Carrying cash from United Kingdom to Poland
Two separate rules apply to any cash journey: one where you leave, one where you arrive.
Do you need to declare?
Yes: and on both legs of the journey. Leaving United Kingdom, HM Revenue & Customs requires a declaration above GBP 10,000. Entering Poland, Poland customs authority (EU cash controls) requires a declaration above EUR 10,000. The two rules are independent: satisfying one does not satisfy the other.
Travelling as a family or group?
The threshold applies to your combined total, not per person. A family of four each carrying a little under the limit is still over it, and splitting cash between travellers to stay under does not make it legal.
The two legs
| Leg | Limit | Form | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving United Kingdom | GBP 10,000 | Declare cash online (GOV.UK) or form C9011 | HM Revenue & Customs |
| Entering Poland | EUR 10,000 | EU Cash Declaration Form | Poland customs authority (EU cash controls) |
The same threshold applies on the way out.
Applies when entering the EU from a non-EU country. No declaration is required when travelling between EU member states.
If you do not declare
United Kingdom: Cash may be seized and a penalty of up to GBP 5,000 applied.
Poland: Cash may be detained and penalties applied under national law.
There is no limit on how much you may legally carry in either direction, the duty is to report it, not to keep under it. Failing to report is the offence.
Currencies
United Kingdom uses GBP; Poland uses PLN.
Sources: rules as of 22 September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; always check the official authority before travelling.