Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is warning citizens against travel to several countries due to heightened security risks, issuing a four-level safety scale.
Understanding the Safety Scale
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MSZ) uses a four-level safety scale to inform travelers about potential risks in different countries. This scale provides guidance on whether travel to a specific country carries a risk.
In diplomatic terms, “non-essential travel” excludes vacations, even those needed for rest after hard work. Official standards define essential travel as work-related or urgent family matters; tourism is excluded. The MSZ emphasizes the final decision rests with the traveler, providing a risk assessment map.
Four Levels of Safety
The MSZ’s safety scale is based on assessments by diplomats monitoring conditions on the ground. Here’s a breakdown of the four levels:
1. Exercise Caution – Standard safety level, similar to conditions in Poland.
2. Exercise Heightened Caution – Higher threat level than in Poland; vigilance is required.
3. MSZ Advises Against Non-Essential Travel – Significantly more dangerous than Poland; tourism is strongly discouraged.
4. MSZ Advises Against All Travel – Highest alert level; even business and family visits are discouraged due to extreme danger.
Countries with “Do Not Travel” Advisories
A “Do Not Travel” advisory (Level 4) indicates that all travel is discouraged due to extremely dangerous conditions, including business and urgent family visits. Currently, the following countries and regions have this status.
The warning applies to specific regions or border areas in some countries, where the MSZ advises against all travel, even if other parts of the country have a lower security status. Individuals in these areas are urged to leave immediately due to the direct threat to life.
Oman: Highest Level Warning as of March 2, 2026
As of March 2, 2026, Oman is under the highest Level 4 warning (“Do Not Travel”) due to the dynamic situation in the Middle East, military operations, and restrictions on civilian air traffic. The MSZ recommends against all travel to the country.
Safety Levels for Popular Tourist Destinations
Several countries require increased vigilance in specific areas.
Relatively safe European countries include…
Preparing for Travel
Key recommendations for travelers include:
1. Registering every trip in the Odyseusz system to facilitate contact during crises.
2. Obtaining insurance covering medical transport and natural disaster costs when traveling to regions with Level 3 or 4 warnings, as standard policies may not apply.
3. Monitoring local authorities’ alerts (e.g., the 112 Greece app in Greece or Protezione Civile in Italy).