Auschwitz in 2025: Travel Tips, Entry Info, and What’s Changed

Some places you visit for the views. Others you visit because you feel you should. Auschwitz is one of those places that stays with people—not for what they see, but for what they feel. It’s not a typical stop, and it’s not meant to be.

More travelers are including it in their Poland itinerary, especially with Krakow so close by. But 2025 isn’t quite the same as past years. Entry rules have changed, booking steps are stricter, and the flow of the visit itself feels a bit different.

That doesn’t mean it’s harder—it’s just more important to plan right. If you’re thinking about visiting this year, a few details are worth knowing ahead of time. 

Let’s walk through what’s changed and what hasn’t.

Plan Ahead: Entry is Now Fully Pre-Booked

One of the biggest shifts at Auschwitz in recent years is the complete move to online bookings. You can no longer walk up and expect to get in. Entry passes must be reserved in advance through the official website or with an approved tour provider.

Free passes are still available, but only for self-guided visits during late afternoon hours. These also need to be booked online, and slots fill up fast—especially from spring through early fall.

The booking system has become more detailed. You choose your visit type, preferred time slot, and language before completing the process. You’ll then get a confirmation with your entry code, which you’ll need to show at the gate, along with a valid ID. Make sure the name on your booking matches your ID exactly.

Once you book, you’re given a clear arrival time. Don’t be late—late arrivals may be turned away.

Transportation: Getting There Without the Hassle

The memorial is located in Oświęcim, about 70 kilometers from Krakow. You can reach it by train, public bus, or car, but each option requires some planning.

Trains go to Oświęcim station, which is a 20-minute walk from the site. Buses drop you closer, but the journey can take longer and involves multiple stops.

To avoid delays and confusion, many travelers choose to book an Auschwitz private tour that includes round-trip transport from Krakow. These tours are especially useful if you prefer structure or want to avoid public transit altogether.

Most private tours include:

• Pickup from your hotel or a central meeting point
• A comfortable vehicle with air conditioning
• Entry tickets and guided tour fees
• A licensed educator and headset
• Flexible rescheduling or cancellation up to 72 hours before

These tours don’t rush you. They move at a pace that fits your group and usually allow time to reflect between stops at Auschwitz I and Birkenau. For first-time visitors, this format offers both comfort and clarity.

On-Site Changes That Matter to Visitors

Visiting Auschwitz in 2025 requires awareness of several important updates that affect the visitor experience.

• Advance Booking Required: All visitors must now reserve their entry passes online before arrival. Walk-in entries are no longer permitted, ensuring better crowd management and a more organized flow of visitors.

• Guided Tours During Peak Hours: From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, entry to Auschwitz I is exclusively available through guided group tours. This change aims to enhance the educational aspect of the visit and manage the increasing number of attendees.

• New Visitor Services Center: A modern Visitor Services Center has been established in historic buildings related to the camp’s history. This facility offers amenities such as information desks, rest areas, and improved signage to assist visitors throughout their stay. 

• Personalized Entry Cards: Each visitor is now issued a personal entry card, even when part of a group tour. This measure helps prevent unauthorized resale of tickets and ensures that each visitor’s experience is accounted for individually. 

• Digital Enhancements: The memorial has introduced a “historically accurate” digital replica of the Auschwitz concentration camp. This 3D model allows for virtual exploration and supports educational initiatives, ensuring broader access to the site’s history. 

These changes are designed to preserve the integrity of the site while accommodating the growing interest from visitors worldwide. Being informed about these updates will help ensure a respectful and meaningful visit.

Travel Tips for Visiting Auschwitz in 2025

Visiting Auschwitz is not just about showing up. A few small preparations can make the experience smoother and more respectful.

• Wear Comfortable Shoes

You’ll be on your feet for several hours, walking across gravel paths and uneven ground. Sturdy footwear makes a big difference, especially at Birkenau.

• Check The Weather

The site is mostly outdoors with little shade or shelter. Bring a light jacket, sunblock, or an umbrella based on the forecast.

• Pack Light

Large bags are not allowed. Carry only essentials—a small bottle of water, a phone or camera (without flash), and identification.

• Use The Restrooms Before Entering

Facilities are available near the entrances, but there are no scheduled bathroom breaks once your tour starts. Plan accordingly.

• Stay Quiet And Respectful

This isn’t a tourist attraction in the usual sense. Silence and stillness are part of the experience both for you and those around you.

After your visit, leave space in your day for reflection. This is not a place to rush through. Let the experience settle before moving on.

Some Facts About Auschwitz That You Should Know

Here are a few details that many visitors find surprising—and they add to the depth of the experience when you’re there.

• The sign above the main gate at Auschwitz I—”Arbeit macht frei”—was made by prisoners. One of them secretly inverted the letter “B” as a quiet act of rebellion.

• A section of the camp was called “Kanada” because it stored stolen belongings. Prisoners believed Canada represented wealth, so the name stuck.

• More than 800 inmates attempted to escape. A few, like Rudolf Vrba, succeeded and helped expose what was happening inside.

• Letters from prisoners were tightly controlled. They had to start with “I am healthy and feel well,” even if that wasn’t true. All letters were read and censored.

Conclusion 

Visiting Auschwitz in 2025 calls for care and preparation. Rules are stricter, and visits are more structured—but the experience remains just as important. Respect the space, stay informed, and take time to reflect.

If you want to make the most of your visit, look into guided or private tour options that handle the details for you so you can focus on what truly matters.