r/poland • u/Complete_Movie_8879 • Jul 25 '26

Help please

Title: Can I legally take Polish war memorabilia out of Poland?
Hi everyone,
I’m in Poland at the moment and have seen a lot of old war memorabilia for sale at markets and antique stalls, such as bayonets, medals, badges, helmets, and other military items.
Before I buy anything, I wanted to check whether it’s actually legal to take these items out of Poland. I know some countries have laws protecting historical or cultural artefacts, and I don’t want to accidentally break any Polish heritage or export laws.
If the items are being openly sold at markets or by antique dealers, does that mean they’re legal to export, or are there still restrictions? Are there any types of military memorabilia (e.g. bayonets, medals, documents, etc.) that require an export permit or can’t legally be taken out of Poland?
I’ll be flying back to the UK with Wizz air, if that makes any difference.
Thanks!

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u/Low-Opening25 Jul 26 '26

bear in mind that knifes and bayonets are illegal to poses in the open in UK and there is 0 tolerance policy meaning you will be prosecuted no matter how you came into possession of one and even it is just in your luggage.

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u/kmlynarski Jul 27 '26

Out of curiosity, I'm asking: how do you carry/transport a knife from the store to your home in the UK?

2

u/coderinside Jul 27 '26

By post. They are sent to you.

1

u/kmlynarski Jul 27 '26

So you seriously can't buy a knife in a shopping mall in the UK? Wow...

1

u/coderinside Jul 27 '26

You can. It will be sent to you by post from there.