Is Poland Safe?

📊 Safety Rankings: Poland vs the UK

According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, Poland ranks 25th out of 163 countries. The UK? 37th. That’s not a dig—it just means Poland scores higher in terms of low crime rates, political stability, and minimal conflict.

🧘 General peace level – Poland: High, UK: Medium

🔐 Perception of safety walking alone at night – Poland: 68%, UK: 50%

🚓 Risk of violent crime – Low in both countries, but slightly lower in Poland

📉 Crime index (Numbeo 2025) – Poland: 26.5 (Low), UK: 46.8 (Moderate)

Of course, no place is perfect. But generally, whether you’re in Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk or even a smaller town like Rzeszów, you can walk around with confidence. Especially compared to bigger cities in the UK where safety concerns can be more present in certain areas.

🚨 Emergency Services in Poland

Poland has a reliable and modern emergency response system. You can dial the EU-wide emergency number 112 for police, fire, or ambulance. Operators typically speak Polish, but there are English-speaking dispatchers—especially in larger cities.

📞 Emergency number – 112 (same as rest of EU)

🚑 Ambulance response time – Average 8–15 minutes in cities

👮 Police presence – Moderate but visible, especially in touristy areas

🚒 Fire services – Professional and well-equipped

One tip: If you don’t speak Polish, it’s good to have a translation app ready just in case. Locals are generally helpful though, and many younger people speak at least basic English.

🕵️ Crime in Poland: What You Should Know

Crime in Poland is relatively low, especially when it comes to violent crime. You’ll encounter more pickpocketing than punch-ups. The most common issues involve petty theft, scams in tourist-heavy areas, and the occasional dodgy taxi driver charging “foreigner prices.”

👜 Pickpocketing – Occasional in busy tourist areas like Kraków Old Town or Warsaw Central Station

🚗 Car break-ins – Uncommon, but don’t leave valuables in view

🎭 Tourist scams – Low compared to other EU destinations (e.g. Barcelona, Rome)

🔫 Gun violence – Extremely rare due to strict gun laws

👊 Street violence – Uncommon, mostly related to alcohol and late-night club scenes

Overall, the chance of becoming a victim of crime in Poland is statistically low—especially compared to some parts of the UK where crime rates are significantly higher.

🧒 Safety for Families & Kids

If you’re moving with children, breathe easy—Poland is a very family-friendly place. There’s a strong culture of looking out for kids, and you’ll find parks, play areas, and family facilities everywhere. Public spaces are generally safe, and it’s not uncommon to see kids walking home from school alone in smaller towns.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Child abduction risk – Extremely low

🏞️ Public parks and playgrounds – Well-maintained and safe

🚸 Pedestrian safety – Good signage and zebra crossings, though drivers can be a bit… assertive

🎒 Schools – Secure, with monitored entry and parent communication systems

🌙 Night-Time Safety: Can You Walk Alone?

Polish cities are mostly safe to walk around at night. Sure, the occasional group of rowdy teens might be out and about on a Friday night, but you won’t typically feel threatened. That said, use the usual common sense: stay in well-lit areas, keep your phone handy, and avoid isolated shortcuts in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.

🚶 Walking alone at night in Warsaw/Kraków – Generally safe in main areas

🚖 Late-night taxis or Bolt/Uber – Widely used and safe

🍻 Watch out for – Overzealous stag parties in tourist areas, especially in Kraków

👮 The Polish Police

The police in Poland (Policja) are visible, approachable, and professional. In larger cities and tourist hotspots, you’ll find English-speaking officers and even dedicated tourist police.

👮 Uniformed presence – Common in public spaces and transport hubs

🗣️ English-speaking officers – Available in most city centres

🧾 Reporting a crime – Straightforward, though bring a translator if outside of Warsaw or Kraków

Polish police are generally respected and trusted. Bribery is virtually unheard of these days, and professionalism is high.

🏳️‍🌈 Discrimination & Social Safety

Social safety is more than just crime. If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or a visible minority, it’s fair to ask what the day-to-day experience in Poland might be like. The reality? It varies.

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ – Safe in larger cities, especially Warsaw and Gdańsk, but rural areas may be more conservative

🧕 Ethnic diversity – Growing slowly; racism is not widespread but can occur

🗨️ Harassment – Rare, but street-level social conservatism exists in some regions

In short, Poland is changing—especially among younger generations—but travellers and residents from diverse backgrounds should research the area they’re moving to. Urban areas are typically very welcoming.

🌐 Online Safety

Digital life in Poland is secure. Cybercrime does exist (as it does everywhere), but you’re unlikely to experience any more risk here than in the UK. Banks use two-factor authentication, public Wi-Fi is generally safe, and privacy laws are tight.

🔐 Online banking – Highly secure, multi-step verification required

📧 Phishing emails – Low, but don’t click that “urgent DHL delivery” message!

📱 Public Wi-Fi – Safe in most cafés, airports, and libraries

🧭 Final Word: Common Sense Wins

Poland is, on the whole, a very safe place to live, work, or visit. It’s more peaceful than the UK in many ways, has lower crime rates, and offers a generally relaxed atmosphere, even in big cities. Still, safety is always about awareness. Watch your bags, be street-smart after dark, and you’ll be just fine.

🌍 Overall safety score – Excellent

✈️ Tourist safety – Excellent

🏡 Long-term resident safety – Excellent

So whether you’re packing your bags to move, planning a long-term stay, or just wondering if Poland is as chilled out as everyone says—it is. Just don’t forget your umbrella. It’s not dangerous, but it does rain more than you’d think.

Also read: Living in Poland