Poland

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Poland are severe, including mandatory prison sentences.

Long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Cannabis is illegal in Poland and possessing it is a crime carrying up to 3 years in prison. There is no small-amount exception you can rely on: a prosecutor may drop a case involving an "insignificant quantity" held for your own use, but Polish law attaches no gram figure to that phrase, the police service confirms no guidelines defining it have ever been issued, and the decision is made after you have been stopped and the drugs seized. Forfeiture of the cannabis is mandatory by statute even when the case is dropped.

Possession: up to 3 years' imprisonment (art. 62(1)). Significant quantity: 1 to 10 years (art. 62(2)). Case of lesser gravity: a fine, restriction of liberty, or up to 1 year (art. 62(3)). Growing cannabis other than fibrous hemp: up to 3 years (art. 63(1)), or 6 months to 8 years for a crop capable of yielding a significant quantity (art. 63(3)). The Act itself sets no zloty amount - fine levels come from the Criminal Code and are not stated here. Confiscation of the cannabis is mandatory under art. 70(2), including where the proceedings are discontinued under art. 62a.

Carry prescription medication in original packaging with a prescription; check legality with Poland's Ministry of Health, and for narcotic/psychotropic medicines consult the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate.

Polish law broadly prohibits possessing, carrying, transporting, or importing arms or ammunition — including firearm parts — without permits; the definition of 'arms' is broad.

Travelers have been arrested for possessing military items without permits.

Declare cash or equivalent of EUR 10,000 or more when entering or leaving Poland across an EU external border; no declaration is needed when traveling between EU countries.

Fine if not declared or if incorrect information given.

Drinking alcohol in public places — including parks and picnic areas — is illegal in Poland, as is being drunk in public.

Arrest or detention in a sober-up facility at your own cost.

You need a valid US license plus an International Driving Permit to drive in Poland; you cannot obtain an IDP in Poland, so get one before you leave.

Additional fine if stopped without an IDP; possible denial of an insurance claim after an accident.

Poland enforces zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (legal BAC 0.02%); DUI or accidents caused by impaired drivers can bring prison sentences of two to twelve years.

DUI: prison from 2 to 12 years; accidents caused by impaired drivers up to 16 years; car may be impounded.

Taking pictures of Polish military buildings or other national-security or restricted sites is illegal; watch for no-photo signs and ask local authorities if unsure.

Same-sex sexual conduct is legal in Poland but same-sex marriages and civil partnerships are not recognized; social acceptance is lower than in Western Europe and openly LGBTQ travelers may face harassment.