Polish Police Officers Deployed Again to Safeguard Tourists on Adriatic and Black Sea Coasts

From July 1st to August 29th, Polish police officers will once again be deployed to Croatia and Bulgaria to assist local forces in ensuring the safety of Polish tourists spending their holidays along the Adriatic and Black Sea coasts. Their service, conducted within joint international patrols, is made possible by bilateral cooperation agreements signed by the Chief Commander of the Polish Police and formal invitations from the Croatian and Bulgarian police authorities.

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03 july 2025 | 07:17 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. KGP

Strengthening Cross-Border Cooperation for Safer Tourism

International police cooperation is a strategic priority for the Polish Police, especially during the summer holiday season. The deployment forms part of the ongoing initiative "Safe Tourism Zone", coordinated by the Prevention Bureau of the Polish Police Headquarters since 2010. Originally focused on Croatia, the project expanded to include Bulgaria in 2016. Since its inception, the initiative has involved 123 officers.

This summer, sixteen officers, including two female officers, have been assigned to this international mission. They represent regional police units from Małopolska, Silesia, Greater Poland, Warmia-Masuria, Świętokrzyskie, and Pomerania.

Their core duties involve supporting Croatian and Bulgarian police in patrol and emergency response operations, conducting roadside checks, managing traffic incidents, participating in bicycle patrols, and cooperating with maritime police on coastal patrols to protect beachgoers and small craft navigation zones.

Trusted Partners and Informal Ambassadors

Beyond their operational role, Polish officers serve as informal liaisons, facilitating smoother communication between tourists and local institutions. Their presence is valued by both local law enforcement and Polish diplomatic missions, enhancing the image of Polish citizens as respectful and law-abiding visitors.

Officers are also stationed at Information Points, where they provide guidance on safe holiday practices, especially regarding water sports, scuba diving, snorkeling, and fire safety—the latter being of particular concern in fire-prone areas of coastal Croatia. The Croatian Police respond swiftly to any fire-related threats, and penalties for irresponsible behavior can be severe.

The involvement of Polish officers often helps defuse tensions during disputes or emergencies involving Polish nationals. Their impartial assessment is appreciated even when the liability is unclear, offering essential support to consular staff.

High Demand for Coastal Tourism Among Poles

Croatia and Bulgaria remain top summer destinations for Polish tourists, with Croatia welcoming 1.1 million Poles in 2023 and Bulgaria receiving nearly half a million. The appeal lies in their natural beauty, warm climate, clean waters, and cultural offerings. With improved transport options—including direct train connections to Croatia—these countries are expected to attract even more Polish holidaymakers.

Yet, as KGP emphasizes, the presence of Polish police officers does not exempt tourists from exercising personal responsibility. Travelers should ensure their documents and property are secured, dress appropriately for outdoor and water-based activities, and familiarize themselves with local laws, especially traffic regulations. Improper parking, lack of documentation, or careless driving can result in costly penalties, often exceeding those in Poland.

Contacting Polish Patrols Abroad

Polish officers are on duty daily between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., and can be reached by phone in various administrative regions of Croatia and Bulgaria. However, in emergencies, tourists are advised to contact local police via the EU emergency number 112.

Comprehensive contact details, safety guidelines, and updates are also available on the official websites of the Polish Embassy in Zagreb and the Embassy in Sofia:

Importantly, Polish officers are not tasked with providing tourist or hospitality information, a role occasionally misattributed to them in past seasons.

Security at Sea and on Shore: A Unified Effort

As millions of tourists head to European coastal destinations, the presence of Polish officers in Croatia and Bulgaria demonstrates an effective model of cross-border policing, proactive public safety, and diplomatic alignment. Their contribution ensures that tourism in the Adriatic and Black Sea regions remains not only enjoyable, but also secure.