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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Poland - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.                     Exercise normal precautions in Poland.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Poland.

If you decide to travel to Poland:                                  

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Poland.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Quick Facts

Six months remaining validity strongly recommended; at least three months remaining validity beyond planned departure from the Schengen area is required

Must have at least one page

Not required for stays under 90 days

 10,000€ (euros or equivalent)

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy warsaw.

Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31 00-540 Warsaw, Poland Telephone:  +48 (22) 504-2000 American Citizens Services:  +48 (22) 504-2784 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +48 (22) 504-2000 Fax:  +(48) (22) 504-2088 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Krakow Ulica Stolarska 9 31-043 Kraków, Poland Telephone:  +48 (12) 424-5100 American Citizens Services:  +48 (12) 424-5129 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +48 (22) 504-2000 Fax:  +(48) (12) 424-5103 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consular Agent Poznan Ulica Paderewskiego 8 61-770 Poznan Telephone:  +(48) (61) 851-8516 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(48) (22) 504-2000 Fax:  +(48) (61) 851-8966 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens are restricted from entering Poland from Belarus and Russia unless they meet one of the exceptions currently in place. You may find the list of exceptions on the Polish Border Guard website .  

U.S. citizens who do not meet one of the listed exceptions, but who want to return to the United States from Belarus by transiting through Poland, may seek a special permit to enter Poland only at the border crossing point in Brest-Terespol.

Traveling Through Europe : If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.  If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .  
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.

Military/Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Travelers : Active-duty U.S. military personnel may enter Poland under the SOFA with proper Department of Defense (DOD) identification and travel orders. All SOFA family members, civilian employees, and contractors must have valid passports. Active-duty military personnel should obtain a tourist passport before leaving the United States to accommodate off-duty travel. DOD travelers should consult with their unit for clearance  before  leaving the United States.

If you are transiting Poland  en route  to other countries,  know all entry and exit requirements for your final destination . You may be denied boarding for your connecting flight if you have incorrect documentation or insufficient validity on your passport. If you are denied boarding, you will need sufficient funds and a return airline ticket or an itinerary that does not require re-entry into the Schengen zone in order to return to the United States.  

For further information on entry requirements and current visa information, please contact the consular section of the  Embassy of Poland , 2224 Wyoming Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, (202) 499-1700, or a Polish consulate in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, or Houston.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any  HIV/AIDS entry restrictions  for visitors to or foreign residents of Poland.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction,  and  customs  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime:   Poland has a low crime rate overall, the highest rates of crime rates occur in major cities.

• Safeguard your belongings in public areas . Thieves and pickpockets operate at major tourist destinations, railroad stations, and on trains (particularly overnight trains), trams, and buses. Report incidents of theft to the police.
• Do not leave valuables in plain sight inside vehicles .
• If someone directs you to pull over or signals that something is wrong with your car,  continue driving until you reach a safe spot  (such as a crowded gas station, supermarket, or a police station) to inspect your vehicle.
• Only change money at banks or legitimate exchange kiosks (kantor).   ATMs at commercial banks, large hotels, shopping malls, and airports are safest.
• While casinos and gaming establishments are government-regulated, some are affiliated with or have attracted the interest of  organized crime.
• Avoid adult entertainment venues . Such establishments have been known to present foreign customers with inflated charges and threaten those who refuse to pay. There have been some incidents of suspected drink spiking associated with these venues.
• Travel in a group  when going out at night to nightclubs, discos, bars, or high-tourism areas, such as the Market Square in Krakow and Old Town in Warsaw.

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable; avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

The Travel Advisory and Security Alerts can be found on the  U.S. Mission to Poland’s website .

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.

Victims of Crime:   U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the local police. Report crimes to the local police by  calling 112  (multilingual emergency dispatch centers serving Poland and EU countries), and contact the  U.S. Embassy  in Warsaw at +48 (22) 504-2000 or the U.S. Consulate in Krakow at +48 (12) 424-5100.   Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Provide a  list of health care providers  in Poland
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of  local attorneys
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States.   A list of organizations providing assistance programs for victims of crimes in Poland is available on the website of the Ministry of Justice  here .
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:   U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should contact local authorities and the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw or the U.S. Consulate in Krakow for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated. Rules (with regards to best practices and safety inspections) are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country.  Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, imprisoned, or deported. 

A U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website. 

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately . Under Polish law, a person with Polish and U.S. citizenship is deemed to be a Polish citizen; however, dual U.S.-Polish nationals may still ask to see a U.S. consular officer.  See our  webpage  for further information. 

Special Circumstances: Polish Law prohibits possession of firearms or ammunition without proper permits.

In Poland, it is illegal to possess, carry, transport, import or export arms or ammunition without proper authorization. Polish law broadly defines the meaning of “arms” to include items that may put life or health at risk, which may include parts of firearms or ammunition. Travelers have been arrested who were in possession of military items without proper permits.  Please visit the Government of Poland’s website to find out more about obtaining a permit and our website on traveling with firearms .    

Polish Customs enforces strict regulations concerning the export of items such as works of art.  Contact the  Polish Embassy  in Washington, D.C., or a Polish consulate in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, or Houston for specific information regarding customs requirements. 

Taking pictures of Polish military buildings or other national security/restricted objects is illegal.

Penalties are severe for possessing, using, or trafficking  illegal drugs  in Poland. Expect  long jail sentences  and  heavy fines  if convicted. 

Local police can stop a car and request identification to establish identity, and may ask the driver subsequent questions. 

Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.  Information about conducting business in Poland can be found at the  U.S. Embassy’s website .

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, including Poland, they may still be illegal according to local laws. Possessing or purchasing them is against the law. You may be subject to heavy fines and even imprisonment. You must also relinquish the items if you bring them back to the United States. For more information, see the  U.S. Department of Justice website  and the  Polish Ministry of Finance Customs Department.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

      ·        Faith-Based Travel Information

      ·        International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports

      ·        Human Rights Report – see country reports

     ·        Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers

      ·        Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad   

LGBTQI+ Travelers : There are  no legal restrictions  on either consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Poland. Polish law prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and the government enforces these provisions.  The social acceptance of LGBTQI+ individuals is not as prevalent  as in the United States, though polling indicates tolerance is steadily increasing. Some politicians have made derogatory comments about LGBTQI+ persons. Media have not recently reported on physical and verbal attacks against LGBTQI+ persons, but community members have reported concerns about their physical safety. Travelers identifying openly as LGBTQI+ may face harassment. The practice of so-called conversion therapy is legal and offered on a voluntary basis. See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section six of our  Human Rights report  for further details. 

Travelers with Disabilities : Polish law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, but some discrimination occurs. Polish law states that buildings should be accessible for persons with disabilities, but in practice, many buildings remain inaccessible. Newer public trains, vehicles, and stations may be accessible, but older ones are not. Wheelchair users will find many challenges throughout the country. Service animals are generally allowed in public buildings and on transportation. Pedestrian crossings at intersections in large cities are generally equipped with audible crossing signals. 

Students:  See our  students abroad  page and  FBI travel tips . 

Women Travelers : See our travel tips for  women travelers .

COVID-19 Testing:  COVID PCR and antigen tests are available for U.S. citizens in Poland and results are available within 24 hours.

Adequate medical care is available, but the quality of hospitals and nursing support may not be comparable to U.S. standards in all regions of Poland . Emergency services may be lacking in small towns and rural areas. Physicians are generally well-trained, and many younger doctors speak English (nurses and staff may not).  While medication and treatment are generally substantially less costly than in the United States,  doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment prior to treatment . Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. Medication, while generally available, may not be U.S. brand-name drugs.

For emergency services in Poland,  dial 112 .  Ambulance services are widely available. 

The U.S. Embassy maintains a  list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

The Embassy does not pay medical bills . Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the  Ministry of Health Poland  to ensure the medication is legal in Poland.

Vaccinations:   The CDC does not recommend and there is no requirement for specific vaccinations for U.S. citizen travelers.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery :

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry.  U.S. citizens traveling to Poland for medical tourism or elective surgery should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations.  Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on Medical Tourism.
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Pharmaceuticals :

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for use in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Water Quality:

• Food and water standards in Poland are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home. For more information please visit  CDC Traveler’s Health.

Adventure Travel:

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

Air Quality:

• Cities in Poland have higher air pollution levels than major U.S. cities. Especially in Krakow, levels are often above U.S. health-based standards in the winter. Air quality is often good to moderate during warmer months. Visit  the European Environment Agency’s website  for information on air quality in Poland.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in Poland differ significantly from those in the United States. Poland has the third-highest road fatality rate based on population in the European Union. Driving, especially after dark, is hazardous. Roads are sometimes narrow, poorly lit, frequently under repair (especially in summer), and are often also used by pedestrians and cyclists.  Pedestrians account for approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities in Poland. 

• Polish roadside services, while not equal to those in the United States, are adequate. The Polish Automobile Association ( Polski Związek Motorowy Auto-Tour ) has multilingual operators and provides assistance countrywide 24/7. Call (22) 532-8403 or email  [email protected] .
• The police emergency number is  997 , fire service is  998 , ambulance service is  999 , and the general emergency number is  112.

Traffic Laws:  You must have a U.S. driver's license and International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to drive in Poland .  U.S. citizens  cannot  obtain IDPs in Poland.  If you stay in Poland for more than six months and continue to drive, you must obtain a Polish driver’s license. You can find information on obtaining an International Driving Permit  here .

• Seat belt use is mandatory .
• Use headlights year-round at all times .
• Children under 12 must sit in rear seats .  Children under 12 and shorter than 4’11” must use a child’s car seat.
• Using hand-held cell phones while driving is prohibited .
• Polish law provides zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs . Prison sentences for DUI violations or accidents caused by impaired drivers can range from two to twelve years. 
• Fines for traffic violations can be substantial . Non-residents are expected to pay the police officer at the time the ticket is issued. Be prepared to pay in cash in local currency.

Public Transportation :  Public transportation in Poland is efficient, inexpensive, and safe. A ticket is required when boarding a bus or tram and if the ticket is not validated upon entry, you may be fined. In cities, taxis are available at major hotels and designated taxi stands, and can be ordered in advance by phone.

Avoid taxis without a company name and/or telephone number printed on the light bar . Make sure that the driver displays his or her license inside the vehicle, has a functioning meter, and uses the meter when starting your trip. At airports in Poland, including Warsaw’s Chopin Airport, only use taxis found at designated stands and avoid unregistered taxi stalls.

Apps-based Ride Sharing:  Internet-based ride services, such as Uber, iTaxi, and Freenow, are legal in Poland and growing in popularity as a safe ride option. However, some internet-based ride services may not be authorized to drop off or pick up patrons in some downtown tourist areas.

See our  Road Safety  page for more information. Also, visit  Poland’s National Tourist Office  and Poland’s  General Roads and Highways Authority  responsible for road safety information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Poland’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Poland’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . 

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Poland should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Poland . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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The visa application can be lodged no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 days before the date of planned entry. In the case of seafarers, it is possible to lodge an application 9 months before the date of planned entry.

When the main purpose of the trip is to stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland or such a member state cannot be indicated, but the crossing of the external border of the Schengen area takes place across the border of the Republic of Poland, the authority competent to consider the application is the consul of the Republic of Poland.

The application, as a rule, should be lodged to the consulate competent for the place of residence of the foreigner. The authority examining the application (consul) may (but does not have to) consider the application from a person legally staying in a given consular location.

In special and urgent situations (e.g. death of a relative, accidents, humanitarian reasons), when it is impossible to submit a visa application at the consulate, it is possible to submit a visa application at the border.

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In some cases, the application may be considered by the minister competent for foreign affairs – also in this case the application is submitted through the consul.

E-consulate, applying to an external service provider

In some consular locations, it is required to register a visa application or make an appointment for a consul through the e-Consulate system ( https://secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl ).

Some consulates of the Republic of Poland also use the possibility of lodging an application through an external service provider. Detailed information can be found on the websites of individual consulates of the Republic of Poland.

In addition, Article 79a of the Law on Foreigners created a legal basis for accepting applications for a national visa on the territory of the Republic of Poland for specific categories of foreigners listed in the Regulation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of August 18, 2022 on the issuance of national visas to foreigners residing on the territory of the Republic of Poland (Journal of Laws of 2022, item 1809 ).

Visa representation

When applying for a Schengen visa, the Republic of Poland is represented by other Member States in certain consular locations. In this case, as a rule, the application for a Schengen visa is lodged at the consulate of the represented State, which regulates the procedural details of the application (issues of personal appearance, the possibility/necessity of submitting an application to an external service provider), and its law regulates possible appeal process against the visa decision.

Purpose of the application

When completing the visa application, the general purpose of applying for the type of visa should be indicated, however, the specific purposes of issuing visas (both Schengen and national) and the rights resulting from them are indicated by national law, in the case of the Republic of Poland these are the provisions of Article 60 of the Act on Foreigners:

visiting family or friends;

participation in sporting events;

conducting business activity;

performing work on the basis of a statement on entrusting paid activity to a foreigner entered in the register;

performing work on the basis of a seasonal work permit;

performing work other than that specified in the previous paragraphs (applies to the performance of work under a work permit or a case in which a foreigner is exempt from such an obligation);

carrying out cultural activities or participating in conferences;

the performance of official tasks by representatives of an authority of a foreign state or an international organization (it may be issued as a diplomatic or service visa);

complete first-cycle, second-cycle or long-cycle studies or doctoral school education (including a preparatory course for studies);

vocational training;

education or training in a form other than that specified in the previous points (applies to education in secondary schools, post-secondary schools, postgraduate studies, MBA courses, etc.);

didactic (applies to academic lecturers, teachers, foreign language teachers);

conduct scientific research or development work;

complete a traineeship;

participation in the European Voluntary Service programme;

air transit;

joining or staying with a citizen of another Member State of the European Union, an EFTA Member State – a party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation (concerns the exercise of rights under Directive 2004/38/EC);

participation in a cultural or educational exchange programme, a humanitarian aid programme or a holiday work programme;

arrive on the territory of the Republic of Poland as a member of the immediate family of the repatriate;

arrival on the territory of the Republic of Poland as a member of the immediate family of a person staying in Poland on the basis of a permanent residence permit obtained on the basis of the Pole's Card;

use the rights resulting from the possession of the Pole's Card;

repatriation;

application of the temporary protection;

arrival for humanitarian reasons, due to the interest of the state or international obligations;

application of a temporary residence permit issued for the purpose of family reunification;

application of a temporary residence permit issued for the purpose of performing work as part of an intra-corporate transfer;

other than those mentioned above.

As a rule, the type of visa that a foreigner should apply for depends on the length of the planned stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland – if the foreigner plans to stay longer than 90 days during the year, they should apply for a national visa; if shorter – for a Schengen visa.

Article 60(2) of the Act on Foreigners introduces the following exceptions to the above rule:

visas for transit or air transit shall be issued only as Schengen visas;

visas for the purpose of conducting scientific research or development works, completing an internship, participating in the European Voluntary Service program, repatriation, coming to the territory of the Republic of Poland as a member of the repatriate's immediate family, exercising the rights resulting from the possession of the Pole's Card, arriving on the territory of the Republic of Poland as a member of the immediate family of a person staying in Poland on the basis of a permanent residence permit obtained on the basis of the Pole's Card, and the application of temporary protection shall be issued only as national visas.

The purpose of the application indicated in the application for a Schengen visa or in the application for a national visa shall indicate only the general purposes for issuing the visas. The consul, on the basis of the information provided (in the application and accompanying documents) during the examination of the application, indicates on the visa sticker the appropriate purpose of issuing the visa, in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration of 22 March 2022 on visas for foreigners (Journal of Laws of 2022, item 827)

In the case of applications for a Schengen visa lodged as part of the visa representation, the regulations of the states representing the Republic of Poland shall apply regarding the indication of the purpose of issuing the visa.

Formal requirements

Articles 10 to 15 of the Visa Code regulate the formal requirements for lodging application for a Schengen visa; Article 77 of the Act on Foreigners regulates the formal requirements for lodging an application for a national visa. In addition, in the case of issues not specified in the Act on Foreigners, the provisions of the Visa Code apply in the alternative.

a. Schengen Visa

In the case of an application for a Schengen visa, the applicant shall:

complete the application for a Schengen visa (Annex I to the Visa Code) common to all Member States;

present a travel document which is valid for at least three months after the planned date of the last departure from the Member States, contains at least two free pages and has been issued within the last ten years;

submit a photograph in accordance with the technical requirements set out in ICAO Document 9303, Part 1, Edition VI (or an appropriate facial image is taken from it at the time of application;

allows fingerprints to be taken (unless the fingerprints were taken on a previous Schengen visa application within the last 59 months, is not a child under the age of 12, a person from whom it is physically impossible to take fingerprints, or is not a head of State or government, a member of a national government or a spouse accompanying them, a member of an official delegation, monarchs or a valid ranking member of the royal family invited by the governments of the Member States, or international organisations for official purposes);

pay the visa fee;

provide the supporting documents indicated in Article 14 and Annex II to the Visa Code or indicated as equivalents in the framework of local Schengen cooperation;

provide, where applicable, proof of possession of adequate, valid travel medical insurance.

b. National Visa

In the case of an application for a national visa, the applicant shall:

fills in the application for a national visa indicated in Annex 2 to the Regulation of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration of 22 March 2022 on visas for foreigners (Journal of Laws of 2022, item 827)

a photograph meeting the following requirements:

undamaged, colourful, with good sharpness, 35mm x 45mm, made no earlier than 6 months before the date of submission of the application, depicting the image of the applicant's face from the top of the head to the upper part of the shoulders, so that the face occupies 70-80% of the photograph, on a uniform light background, in a frontal position, looking straight ahead with open eyes, unobstructed hair with a natural facial expression and closed mouth, as well as reflecting the natural colour of their skin, clearly depicting the eyes of the foreigner, especially their pupils, where the eye line should be parallel to the upper edge of the photograph.

supporting documents establishing:

the purpose and conditions of the intended stay; possession of sufficient financial means to cover the costs of living throughout the period of the planned stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland and for travel to the country of origin or residence or transit to a third country that will allow its entry, or the possibility of obtaining such lawful means; having health insurance or travel medical insurance; credibility of the foreigner's declaration of intention to leave the territory of the Republic of Poland before the expiry of the visa; other circumstances given in the application.

present a travel document which is valid for at least three months after the planned date of the last departure from the Member States, contains at least two free pages and has been issued within the last ten years.

The standard visa fee - 80 €

The reduced visa fee for children aged 6 to under 12 years - 40 €

The categories of persons are exempt from visa fees for Schengen visas: children under 6 years of age and the scientists travelling to attend a scientific seminar or conference.

Citizens of Belarus and Ukraine are exempt from the visa fee.

The indicated visa fee does not include the fee for using the services of a third-party service provider.

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How to Apply for a Poland Schengen Visa?

Table of Contents

Overview of poland.

Poland is a central European country situated on the Baltic Sea, bordered by 6 countries, including Germany and the Czech Republic to the west, and Ukraine and Belarus to the east. Polish is the official language for its population of almost 38 million. The 6 th most populous country in Europe, over 17.5 million people visit Poland each year as tourists. Its capital Warsaw is located on the Vistula River, and features many historical and cultural sites, including Royal Castle and the Palace of Culture and Science. The city’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site-all the more remarkable for being rebuilt from the ruins of World War II. Just south of Old Town is the 18th-century park, Lazienki, complete with an historic palace, lake, and strolling peacocks. Krakow, a city in Poland’s south, offers a preserved medieval center and Jewish quarter. Its historic Cloth Hall, a 14-century merchant building has been beautifully restored and offers terraces and cafes and views of St. Mary’s Basilica. Travelers to Poland’s city of Gdansk on the Baltic Sea can view the country’s muscular maritime industry, especially its historic Solidarity Centre, commemorating the 1980s trade union movement. Gdansk is famous for the wall murals of Zaspa, and the Long Market, one of the most photographed streets in the world. For nature enthusiasts, Poland offers Tatra National Park in the south and to the east, the mammoth oaks of the Białowieża Forest. Travelers throughout the country can sample Polish cuisine, including bigos, a hunter’s stew, and the Polish staple: pierogies. Poland signed the Schengen Agreement in 2003, becoming part of the Schengen area in 2007.

Poland Schengen Visa Eligibility

Schengen visa eligibility for Poland includes third country nationals from the following states, who are excluded from visa-free to Poland/the Schengen area, and are therefore eligible to apply for a Schengen visa to Poland :

Third-party nationals from the following entities/territories are also required to apply for a Schengen visa: KOSOVO and the PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY .

Required Documents for Poland Visa

All documents required for your Poland Schengen visa must be filled in using Roman capital letters, completed/translated into Polish or English. Applications for all Schengen visas to Poland will contain the following Basic Required Documents :

• Valid passport
• Passport sized photos
• Application form
• Fingerprints (biometric data)
• Travel medical insurance
• Reason for visit
• Where you will stay (accommodation)
• How you will fund your trip (finances)
• Proof that you will leave Poland before your visa becomes invalid/expires. This is often in the form of a paid roundtrip plane ticket (proof of return).

Note: For more information on what to include in your application, including a detailed description of required materials, please see: Basic Required Documents . Please note that you may have to submit additional Polish Schengen visa supporting documents related to your specific purpose for travelling.

Poland Schengen Visa Fee

The standard Polish Schengen visa fee for an adult is 80 Euros . Certain types of applicants (most students, children under 6) are exempt from all visa fees. To get a Schengen visa for Poland, you will likely have to submit a service payment with your visa application-this is a separate cost from the visa fee. Please note that these fees are non-refundable in the case of visa rejection.

How to Apply for Poland Schengen Visa : Steps

• Step 1:  Determine your Purpose for travelling to Poland, which will determine the Type of visa you should apply for.
• Step 2:  Determine how many Entries to Poland/the Schengen area you need.
• Step 3:  Gather your Required Documents .
• No matter where you are applying from, you will likely have to schedule an appointment at your Polish Consulate/visa center in order to submit your application. In certain cases, you may be able to drop off your application without prior arrangement, so long as you do so during normal operating hours. Contact your consulate/visa center directly to find out if you need to schedule an appointment in order to submit your application.
• Alternatively, you can go ahead and schedule an appointment through Poland’s e-Konsult site via this link .
• Access your application online by registering for an e-Konsult account here . After filling out the application, print it out and sign it. You will submit this paper copy to whichever Polish Consulate/visa processing center you are applying through.
• Step 6:  Pay the application fee .
• Different Polish Consulates/visa centers have different procedures for submitting applications. In almost all cases, applications must be submitted in person to the consulate/center you are applying through.
• When you submit your application, you will likely also be asked to submit biometric data (fingerprints). Children younger than 12 years are likely exempt from having their fingerprints collected. If you have previously submitted fingerprints (within the last 59 months), you likely will not need to resubmit them.
• Please note, after submitting your application, you may be asked to return at a later date for a personal interview to provide further information/materials related to your trip.

When to Apply

Submit your application at least 15 days prior to the day you intend to travel, and no earlier than 6 months before you leave.

Where to Apply

Applications for Schengen visas to Poland should almost always be submitted in person, at either a Polish Consulate/Embassy or a visa application center that has a relationship with Poland.

Ideally, you will lodge your application in the country where you legally reside/hold a residence permit.

In countries where there is no Polish consular presence, applications may be lodged via the consulate of a Schengen state representing Polish consular interests.

Processing Time for Poland Schengen Visa

The Polish Schengen visa processing time is generally 15 days , although it can take up to 60 days in certain cases.

If your visa was approved:

Collect your visa and make sure the information it contains is valid and complete.

If your visa was denied:

If you receive a Schengen visa rejection for Poland, you (or your legal representative) have the right to an appeal within 14 days of receiving your rejection.

You should submit your Schengen visa appeal to the consul that rejected your visa.

If the consul upholds your rejection, you can submit a final request for appeal to the Provincial Administrative Court in Warsaw via the same consul.

While there is no appeal fee for the initial appeal request. However, if you the counsel rejects your appeal, and you chose to proceed with a final appeal through the Polish courts, there is a fee, which can in certain cases be refunded, but is in some cases not refundable, regardless of the outcome of the appeal (positive or negative).

Finally, once you obtain your Schengen Visa for Poland, please note the following:

Your visa may be revoked if you do not notify the Polish Consulate/visa application center of any changes to your trip itinerary that occur after you have submitted your application.

Being approved for a Polish visa does not guarantee you entry to either Poland or the general Schengen area – you can still be refused entry to both places upon arrival.

Alternatively, you may have to show additional documents regarding your finances or accommodation in order to enter Poland/the Schengen area.

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Faq about poland schengen visa, who needs a poland schengen visa.

Poland requires nationals of certain countries (those without visa-free access to the Schengen area) to apply for a visa in order to visit the country and any of the 26 other Schengen states.

How long is Poland Schengen visa valid for?

Schengen visa validity for Poland is 90 days (within a 180-day period), which means you cannot stay in Poland longer than 90 days (on a Schengen visa).

Does Poland require Schengen visa?

Poland requires a Schengen visa for stays of up to 90 days for people from non-Schengen countries (who also lack visa-free access to the Schengen area).

Poland Tourist visa

Required documents for poland schengen visa.

Documents for a Polish Schengen visa application must be filled in using Roman capital letters and either completed or translated into English or Polish.

• At least 2 blank pages
• With the applicant’s signature
• Not more than 10 years old
• Valid for at least 3 months after the expiration of the requested visa
• Previous passport, if applicable
• Size 3.5 x 4.5 cm
• Plain white background
• Taken within the past 6 months
• Forward-facing with facial features visible and clear
• Completed application form
• Biometric data (Fingerprints)
• Travel Itinerary or plan
• Proof of return to the country of residence or forward ticket to another country
• Reason for travel to Poland
• Flight reservations
• Proof of financial means (bank statements over the last 3-month period, personal properties, and/or other assets)
• Proof of accommodations (with booking reference number, location, and contact number of the hotel)
• Valid through the entire visa period
• Valid in all Schengen countries
• Minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR must be purchased
• Insurance conditions such as validity, duration, and extent of your coverage to be clearly stated on the confirmation letter or insurance document
• Name and address of employer
• Nature of employment
• Starting date of employment
• Purpose of travel
• Duration of time off from work for travel
• Personal-ID page of passport.
• Older Schengen visas (if relevant).
• Residence permit (if relevant).
• If the minor applicant is adopted, adoption documents are required
• If the minor applicant's parents are divorced, divorce papers are required
• If the minor applicant's parents are deceased, death certificates are required
• Letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians
• Passport copies of both parents or legal guardians
• It may also be necessary to submit supplementary documents in relation to your travel visa application.

Poland Schengen Visa Fees

The standard fee for the application for a Poland Schengen visa is 80 EUR. However, there are particular applicants who are exempted from fees, such as most student visas and visas for children below the age of 6. Applicants will probably have to pay a separate, non-refundable service payment with their application.

Poland Visa Application Steps

• Prepare all the required documents.
• Select “Tourism” as the reason for travel on the visa application form.
• Decide the number of entries needed to Poland or the Schengen area.
• The application form for a Polish Schengen visa can be found here . Register for an e-Konsult account, fill out the form, print, and sign it. The form must be submitted to the Polish consulate or visa processing center.
• Most applications require an in-person appointment at the nearest Polish Consulate or visa center in order to submit the application. Alternatively, applications may be submitted without prior appointment during normal operating hours. Contact the Polish Consulate or visa center to determine if there is a need to schedule an appointment.
• Another option is to schedule an appointment online through Poland's E-Konsult site through this link .
• Note: Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the date of travel but not earlier than 6 months before the date of travel.
• Generally, applications must be submitted in person to the Polish Consulate or a visa application center that is connected with Poland. However, there may be a few differences in the submission procedures.
• Applicants will likely be required to submit their fingerprints (biometric data). Children below the age of 12 are exempted from fingerprint data collection. Applicants who have submitted their fingerprints within the last 59 months will most likely not be asked to resubmit.
• Applicants may be required to come back on another date for an interview regarding their trip.
• Pay the visa application fee.

When to Apply

Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the travel date but not earlier than 6 months before the travel date.

Where to Apply for Poland Schengen Visa

Applications should be submitted personally either through the Polish Consulate or a visa application center that is connected with Poland.

Applications should be submitted only in the country of citizenship or residence.

In countries without any Polish consulate, applications may be submitted through a Schengen state consulate representing the interests of a Polish consulate.

Poland Visa Processing Time

It takes approximately 15 days to process Poland Schengen visa applications. However, in some cases it might take as long as 60 days.

For approved visa applications:

Applicants must ensure that the information on the visa is complete and valid upon collection.

Applicants who have received their Schengen Visa for Poland should remember the following things:

• Inform the Polish Consulate of any change to your itinerary after submission is completed.
• The approval of a Schengen visa does not guarantee entry to Poland or other countries in the Schengen area.
• Additional documents pertaining to your financial means or accommodation may still be required to gain entry to Poland or other Schengen areas.

For denied visa applications:

If your application for a Poland Schengen visa is rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision within 14 days.

The appeal must be submitted to the consul that rejected the visa.

If the rejection is upheld by the consul, a final request can be submitted through the same consul to the Provincial Administrative Court in Warsaw.

There is no fee for the appeal request. However, applicants who choose to proceed with a final appeal through the Polish courts are required to pay a fee that can be refunded in specific cases. However, it is non-refundable in most cases, whether your appeal is denied or approved.

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A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a Poland Visa

Poland, officially known as the Republic of Poland, is a country in Central Europe. It is world renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, medieval architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and picturesque landscapes, which include the Tatra mountains in the south, the Masurian Lake district in the north-east and the coastal beaches along the Baltic Sea.

Poland offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its medieval towns and stunning landscapes to its resilient spirit and thriving economy, Poland enchants visitors with its rich heritage and warm hospitality.

History of Poland Poland’s history dates back to the 10th century and the country has played a significant role in the history of European politics. Through the centuries, Poland has faced partitions, wars, and occupation by force, but after World War II, Poland experienced a remarkable transformation and has now become a democratic nation and a member of the European Union.

Tourism Poland beckons tourists to its shores around the year. The historic city of Krakow in Poland is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to stunning landmarks like the Wawel Castle and the historic Main Square. Warsaw, the capital city on the other hand showcases a blend of modern architecture and reconstructed historic buildings. Other notable places to visit in Poland are Gdansk, with its beautiful old town and maritime heritage, and Wroclaw, known for its charming market square and numerous bridges.

If you are planning to visit Poland sometime soon, and if only the visa application is remaining, then here is a comprehensive guide on the things you must know about obtaining a visa to this historic and beautiful country. Sounds interesting? Read on!

Obtaining a Poland Visa There are different types of Poland visas depending on the reason for your stay: work, studies, or simply tourism. However, before you apply for a visa, you must also check whether you even need one at all; and if you do, what are the requisites for applying for one?

You do not need a visa for Poland if: a) Your country is part of the EU/EEA countries or any Schengen country b) Your country of residence has a visa-free agreement with Schengen. This includes citizens of the USA, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, and Tunisia.

If you are from a country that does not have a visa-free agreement (such as India, China, Morocco, Thailand, Turkey, Egypt, etc.) you have to apply for a visa to visit Poland .

Types of Poland Visas

a) Schengen Visas – also known as C-Type visas. These include: • Tourist Visa This visa is suitable for individuals visiting Poland for tourism purposes, including sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, or participating in cultural events. It allows you to stay in Poland for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. It is referred to as a Schengen visa because it allows the holder to visit all other Schengen countries within the visa’s validity period i.e., it allows you to travel freely to 26 European countries without the need for additional visas.

• Business Visa Business visas are issued to individuals traveling to Poland for business-related activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations. They also permit participation in trade fairs and exhibitions. Similar to the tourist visa, this too is a Schengen visa and the maximum duration of stay is 90 days within 180 days.

b) National Visas – also known as D-Type visas. These include: • Student Visa If you are from a non-EU country and have been accepted to a university in Poland, you need to apply for a Polish student visa and student residence permit. This visa allows for a longer stay, typically covering the duration of the academic program.

• Work Visa If you want to work in Poland, you must apply for a Polish work visa. You must have an employer who will submit a request for a work permit on your behalf, at the local Voivodeship office (which is the Polish equivalent of a municipal office). There are different types of work permits depending on the duration and nature of your work. You can only start working after your employer provides you with a work permit.

• Family Visa If you want to join either your spouse or parents who live in Poland, you have to apply for a Polish family visa. The family visa is valid for 2 years, and you are allowed to work in Poland during this time. You have to provide proof of your family status, such as a marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth/adoption certificate (for minor children).

c) Transit Visas If you are transiting through Poland on your way to another Schengen country, you may need a transit visa. This visa allows the holder to enter the international transit area of an airport in Poland, so they can switch flights. It is aimed at passengers who are traveling to a third country, but whose flight connects in Poland. Not everyone needs a Polish transit visa if they do not leave the international transit area.

Poland visa application process To apply for a Polish visa, you have to: a) Apply early! You should submit your application at least 3 weeks before your travel date, which means you should set an appointment much earlier. In many Polish embassies, the waiting times for an appointment can take weeks or months. b) Locate the nearest Polish embassy/ consulate or an outsourced visa service agency like us (BLS International) and set an appointment. c) Fill in the application form with precision and sincerity. d) Pay the visa fee. The embassy/consulate, or visa application centre will let you know how to pay the fees. The same might be done online or through a bank transfer. You must take the payment confirmation and attach it to the rest of your documents. e) Prepare all required documents as per the list provided to you by the embassy/consulate for your visa. f) Prepare for the visa interview. Look up common questions asked in Polish tourist visa applications so you are prepared for the visa interview. g) Double check you have all your documents before applying. h) Submit the application on the day of your visa appointment. Make sure you are on time, not too late and not too early either.

What are the essential documents needed for applying for a Poland visa?

Visa Application Form: Since Poland is a Schengen area country, you would need to fill out the Schengen visa form to apply. You can download the visa application form online and fill out the required details. It is the most basic document while applying for a visa.

Travel document: The passport is without a doubt the most important requisite for applying for a Poland visa. It should be valid for at least 3 months after your return date. You will also need to ensure that there are at least two blank pages for marking the entry and exit from Poland.

Biometric Photo: You will need two passport-size photographs as per the Schengen visa specifications, for the Poland visa application.

Visa Fee Proof: You’ll also be required to show proof of payment of the visa fee.

Health insurance policy: A travel insurance covering at least 30,000EUR is one of the requirements for the Poland visa as it acts as an assurance that you can afford any medical emergency that comes your way. The medical insurance should be valid across all the Schengen area countries.

Other supporting documents required for the visa Apart from the essential documents, you may also be requested to carry certain extra documents for the Poland visa requirements which may help in expediting the visa application process. • Flight reservation for visa • Proof of accommodation in Poland • Covering letter with details of your trip, the purpose of visit and the dates of visit • Proof of your financial health • Marital status proof • No objection letter from your employer should state that your employer or institution does not have any objection towards your trip and that you have enough leave approvals for the entire duration of the trip. • Sponsorship letter from the person who will be financially sponsoring your trip to the Schengen Zone. It is also often called an Affidavit of Support.

The processing time for the Polish visa depends on the Polish embassy/consulate and its workload. The general waiting time for a Polish visa is two weeks. In some cases, the waiting time for a Polish visa can go up to 45 days or more.

A visit to Poland is surely going to be etched in your memory forever, so start planning for your upcoming holiday to this beautiful country. While planning, if you happen to encounter challenges with your Poland visa requirements…worry not! Our team of visa experts is here to provide you with comprehensive assistance throughout your visa application process.

We at BLS International are committed to ensuring a seamless and hassle-free visa application experience for you! To know more about us, visit us at www.blsinternational.com

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Visa to Poland

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Whenever you enter Poland with the intention of staying for a period shorter than 90 days, you usually do not need a visa. There are some countries, however, whose nationals are obliged to obtain it even when coming for a very brief visit. If you come from a non-Schengen state, sometimes referred to as a third country, it should set your alarm bells ringing. Visit the Polish Office for Foreigners website and see if you can travel to Poland visa-free. If your country is not on the list, you will be obliged to apply for a visa.

Types of visas

Before your arrival, you need to decide on the type of the document you will need.

• Type A ‘airport transit’ visa

This type of visa allows you to travel through Poland (without staying anywhere outside the transit area of the airport) to another Schengen zone country. It is not very common, since it is mandatory only for the nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Armenia, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Iran, Cuba, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka.

• Type C ‘Schengen’ visa (short-term)

If you want to visit Poland for a short period lof time (maximum up to 90 days in half a year) and you are from a country whose nationals are obliged to have a visa – the Schengen visa is for you. Type C allows you not only to enter Poland, but also other countries that are part of the Schengen Area. Please remember that the 90-days-long period starts with the day you cross the Polish border. You can split this time into multiple visits, but the visa expires after 180 days.

• Type D ‘national’ visa

If your stay is going to last 91 days or more (in one visit or more during the 180-day-long period), you should apply for the national visa. Apart from entering Poland, it allows you to visit other Schengen countries, but similarly to the type C visa - up to 90 days in half a year. It is valid for the period stated in the document, but as a rule it is not longer than one year. After this time, you can apply for the prolongation of your visa.

Business or pleasure?

In the case of visas type C and D, the authorities will ask you to provide information about the purpose of your visit. You can choose from the list of reasons for staying in Poland. You will be provided with all the possible answers, some of them including: tourism, family or friends visit, sports events participation, setting up your own business, conference participation and so on. When it comes to the national visa, the purpose of your stay will determine its duration.

How to get down to this?

When you already know what visa you need to enter Poland and have specified the purpose of your stay, contact the nearest consular point of the Republic of Poland. To print the application form, foreigners are usually asked to visit eConsulate . At this point you can also start completing all the documents necessary for issuing the visa. Apart from the aforementioned form with your signature, you will need:

• travel documents valid for three months before the expiration of your visa (type D) or after its expiration (type C) with at least two blank pages, issued within the last decade;
• biometric photo;
• health insurance (of at least EUR 30,000 if you are applying for type C visa);
• other documents confirming the purpose of your visit, your accommodation in Poland*, possession of sufficient funds to cover your entry, stay and departure**, willingness to leave the Schengen zone after your visa expires (type C) or the necessity of staying in Poland for longer than 90 days (type D);

You may be asked to provide other documents as well. All the necessary information will be given to you in the relevant consulate.

How much is this?

You have to bear in mind that applying for a visa involves some costs. The application itself includes a fee which is non-refundable, even when your visa is not granted. However, if you obtain it, you will need to pay a visa fee, which is not fixed and depends on the country of your origin. Generally it should not exceed EUR 70.

Where to apply?

As already mentioned, most of the foreigners willing to obtain a visa are asked to go to the website eConsulate , where the visa form can be printed out. Once it is filled in and signed, you will need to visit a Polish consulate in your country of origin. The list of these placements is available online. This is also the place to get your first-hand information about new regulations and legal acts.

We hope that our Polish visa guide has answered your questions and doubts. Best of luck with your application - and see you in Poland.

* e.g. a rental contract

** Does not apply to Pole's Card holders and work visa holders among others. The costs can be covered by your sponsor (learn more about invitations to Poland ). Foreigners are obliged to possess a return ticket or its cash equivalent. For people from countries neighbouring Poland it is PLN 200, for non-neighbouring EU states it is PLN 500, for a non-EU country it is PLN 2,500. The sums can be also provided in currencies other than Polish zloty.

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Obtain Poland Tourist Visa

The legislation in Poland does not provide for a visa specifically designed for tourism purposes , but the available categories of visas allow the possibility of being issued for the purpose of traveling to Poland or to other Schengen countries, but the applicant must provide a set of documents attesting the fact that the visa will be used for this purpose and not another one. Similar requirements apply when seeking to apply for a residence permit in Poland.

Currently, Poland migration legislation provides three basic categories of visas and the procedures that must be followed by the nationalities who are legally required to apply for an immigration document of this kind are presented in a list prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland .

Foreigners moving to Poland for a short period of time or those who simply want to travel here can be required to apply for one of the following: the A-type visa, the C-type visa and the D-type visa.

These documents are designed to accommodate the traveling needs of foreigners , based on the time spent on the Polish territory , but also on the nationality of the applicant. The Poland tourist visa is not required in the case of the citizens of the European Union (EU), as they benefit from the right of free movement at the level of the entire EU. However, other categories of persons may be required to apply for this document and our immigration lawyers in Poland can present the main categories of foreigners that must have this traveling document .

We can also guide you through the procedure of applying for citizenship. In order to obtain Polish citizenship , applications and original paperwork must be presented at the consulate. These must be translated into Polish. The papers from other languages must also be validated by a consul. This is one of the main reasons for which the processing is usually delayed.

Table of Contents

What is the most suitable document for a Poland tourist visa?

The most suitable document will depend on the duration of stay and the nationality of the holder. For example, the A-type visa represents a document that only allows the holder to stay in the international transit area of an airport in Poland , provided that the traveler must get to another country through a Polish airport . This is, however, required in the case of the citizens included in the Annex IV of the Community Code of Visas, which can be detailed by our immigration lawyers in Poland .

As a general rule, the most suitable document available for a person who wants to visit Poland is the C-type visa , which provides the right of traveling here for a period of up to 90 days during a 180 days period. Considering that the purpose of the stay is for traveling only, this is the most recommended type of document, as stays longer than 90 days in this country create additional obligations, such as applying for a short-term residence permit (the D-type visa is issued for stays with a period longer than 90 days). After residing here for at least 5 years with a temporary resident permit, you may apply for permanent residency in Poland . You can file an application more quickly in particular circumstances (such as marriage to a Polish citizen). Before your temporary residence permit expires, you must submit an application for a permanent residence permit.

The C-type visa is divided into two main categories – the Poland migration law gives the right of applying for a Uniform Schengen Visa, a document that can be used for traveling in all the Schengen member states, Poland included. In order to have the right of traveling in all the Schengen states, one must specifically apply for this particular type of visa.

The other C-type visa is the Schengen Visa with limited territoriality. Thus, persons who are only interested in obtaining a Poland tourist visa can apply for this document. Still, the applicants must know that the C-type visa with limited territoriality allows the selection of more than one Schengen country. When applying for a Poland tourist visa , the document can be used only for this purpose.

The legislation stipulates that a person can apply for an extension of the document, but the extension can be granted for the same purpose for which the document was issued in the first place. Thus, when arriving here for traveling purposes , the document cannot be used as a way of moving to Poland .

Most visas can be used for obtaining a residence permit and Poland citizenship by investment .

What is the current situation of the tourism industry in Poland?

The tourism industry in Poland developed in the last few years, and the number of foreign visitors also expanded, regardless if they have arrived here with a Poland tourist visa or without a required travel document. Foreign tourists arriving in Poland usually prefer to book their accommodation at various types of establishments that operate in the hotel system (hotels, motels). In 2018, the tourism industry had the following characteristics:

• in 2018, Poland had 11,076 tourist accommodation units , accounting for 798,700 beds; • the country accounted for a total number of 33,9 million tourists and 88,9 million overnight stays; • the number of foreign tourists accounted for 7,1 million in 2018; • compared to 2017, this number represented a slight increase, as in that year, there were 6,8 million foreign visitors ; • the highest rate of foreigners visiting Poland was represented by German citizens, accounting for 34,2% of the foreign visits.

The Poland migration numbers reported by the Polish Border Guard show that the nationalities that are most interested in arriving here for various purposes, such as travel, work or relocation are Ukrainians, Belarusians, Russians and British persons. Persons who want to apply for a travel visa in this country are invited to contact our immigration lawyer in Poland . Our attorney can represent foreigners regardless of their nationality and can also help them moving to Poland on a long-term basis. We can assist with the Polish citizenship application procedure.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Poland set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Poland’s embassy or consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel provider for changes.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to get treatment there.

Read TravelHealthPro’s general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Passport validity requirements

To travel to Poland, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

To enter Poland (and all Schengen countries) your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive. Passports issued after 1 October 2018 are now valid for only 10 years, but for passports issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added if you renewed a passport early
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave

Contact the Polish embassy in the UK if your passport does not meet both these requirements.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document, or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual Nationals

If you are also a Polish national (dual nationality), you must enter and exit Poland using a Polish passport or Polish national identity card. There are regular cases of Polish border guards allowing dual nationals to enter on their British passport, but only allowing exit using a valid Polish passport or Polish ID card.

Children born to Polish national or British-Polish dual national parents in the UK are automatically granted Polish citizenship, regardless of the child’s place of birth, and the requirement to exit Poland using valid Polish documentation will apply.

Find more information on how to apply for a Polish passport in the UK before travelling to Poland from the Polish Embassy in London (in Polish). Check with the Polish Embassy in London if in doubt about your circumstances.

Passport stamping

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

If you’re a visitor, your passport must be stamped when you enter or leave the Schengen area (which includes Poland). Border guards will use passport stamps to check you haven’t overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for stays in the Schengen area. If your passport was not stamped, border guards will presume you have overstayed the visa-free limit.

If your passport was not stamped, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

If you live in Poland, read our Living in Poland guide for passport stamping information.

At the Polish border, you may need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• show you have enough money for your stay

If you live in Poland, see our Living in Poland guide for entry requirements and the Polish Border Guards guidance .

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area (including Poland) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

If you are travelling to Poland and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you will need to meet the Polish government’s entry requirements. Check with the Polish Embassy what type of visa and/or work permit you may need.

If you are travelling to Poland for work , read the guidance on visas and permits.

If you stay in Poland with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Poland guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Poland. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into the EU

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food needed for medical reasons.  Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU  on the European Commission website.

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Home → Apply Visa → Visa Type

Visa Information

Select the visa type that is right for you to see important information on visa fees, documents required, forms, photo specifications and processing times.

Applying six months in advance of a trip is now possible

The updated Schengen code makes it possible for travellers to apply six months before their trip.

SCHENGEN-VISA

Travel Medical Insurance list for SCHENGEN-VISA

Common Information Sheet for Schengen Visa Applicants in India

• Business Visit
• Tourist Visit

Jurisdiction

To read more about Jurisdiction, please click here

BUSINESS VISIT

Documents required, photo specifications, processing time, application form.

Basic information:

This category is applicable to persons travelling t for:

• Business trips
• Private entrepreneurs travelling for business purposes
• Journalists

The above mentioned Visa Fee can be paid in cash or card.

VFS Service charge:

Along with the visa fees, there is a service charge of INR 936/- (All VFS’s service charges are inclusive of Goods and Service Tax –SGST @ 9% and CGST@ 9%)) is applicable per visa application and is mandatory to make payment online at the time of booking appointment.

Please Note:

• The applicable visa fee in Indian Rupees is as per the current exchange rate. The same is subject to change without notice.
• The Visa fee and service charges are non-refundable in case the visa is refused.
• There is an optional courier facility available at Rs. 802/- (Inclusive of Goods and Service Tax –SGST @9% and CGST@9%) per application / passport.

The Schengen visa fee is waived for applicants belonging to one of the following categories:

• children under six years;
• school pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training;
• researchers from third countries travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research;
• representatives of non-profit organisations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organised by non-profit organizations;
• family members of the citizens of the European Union (as well as Switzerland and EFTA countries).
• the procedure only applies to EU citizens who move to or reside in another EU Member State than the one of which they are nationals, and it applies to their family members who accompany or join them. This procedure applies only to family members of EU nationals who do not have Polish citizenship or do not have a permanent residence in Poland (https://www.gov.pl/web/india/visas---general-information)

Important update for applicants applying for a Schengen visa.

Applicants who apply for a Schengen visa must visit the respective Visa Application Center in person and submit visa application by themselves along with biometric data (fingerprints).

Submission of visa application through travel agents is not allowed. At the moment of visa application submission, employees of Visa Application Center collect fingerprints from applicants who are 12 years old and above. Applicants, who state that they have already provided fingerprints earlier but do not have the respective mark “VIS” on previous Schengen visa in their passport, will be obliged to submit fingerprints at Visa Application Center.

Note: We regret we cannot accept photographs that do not meet these requirements

Please provide one recent photograph (not more than 6 months old) of yourself, which should not have been used previously in the passport. The photograph should be in colour and:

• Taken against a light background (white or off-white) so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.
• Clear share quality and with the face in focus.
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print).
• Full face, non-smiling [without sunglasses, a hat/cap or other head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of their religious belief or ethnic background]
• Please stick the Photograph on the Visa Application Form.

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. A photo booth meeting these requirements is available at the centre.

Processing time is 15 calendar days and it will start from the submission of the application at the Embassy/ Consulate.

In some cases, the processing time may be prolonged to 30 days.

Kindly note if application is submitted in Satellite centre, it may take up to 48-72 hours in transit to New Delhi/Mumbai. All the applications received from Satellite centers will be sent to Embassy/Consulate on next working day.

Note - General public is here by notify that the customer who are applying from New Delhi, Kolkata, Chandigarh and Jaipur are required to submit online pre filed application form. The applicant has to carry the downloaded filled form while visiting the centre for submission as a mandatory requirement.

TOURIST VISIT

Tourist visa issued for those going for holidays, tourism, entertainment or to see friends and family

Journeys undertaken for the purpose of Official Purpose.

NATIONAL VISA

Long term visa for a stay over 90 and up to 365 days in the Republic of Poland. Please note that the national visa allows to stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within the period of 180 days.

Travel Medical Insurance List for National Visa

General Information:

VISA type-D can be provided for people who are planning to stay on the Polish territory for more than 90 days in total (one or more visits) during a year starting from the day of the first entry.

Long-term VISA type-D gives a right:

• to stay on the Polish territory till the expiration date of VISA;
• to move on the territory of the other countries-members of the Schengen Agreement not more than 90 days during every 180-day period starting from the day of the first entry.
• important information-

The above mentioned Visa Fee cab be paid in cash or card.

Note:  We regret we cannot accept photographs that do not meet these requirements

Note:  Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. A photo booth meeting these requirements is available at the centre.

VISA type-D can be provided for people who are planning to stay on the Polish territory more than 90 days in total (one or more visits) during a year starting from the day of the first entry.

• PL - polski

Poland in the UK

Visas - general information.

Before you apply, you must decide which visa you need:

Airport transit Schengen visa (A-Type)

choose this visa type if you plan to pass through an international transit area of a Schengen airport travelling with a passport of one of these states: Afghanistan, Armenia,   Bangladesh, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka.

Schengen visa (C-Type)

Choose this visa if you plan to stay in Poland or other Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days in each 180-day period of time. This means that you are allowed to stay in the Schengen zone legally only if your stay in Schengen countries did not exceed 90 days over the last 180 days. A special calculator on the European Commission’s website  will help you count how long you can stay in Schengen countries.

You can apply for a Schengen visa in a Polish diplomatic mission if:

• Poland is the only destination country of your visit to the Schengen zone;
• you visit more than one Schengen country, but Poland is your main destination;
• you do not know which Schengen country will be your main destination, but you cross the Schengen border for the first time in Poland.

You need a visa to travel to Poland if you are:

• a holder of British refugees travel document (blue), issued on the basis of the Convention of 28 July 1951,
• a holder of the Certificate of Travel (black),
• a holder of stateless person travel document issued on the basis of New Your Convention of 28 September 1954.

In exceptional cases it is possible to issue a Schengen LTV visa which is valid only in the territory of selected Schengen states.

National visa (D-Type)

Choose this visa if you want to stay in Poland for more than 90 days. The validity of a national visa cannot exceed one year. You also need to apply for a national visa if you seek asylum, if you use Polish Card privileges or if you are going to work or study in Poland.

Simplified Visa procedure for family members of Polish, EU and UK citizens

This procedure applies to:

A family member of a Polish national ; they are:

• a spouse (husband/wife) of a Polish national  if he/she meets the requirements altogether mentioned below: - a Polish national is going to relocate to Poland and reside there permanently, - a Polish national before intended return/relocate to Poland possessed the residence permit for longer time than 3 months in one of the states mentioned in the above act of law, e.g. the United Kingdom, - the marriage took place before or during stay in the UK;
• a child under 21 who is dependent on Polish national or his/her spouse  if he/she meets the requirements altogether mentioned below: - a Polish national is going to relocate to Poland and reside there permanently, - a Polish national before intended return/relocate to Poland possessed the residence permit for longer time than 3 months in one of the states mentioned in the above act of law, e.g. the United Kingdom, - the family life/ties with Polish national strengthen before or during stay in the UK;
• a parent (the dependent direct relatives in the ascending line and those of the spouse who are dependent on Polish national, his/her spouse) if he/she meets the requirements altogether mentioned below: - a Polish national is going to relocate to Poland and reside there permanently, - a Polish national before intended return/relocate to Poland possessed the residence permit for longer time than 3 months in one of the states mentioned in the above act of law, e.g. the United Kingdom, - the family life/ties with Polish national strengthen before or during stay in the UK.

IMPORTANT! The applicant whose family member – a Polish national – does not meet the above requirements shall apply for the Schengen visa based on general rules (see: " C-Type Schengen visa ").

Family members of the EU/EEA  or UK nationals who do not have Polish citizenship or do not have a permanent residence in Poland .

Those nationals include:

• nationals of the EU Member States,
• nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

A family member means:

• a child under 21 who is dependent on an EU national or his/her spouse,
• a parent (the dependent direct relatives in the ascending line and those of the spouse who are dependent on an EU national, his/her spouse).

IMPORTANT! Under the procedure you are eligible to submit your visa application free of charge.

Required documents (originals only; copies are not accepted):

• a printed and signed visa application (filled in online ),a recent photo in colour 35 x 45 mm size,
• a passport (valid for at least three months from the date of the planned departure from Poland or the Schengen area, it should contain at least two blank pages and it should have been issued within the last 10 years),
• a valid UK residence permit,
• a document confirming marriage or partnership with an EU national (marriage certificate, birth certificate or proof of dependency, they should be in English or Polish),
• a passport or ID of an EU/EEA national's spouse, child,
• a document confirming that you accompany an EU national in his/her journey or join him/her in their place of residence (booked travel tickets or a written confirmation from an EU/EEA national's spouse).

Visa refusal

A consul refuses a visa in the form of a decision. You can appeal against the refusal to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Please, make sure you hold the original of the document proving the family ties with the EU/EEA citizen (e.g. marriage or birth certificate) when crossing the Polish border. If you are a family member within the meaning of the Directive and you need an entry visa to travel with the EU/EEA citizen or join them, you have to book visa appointment first.

Biometric data

When you apply for a visa, you have to provide your biometric data: a photo in the case of a national visa and a photo and fingerprints in the case of a Schengen visa.

If you have already applied for a Schengen visa in the recent 59 months and if you have given your fingerprints, you do not have to give them again – the system will automatically transfer your data.

The following applicants do not have to give their fingerprints:

• children under 12,
• persons who are physically unable to give their fingerprints (because they do not have fingers or they suffer from a temporary finger trauma),
• heads of states or governments, members of national governments and their accompanying spouses and members of official delegations if they are invited for official purposes,
• monarchs and high-ranking members of royal families, if they are invited for official purposes.

Personal data

The authority responsible for the processing of personal data that are in the Visa Information System (VIS) is the Central Technical Authority of the National Information System at the National Police Headquarters, address: ul. Puławska 148/150, 02-624 Warszawa, Poland.

Complaints concerning personal data protection are handled by the Inspector General for Personal Data Protection, address: ul. Stawki 2, 00-193 Warszawa, Poland.

Legal basis

The Act on entering the territory of the Republic of Poland, residence and departure from this territory of nationals of Member States of the European Union and their family members of 14 July 2006

The Act on Foreigners of 12 December 2013

The Consular Law Act of 25 June 2015