Strict checks at the Ukrainian-Polish border: what is forbidden to take with you
The Ukrainian-Polish border is one of the most popular areas for Ukrainian citizens. Find out more about what you can take with you to Poland and avoid an unpleasant conversation with border guards
Ukrainian citizens crossing the Polish border may face strict checks by Polish border guards. TRAVEL RBC-Ukraine, citing Polish sources, reported that it is forbidden to import food from Ukraine to Poland.
It is worth noting that people in the Facebook group Granica/Border PL-UA report problems with importing food for their own consumption to Poland.
"If you are traveling to Poland with a child, don't forget to feed him or her well before entering the Polish side. Polish customs officers will take away not only ham sandwiches, but also fruit and other food. Even for one apple, you can get a fine," reads one of the community's posts.
They cited the experience of one of the subscribers as an example, who said that the Poles had allegedly banned her from importing vegetables and fruits into the country.
At the same time, other users say that the strict approach depends on the border guard on duty.
One Ukrainian woman noted that she has been visiting Poland since 2018, and she has had cases when she was allowed to pass through the border with anything, and there were cases when they even threw away a sandwich and an apple.
What do European rules say?
According to the official rules for importing food into the EU, citizens are not prohibited from taking small amounts of food for their own consumption.
"If you are traveling to the EU from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you. However, you can bring a limited amount of fruits and vegetables, as well as eggs, egg products and honey. A limited amount of fish or fish products is also allowed," the EU rules state.
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Official customs regulations of the Polish side state that it is forbidden to import without veterinary control:
• meat products and offal;
• dairy products, including confectionery products made from them.
Such products should be left in special containers at the border.
At the same time, it is allowed to import:
• milk powder and baby and special food for medical reasons in closed packaging - 2 kg;
• fresh (frozen) or cooked fish - 20 kg.
• pet food for medical reasons, packed in special packaging - 2 kg.
You are allowed 5 kg of vegetables and fruits, up to 2 kg of honey. Coffee - only 0.5 kg. You can carry up to 40 cigarettes. Alcohol with a strength of more than 22% - 1 liter, wine - 4 liters, beer - 16 liters.
It is also important for tourists traveling by car to remember that Polish border guards require foreigners to have a printed "green card". If you provide Polish border guards with a document in electronic form, you may be turned around.
Remember that a green card is a necessary insurance for traveling by car outside Ukraine for a safe trip. You can apply for an insurance policy in a few minutes here.
Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip:
Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;
Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;
Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;
Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;
Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
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The simultaneous stay of visitors in the hotel lobby not more than one person per 10 square meters of serviceable area is allowed.
Persons can visit hotels and stay there (outside hotel room) only if they wear respirator or face mask (including homemade mask), so that the nose and mouth are covered.
Hotel guests are obliged to keep the 1.5 meters distance.
Online check-in making in advance is recommended to avoid queues at check-in to hotel.
Meals in hotels are provided through meals delivery service to rooms upon prior order or at hotel restaurants situated inside or in open areas, provided the distance of at least 1.5 meters between seats at adjacent tables.
Not more than 4 clients are allowed to stay at the table (excluding children under 14 years old). Unless these tables are separated by a special partition;
Self-serve is not allowed.