Thinking about visiting Poland
 

Many years ago I was born in Poland. I would like to return there for a short visit. My Canadian passport indicates Poland as a place of my birth. I would like to hear from those who were born there and returned after some time with passports others than Polish. What was your experience upon arrival in Warsaw? Did you feel safe?

Topping for Kristina...

Kristina,<BR><BR>There are a few of "us" contemplating a small group trip (non-commercial to CR, Budapest (maybe southern Poland) sometime in late spring 2003. Have any interest to you?<BR><BR>It was first mentioned on this thread:<BR><BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=2&tid=1357649<BR><BR>which I will "top" for you.<BR><BR>Do you speak any Polish now? I speak a little russian, interested in trying to improve skills in one or more other Eastern Europe languages.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Kristina,<BR>"Did you feel safe" with a non-Polish passport ? What kind of (please, excuse me) stupid question is that ????<BR>I was born in Poland and keep returning there regularly with a non-Polish passport and I'm still alive ! Wow. You'll be fine. Just relax. <BR>Kristina, just how long ago did you leave Poland ?

<BR>Thinking about visiting Poland<BR><BR>The site http://www.voyage.gc.ca/destinations/menu_e.htm says <BR>Poland recognizes the right of its citizens to hold another citizenship. However, Polish citizens who have a second citizenship, including Canadian, may find that their second citizenship is not recognized by Polish authorities while in Poland. This may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services.<BR><BR>The site http://travel.state.gov/poland.html says <BR>Dual Nationality. Poland is now enforcing a law that requires Polish citizens to enter and depart Poland using a Polish passport (including Polish citizens who are also American citizens). Americans who are also Polish citizens or who are unsure if they hold Polish citizenship are advised to contact the nearest Polish consular office for information about citizenship requirements and travel documentation. Poland has compulsory military service for all males between the ages of eighteen and twenty-eight. A dual national would not be subject to conscription if he can prove that he does not live in Poland. While recognizing that some Americans are also citizens of other countries, the U.S. Government does not encourage its citizens to become or remain dual nationals due to an array of complications that may ensue from the obligations owed to the country of second nationality. Additional information about the U.S. Government's policy with respect to dual nationality may be found at the Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov/dualnationality.html. <BR><BR>So I am not sure that it is easy to excuse Zosia. Still, this is Good Friday, so I do.<BR><BR>Both websites carry notes on pickpockets, swarmers, and other irritants to tourists.<BR><BR>

<BR>Thinking about visiting Poland<BR><BR>The site http://www.voyage.gc.ca/destinations/menu_e.htm says <BR>Poland recognizes the right of its citizens to hold another citizenship. However, Polish citizens who have a second citizenship, including Canadian, may find that their second citizenship is not recognized by Polish authorities while in Poland. This may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services.<BR><BR>The site http://travel.state.gov/poland.html says <BR>Dual Nationality. Poland is now enforcing a law that requires Polish citizens to enter and depart Poland using a Polish passport (including Polish citizens who are also American citizens). Americans who are also Polish citizens or who are unsure if they hold Polish citizenship are advised to contact the nearest Polish consular office for information about citizenship requirements and travel documentation. Poland has compulsory military service for all males between the ages of eighteen and twenty-eight. A dual national would not be subject to conscription if he can prove that he does not live in Poland. While recognizing that some Americans are also citizens of other countries, the U.S. Government does not encourage its citizens to become or remain dual nationals due to an array of complications that may ensue from the obligations owed to the country of second nationality. Additional information about the U.S. Government's policy with respect to dual nationality may be found at the Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov/dualnationality.html. <BR><BR>So I am not sure that it is easy to excuse Zosia. Still, this is Good Friday, so I do.<BR><BR>Both websites carry notes on pickpockets, swarmers, and other irritants to tourists.<BR><BR>

Thank you both for your help. <BR>Ben<BR>Thanks for this great information and websites. This is what worries me about returning. I don't want to be surprised and asked to provide some documents when I get there, I rather have everything ready before my trip. <BR><BR>Rex<BR>Thanks for your offer but if I go it will be in the fall (first two weeks of September) as I would like to return to Tatras for hiking and that would be imposible in the spring.<BR>I did not forget Polish but hardly spoke for last 20 years. I live in a small rural community and there are no other Poles around and my husband is Canadian

Almost forgot to thank Topper<BR>Thank you Topper

If other plans don't materialize (hoping for a trip Galicia to Bretagne), I might be interested in a trip to Central Europe in September anyway. There is more than enough for two differen trips with two different kinds of focus. And the idea of the Tatras is very appealing to me.<BR><BR>Are you interested in any of southeastern Czech Republic to go along with Poland?<BR>

Topper says you're welcome<BR>

While there, be sure to visit Dachau and Auswicz to recall your fine Polish history.

David, have you no knowledge of history. Over 3 million Poles were murdered in Auswitch, many of the intellectuals, teachers, doctors etc were among them. The Enigma machine was invented in Poland and smuggled to England to help break the Nazi codes. The Polish people did more to help hide Jews and any country in Europe (even though it meant death) while the US <BR>turned them away.<BR>BTW Dachau is in Germany not Poland.<BR>

Oh yeah, Art, the Poles were great friends of the Jews. Those 3 million "Poles" that were murdered in the camps were mainly Jews. While there were instances of Poles hiding Jews, that number was miniscule in relation to the number of Jews being rounded up and the number of Poles who either did nothing or actually were complicit in turning on the Jews. My father's family was turned into the Nazis by Poles that they had known their whole life.<BR><BR>And while Dachau may have been in Germany, there were no shortage of Death Camps in Poland.

And one more thing, Art. There were approximately three times more Polish Jews killed than Jews from any other European Country. The Poles worked hand in hand with the SS.

Sorry, but I have to agree with David. I have done much research and reading on the Holocaust for my job and many, many Poles helped the Nazis do their dirty work in Poland because of anti-semitism and greed. One of the reasons the Poles aided the Nazis was because they wanted the land, houses, and other property, ie furniture, clothing, etc., from the "disappearing" Jews. There were many people in Europe who aided the Nazis, however, and you can't just lay the entire episode on the Poles. Many people were culpable, and that is no reason NOT to visit Poland. I would go just to bear witness to Auschwitz alone.

to the top<BR>

ttt

top

David, your response was totally inappropriate. While I suspect you may be too young to know better, that suspicion would display the same prejudice to the young that you display to a whole population.<BR><BR>Poland lost a significant portion of it's population during WWII, including a sizable portion of it's non-Jewish population( refer to "Forgotten Holocaust"). That does not excuse the actions of those who took advantage of the situation nor those who gave in to their anti-semitic proclivities. Perhaps you should find a more appropriate forum for your posts and be prepared to deal with replies finding fault with the current actions in the mideast.

Kristina sounds like a neat adventure.<BR>I have not been but my brother just got back. He purchased some beautiful amber jewelry for me while there. He said he prefered Krakow over Warsaw. He thought it was much more interesting. Sorry this is not much help. Have a nice trip!

David, John&gt; stop spreading hate and talk nonsense when you do not know the facts. Check this site to learn who were the 11milion that died which includes 3mil of Jews 3mil of Christian Poles etc... Also since Nazis kept good records - all names (including religion)are still in archives in those Camps.<BR>http://holocaustforgotten.com/fivmil.htm<BR><BR>Kristina&gt; Before buying tickets I would check with Polish Embassy, to see if you will be given visa to Poland (do to the fact that you were born in Poland and cosidered a dual citizen) see Ben's comments...Canadian citizens need visa to vist Poland - but since you may still be cosidered by Poland as Polish citizen they may require you to optain Polish Passport for travel to Poland. Also note that if you visit Poland on Polish passport - You will be considered a Polish and not Canadian citizen while in Poland (which maybe not be a good thing if any problems accur).

Kristina, I was also born in Poland and left many years ago. I have visited Poland in 1988 and I was using my American passport. I had no problems then. But I have heard the Polish government made something called a "trap" for some people visiting Poland. Basically, the passport laws are translated differently toward some and differently toward others. That should give you a lot of ammunition in case you have any problems. If they let you in, they will definitely let you out. If not, hire a lawyer and sue. <BR><BR>As far as the visit itself, when I was visiting Poland and that was 15 years ago it was bad, unfortunately now is much worse. This is what Polish people living in Poland are saying. I wouldn't go there myself right now. Maybe if you could go with a companion or maybe if you have some family there. Other than that my aunt says it's scary.

<BR> To Kristina.<BR> On a recent trip to Poland mainly<BR> Krakow-Katowice-Wroclaw no one even <BR> took the time to inspect my passport.<BR> I had to beg them to stamp it.I was born in Poland many moons ago and felt <BR> I had to visit .If you polish is up<BR> to par than you will not have too many <BR> problems.If you can avoid the trains than do so.Also avoid Bytom-Katowice <BR> area ,its the living hell.Not kidding.<BR> Warsaw is big fast and not too nice but<BR> remember it was raised in WWII.There are many places of interest.If you can <BR> go with someone else just to have company you might have bettr experience.<BR> If you want more info just leave a message here. <BR> T<BR><BR> ps David I feel your pain but this is not the place for it.<BR>

<BR> To Kristina.<BR> On a recent trip to Poland mainly<BR> Krakow-Katowice-Wroclaw no one even <BR> took the time to inspect my passport.<BR> I had to beg them to stamp it.I was born in Poland many moons ago and felt <BR> I had to visit .If you polish is up<BR> to par than you will not have too many <BR> problems.If you can avoid the trains than do so.Also avoid Bytom-Katowice <BR> area ,its the living hell.Not kidding.<BR> Warsaw is big fast and not too nice but<BR> remember it was raised in WWII.There are many places of interest.If you can <BR> go with someone else just to have company you might have better eperience.<BR> If you want more info just leave a message here. <BR> T<BR><BR> ps David I feel your pain but this is not the place for it.<BR>

Travelman: I'm not sure where you were crossing the border or if you got Poland confused with Europen Union Country, but on my very recent trip my passport as well as everyone elses was checked and stemped on arrival and when leaving. When leaving it was checked 4 times by verious people and stemped once. I entered and left Poland at Warsaw International Airport. My passport was stamped by very serious border guards. Also just because you allowed to enter Poland it does not mean that you will be allowed to leave. Poland's laws are bit crazy - Person is considered a Pole if they were born in Poland or if one of the parents were Polish (even when if they were born outside of Poland but one parent was Polish - then the child is considered Polish). As for getting a lawyer etc. good luck -you maybe told you have no case - and you have been advised by StateDept websites about Poland's crazy laws.

this from a country that puts screen doors on submarines

Agree with John - In Poland your passport gets stamped on arrival and when you leave (at least that's the case at all of Poland's international Airports)...

<BR> TO John.<BR> NO sacasm intended but,please check <BR> the map and my post at the same time <BR> and maybe you will figure it out.<BR><BR> Good luck<BR> T<BR><BR> ps.Hint( Krakow)not EU.

Travelman: I know where Krakow is - but there are various way to reach Krakow (as well as various crossings). Knowing how carefull Poland checks their visitors, I was just puzzled and curious, that no-one inspected your passport.

<BR> To John.<BR> Flew in from Zurich.<BR> The guard just took a cursory <BR> look ond waved us on.<BR> Some thing on the way out.<BR><BR> T

We went to Poland a few years ago and loved it. I encouraged my niece to go to school their for a sememster. she loved it. My sister went to visit my niece she loved it. Go it is worth the trip and the people are wonderful. My husband and I were by ourselves, did not speak the language and got around fine. If we were confused we asked, most young people speak english. You will love the country. We are going back.

Hi there,<BR><BR>I have been living in Krakow (Cracow) for 10 years now, so if you have any questions or need advice concerning your visit to Poland, I will try to assist.<BR>Have a good trip!<BR>(please use my email, I do not visit this page very often)

Ela, if you are reading this your email address given above does not work. Help if you can.

Ann/Ela: We plann to do a circle route through Poland in July. We will hit the obvious locations, Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Zakopane, etc. But, we plan to be in more rural areas as well, Trzebiatow, Mysliborz, Zary, Kiodsko, Ceiszen, Lesajsk, etc. Is there anything we need to be aware of other than normal traveling considerations? Thanks for your reply.

For Kristina -<BR><BR>http://www.polskiinternet.com/english/info/polishcitizen.html<BR><BR>It seems to me that this web site should answer your questions about Polish citizenship.

The level of Holocaust denial I saw in Poland was awe-inspiring. To say that the Poles were innocent victims is historical revisionism. <BR><BR>Even today (having gone to Poland a few years ago), some choice encounters: a) swastikas graffitied on buildings (then again, I suppose that's pretty much all Europe; b) synagogues that were turned into pool halls, bars, nightclubs, etc. with no commemoration whatsoever for the murdered community that used to live there; c) a gentleman who grinned and flamboyantly flicked his cigarette into the mausoleum of ashes of those murdered at Maidanek when he saw that we were a Jewish tour group; and d) apologists who claim that nothing happened.<BR><BR>If you do go to Poland, please do not turn a blind eye to the bad parts of the country's history. It will hurt your heart, but will be very important for your soul.

Joe&gt; You may have a problem with places to stay/eat in small cities/towns/villages (esspecially outside of major truck routes), although with food you can always stop by by local deli and get something. I suggest getting place to stay in larger cities, and then drive to smaller to visit. Also note that Polish will probably be the only language spoken in those non touristy places. Dont forget to add Kolobrzeg and Torun to your list.<BR>You can also email me with any questions.

upping<BR>

I may start a new thread with questions about this itinerary, but this one came up in a search (specifically, I was looking for info on Katowice). So it's as good a thread to extend as any.<BR><BR>We are planning the middle part of our itinerary - - spending 5 or 6 nights allocated between Prague (and one other destination in the Czech Republic) and southern Poland (possibly going as far east as Krakow?)<BR><BR>Does anyone have suggestions for a stop between Prague and Krakow? We'll have a car. On my list of considerations are Olomouc (CR) and Katowice, Poland. Or maybe this castle (but the lodging is not IN the castle) in Poland, near the Slovak border: http://hotelspoland.com/castle_palace/niedzica<BR><BR>Or this castle plus one other destination and forego Krakow? (since one night there is hardly doing it justice anyhow). Obviously, these 1-2 nights in Poland are intended just to get a &quot;taste&quot;.<BR><BR>This is a trip I have been trying to get on my slate for almost three years now. The thread mentioned earlier is now long gone (must have gotten trashed) - - but there are other references back at least two years ago, especially in connection to the trip that Art (now aka &quot;ahussey&quot;) did put together here.<BR><BR>Maybe with a little added experience to draw upon, there could still be a Fodorites' trip someday to these and other nearby destinations!<BR><BR>

Topping one time, and then maybe a new thread would be more effective.<BR>