A trip to Auschwitz is one of the most popular excursions for visitors to Kraków. Organizing such a trip, including free admission to Auschwitz, is very straightforward, but many questions arise about the visit itself. One of the most frequently asked questions among those planning the trip is: “Do you need a passport to visit Auschwitz? Do you need to bring identification documents?”
Admission to most museums in Poland and many of the world’s most famous sites usually only requires having a ticket reserved on the official website or purchased at the ticket office, and that’s where the requirements for visitors end. However, in the case of Auschwitz, it’s completely different.
Documents and security check
Entry to the Auschwitz Museum in Oświęcim requires having a personalized ticket with the details provided on the official website https://visit.auschwitz.org/ during the reservation process, but that’s not all.
Before entering, security checks are conducted, similar to those familiar from airport security. This is the first surprise for many visitors.
The second surprise is that to visit Auschwitz, you need to have an identity document with a photo. This means a passport, national ID card, or any other official document with a photo will be required. For non-European Union citizens, it’s best to bring a passport, while for EU citizens, a national ID card will suffice.
Do you need a passport to visit Auschwitz?
Do I need a passport to get into Auschwitz? A passport itself is not mandatory, but you do need an official photo ID issued in the name matching the personal details used to book the personalized entry ticket.
It’s worth remembering that getting there by direct bus from Kraków straight to the museum is very easy and costs 22 PLN (approximately 5.13 EUR, 4.37 GBP, or 5.37 USD). The ticket for a guided tour of Auschwitz in a language other than Polish costs 110 PLN, but the museum can be visited for free in the afternoons. See full Auschwitz price list here.
It’s also a good idea to read about whether you can wear a dress to Auschwitz and to keep in mind that a significant part of the tour takes place outdoors.
Read detailed guide on easiest and cheapest ways to get to Auschwitz from Krakow city center.
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About the Author: Hi, It's Daily Krakow written by a lifelong Krakow resident with 40 years of experience exploring this beautiful city. I’m not part of the tourism industry and I dont make money on tourists that's why I can be honest. My deep local knowledge allows me to share honest, practical tips to help you avoid tourist traps and discover the real Krakow. Whether it’s hidden gems, local customs, or practical advice, I’m here to make your visit unforgettable.
