Poland News in English, 20 October 2026
What to know: On 17 October 2026 Poland's president signed a law letting more towns charge a visitor's fee of up to 5 zloty a night from 1 January.
This brief covers items reported between 17 and 20 October 2026: a change in the law that lets more towns charge a visitor's fee, the maximum fuel prices for 20 October, the expulsion of 15 people who entered on tourist visas, a money-laundering case and a drone incident on the Lithuanian border. Each item names its source and date.
More towns will be able to charge a visitor's fee
Notes from Poland reported on 17 October that President Karol Nawrocki signed a change to the law on local taxes and charges this week. Until now, a municipality could charge a visitor's fee only if it had beneficial climatic features, scenic qualities or the status of a spa protection area, which in practice meant mostly seaside and mountain resorts. The new law drops the climatic requirement.
According to the report, from 1 January municipalities with scenic qualities will be able to charge up to 5 zloty per night for stays of up to one month in hotels, guesthouses and short-term rentals. The current maximum is 3.46 zloty. Kraków had pushed for the change. It charged a visitor's fee from 2004 to 2015 and then lost the right because of tougher environmental rules.
Maximum fuel prices for 20 October
The Ministry of Energy published the maximum retail prices that apply on 20 October 2026: petrol 95 at 6.79 zloty per litre, petrol 98 at 7.56 zloty and diesel at 7.97 zloty. The ministry says the rules require every station in the country to sell at or below the limit. Prices for later days are published on the ministry's website.
Fifteen people expelled after entering on tourist visas
Notes from Poland reported on 19 October that the Border Guard detained 15 Russian and Belarusian citizens, eleven from Belarus and four from Russia, who were thought to be planning to take part in the youth karate world championships in Bielsko-Biała. A Border Guard spokesman said they entered on tourist visas, which did not match the declared purpose of their stay. They were ordered to leave within eight days, the shortest possible deadline. The report adds that Poland does not allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in tournaments on its territory.
Nine detained in a money-laundering case
On 19 October Notes from Poland reported that Polish services broke up an international group accused of laundering an estimated 337 million zloty, about 77 million euros, through currency exchange offices. Nine suspects, eight Ukrainians and one Belarusian, were detained in raids in Łódź, Warsaw and Małopolska province. According to the Łódź regional prosecutor's office, which leads the investigation, they face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The group is said to have moved money from internet scams to cryptocurrency exchanges between February 2025 and July 2026. The charges are allegations until a court rules.
Lithuania says a drone entered from Poland
Notes from Poland reported on 19 October that Lithuania says a Ukrainian drone that exploded on its territory on Sunday and hit a moving car entered Lithuanian airspace from Poland. Poland's defence ministry says it has no confirmation of an object crossing the border. Ukraine apologised and said Russian electronic warfare diverted the drone. NATO jets stationed in Lithuania were scrambled on Sunday and again on Monday morning.
What it means for expats
Visitors to Kraków and other towns may pay a higher or new nightly fee from 1 January, and short-term rental guests are covered. Drivers can check the ministry's daily maximum price before filling up. Anyone entering Poland should make sure the purpose of travel matches the visa type, because the Border Guard acted on exactly that point in the karate case.
Frequently asked questions
How much can Polish towns charge as a visitor's fee from 1 January 2027?
According to Notes from Poland, up to 5 zloty per night for stays of up to one month, up from 3.46 zloty today, in municipalities that qualify under the new law.
What is the maximum price of petrol in Poland on 20 October 2026?
The Ministry of Energy set 6.79 zloty per litre for petrol 95, 7.56 zloty for petrol 98 and 7.97 zloty for diesel.
Why were 15 people expelled from Poland after the karate championships?
The Border Guard says they entered on tourist visas, which did not match the declared purpose of their stay. They were ordered to leave within eight days. * Photos: Main Market Square in Kraków by Silar (cover) and the Teatr Polski building in Bielsko-Biała (body), both CC0 via Wikimedia Commons.
