may use the holiday season as an opportunity to spoof shopping or shipping companies, and entice users to click on links about sales, billing, wire transfers, or shipping problems.
· Use established, reputable websites and companies.
Also, with flu season upon us, and the current security situation on Poland’s border with Ukraine, be aware of false or malicious actions such as:
· Vaccine/cure-related information or donations
· Advice from purported “health professionals”
· Unverified humanitarian charities supporting causes related to Belarus and Ukraine
Other Actions to Take:
· Avoid crowds and demonstrations.
· Be aware of your surroundings.
· Monitor local media for updates. · Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
Assistance:
Ambulance and Fire 112
U.S. Embassy, Warsaw, PolandAleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, Piękna 1200-539, Warsaw+48 22 504 2784 (business hours)+48 22 504 2000 (after-hours emergencies involving U.S. citizens)ACSWarsaw@state.govhttps://pl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
U.S. Consulate General, Krakow, Poland ul. Stolarska 9 31-043 Krakow, Poland +48 12 424 5100 (business hours) +48 601 483 348 (after-hours emergencies involving U.S. Citizens) KrakowACS@state.gov https://pl.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulate/krakow/ https://pl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
U.S. Consular Agency, Poznan, PolandUl. Paderewskiego 8 room 06, 61-770 PoznanTel: +48 61 851 8516CAPoz@post.plhttps://pl.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulate/consular-agency-poznan/
State Department – Consular Affairs+1 202-501-4444 (from overseas) or 1-888-407-4747 (from the United States)Poland Country InformationEnroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
