Applications for Schengen Visas in Poland

Poland, the sixth-most populous member of the EU, has a population of 38.307 million people and a land area of 312,696 km2. The nation, officially known as the Republic of Poland, has one of the EU's most vibrant economies.

Since it entered the Schengen Area in 2007, all visitors from around the world can enter Poland with a Schengen visa and submit an application for one at the Polish Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

With 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, its capital Warsaw, and other significant towns including Kraków, ód, Wroclaw, Pozna, Gdansk, and Szczecin, Poland has a burgeoning tourism industry.

The Wawel Castle, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Malbork Castle, Gdansk Old Town, Masurian lakes, and of course Poland's capital Warsaw are a few of the country's major tourist destinations.

Entry requirements for Poland

You will need to show the Austrian border guard your travel and identification documents when you arrive at the Polish port of entry. If you are an EEA citizen, all you need to bring is a form of identification.

On the other hand, if you are not an EEA citizen, you must provide the following paperwork:

• a valid passport or other travel authorization. issued during the last ten years, valid for at least three more months beyond your anticipated date of exit from Schengen.
• a visa if you are required to have one by Polish law.
• Documents demonstrating the intent to stay and its terms. like a letter of invitation.
• evidence of adequate financial resources. 67.76€ or 300 PLN as a minimum for stays of three days. And if your journey is longer, at least 100 PLN ($22.59) or 22.59€ each day of stay.

In addition to these papers, the Polish border guard could inquire about your visit to Poland by asking you:

• What is your purpose for visiting Poland?
• How long do you intend to stay in Poland?
• Where are you going to stay in Poland? Etc.

Remember that the border police have the last say in whether or not you are allowed to enter Poland. After reviewing your documentation, the Polish border guard may let you into Poland and the Schengen area if they determine that you pose no threat to Poland.

When entering Poland, kindly make sure the Polish border guard stamps your passport. If you leave Poland without a stamp, you risk being fined or imprisoned.

To enter Poland, who needs a Schengen visa?

Apply for a short-stay visa to enter Poland and any other member country of the Schengen zone, before heading to this area, if you belong to one of the following categories:

• You are a passport holder of a third-world country that has not reached a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states.
• You are a passport holder of a third-world country that has signed a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states, but you were previously rejected from entering Poland or any other Schengen country.

What Paperwork Is Necessary for a Schengen Visa Application for Poland?

Due to the Schengen Visa Code, to enter the Republic of Poland you will need to fulfill the Poland visa requirements. The mandatory required documents for a visa to Poland are as follows:

• Polish visa application form. Fulfill the form with your computer, print it, and sign it at the end.
• Two identical photos. The photos should be in passport format – a recent whole-face capture with a light background. See photograph requirements & specifications.
• Your valid passport. It should contain at least two blank pages in order to be able to affix the visa sticker. Check the validity of your passport before you apply, since it must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you exit the Schengen territory. It must be no older than 10 years, as well.
• Copies of your previous visas (if applicable).
• Poland Travel Health Insurance. You are required to submit a document, which confirms that you have purchased travel insurance for Poland and the whole territory of Schengen, with a minimum of €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies, and repatriation in case of death.
• Round-trip Flight Itinerary. Evidence you have a booked flight, to enter and leave Poland. This document should specify flight numbers, dates, and your details.
• Proof of accommodation. A document that shows where you will stay in Poland I.e. a hotel reservation.
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Poland. The Polish embassy/consulate wants you to prove that you have a minimum of 300 PLN or 67.76€ per 3-day stay. And an amount of at least 100 PLN or 22.59€ per day of stay, if your trip is longer than three days. If the accommodation costs are covered by a third party or prior to travel, the daily amount reduces to 20 PLN or 4.52€
• A cover letter. A personal letter in which you explain why you are applying to visit Poland, how long you plan to stay, when will you leave, and other details.
• Proof of civil status. This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.

Based on Your Employment Status, Additional Polish Visa Requirements

The additional Poland visa requirements depending on your working status are as follows:

If employed:

• Employment contract
• Current bank statement for the latest 6 months
• Leave permission from the employer
• Income Tax Return (ITR) form

If self-employed:

• A copy of your business license
• Company bank statement for the latest 6 months
• Income Tax Return (ITR)

If a student:

• Proof of enrollment
• No-objection certificate from school or university
• Advertisements

If retired:

• Pension statement of the latest 6 months

If applicable:

• Proof of regular income generated by a property, for the last 6 months

Additional Polish Visa Requirements for Minors

Minors applying to get a short-stay visa to Poland, or parents applying for their minor child to get a visa, will need to complete the following additional Polish Visa Requirements in their application file:

• Birth certificate of the minor traveling to Poland.
• Poland application form signed by both parents.
• Family court order. In cases where only one parent has full custody over the child.
• Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents
• If the minor will be traveling alone with another person:
• An original copy of the accompanying person’s passport page containing the holder’s data, expiry date, a recent photograph, and a valid visa copy.
• A notarized parental authorization to travel to Poland, signed by both parents/guardians

*Note: When applying at the Polish embassy/consulate in their home country, the guardian or parent should accompany the minor.

Additional Conditions Depending on the Reason for Entry into Poland

Depending on your purpose for visiting Poland, you may need to present some additional documentation to demonstrate that you are eligible to enter and remain in Poland. Find the additional Poland visa requirements listed below based on your reason for visiting.

Poland Airport Transit Visa Requirements

If Poland is not your destination country, but instead you only need to land at one of the Polish airports, in order to take another flight that will take you to your non-Schengen destination country, you will need to apply for a Poland Airport Transit Visa.

Required Documents for an Airport Transit Schengen Visa to Poland

When applying to obtain a Poland Airport Transit visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• A valid visa (if needed) for the final country one is traveling to.
• The flight ticket for the final country you are traveling to.

Poland Transit Visa Requirements

Foreign nationals who need to disembark at a Polish harbor to take another vessel to their non-Schengen/EEA destination country will need to apply for a Poland Transit Visa.

Required Documents for a Transit Schengen Visa to Poland

When applying to obtain a Poland Transit visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• A valid visa (if required) for the final country you are traveling to.
• The ticket for the final country you are traveling to.
• Original and photocopy of Seaman’s book (required only for seafarers).
• Letter from the inviting Shipping Company. Issued by the inviting Shipping Company in Poland (required only for seafarers).
• Employment contract. Contract with the navigation company/ship in order to board the ship (required only for seafarers).

Poland Tourist Visa Requirements

You shall apply for a Polish Schengen Tourist visa if you wish to visit Poland for vacations or for sightseeing and experiencing the country and its culture.

Required Documents for a Tourist Schengen Visa to Poland

When applying to obtain a Polish Tourist visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Bank statement. Preferably for the last 6 months.
• Travel Itinerary. A description of your trip day-to-day.
• Proof of how you will be financing your trip to Poland.

Poland Visitor Visa Requirements

If you want to travel to Poland in order to visit a friend or family member that lives there, upon their invitation, then you will need to apply for a Polish visitor visa.

Required Documents for a Schengen Visitor Visa to Poland

When applying to obtain a visa to visit your friends or relatives in Poland, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Written and signed invitation from the inviting person, which states the conditions of visit, period of stay, who covers expenses, etc.
• An official invitation registered with appropriate Polish authorities (Urzad Wojewodzki)
• Photocopy of the inviting person’s Polish/EU passport/national ID (if applicable) and – in case the inviting person is not a Polish/EU citizen – photocopy of the inviting person’s visa or residence  permit in Poland/EU;

Poland Business Visa Requirements

When traveling to Poland in order to engage in activities related to business, i.e. visiting a business/company, having meetings, making business deals, recruiting, to train, or other similar activities, you will need to hold a Polish Business Visa.

Required Documents for a Business Schengen Visa to Poland

When applying to obtain a Polish Business visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• A letter from your employer. In this letter should be stated why you will be traveling to Poland.
• Invitation letter from company/authority in Poland with full address, stating the purpose and duration of the business trip.
• Evidence on the purpose of entry – information on event/congress/trade fair, i.e. information about organizer/host incl. full address in Poland, duration of the event, and purpose of participation (e.g. confirmed congress participation, trade fair visitor’s ticket or exhibitor’s ticket, confirmation proof of trade fair exhibitor).
• Proof of trip financing. Regarding your expenses during your stay in Poland, either the employer or the partner company must state coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation.

Poland Study Visa Requirements

You should apply for this visa if the main purpose of your trip to Poland is to attend a study course, training or an internship related to your field of study.

Required Documents for a Student Schengen Visa to Poland

When applying to get a Polish Student visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Acceptance/enrollment letter allowing attendance of courses.
• No objection letter from the educational institution where you are currently enrolled (if applicable).
• Internship agreement. Signed between the company in Poland, the establishment of origin, and the trainee.

Poland Medical Visa Requirements

If you want to enter Poland in order to seek medical treatment and undergo health therapies, surgeries, or similar, then you will need to apply for a Polish Medical Visa, prior to your trip.

Required Documents for a Medical Schengen Visa to Poland

When applying to get a visa to receive medical care in Poland, you must provide the following additional documents:

• A local medical report. Issued from a doctor/clinic/hospital in your home country, confirming that you need medical treatment in Poland.
• A medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in Poland, confirming the date of your appointment as well as your medical situation. It should also confirm that the hospital can perform the specific medical treatment and that you will be accepted accordingly.
• Proof of financial arrangement made. Pre-payment of the treatment or other proof of sufficient financial means to cover the medical treatment and related expenses, such as additional insurance.
• Correspondence between the sending and receiving sides.
• Official confirmation of the treatment/appointment by the receiving medical institution (hospital/clinic).

Poland Visa for Cultural/Sports/Film Crew/Religious Purposes Requirements

If you are a member of a film crew traveling to Poland for movie scene shooting, or you wish to attend a cultural / sports / religious event in Poland, then you will have to apply for a short-term Polish Visa for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew, or Religious Purposes.

Required Documents for a Schengen Visa to Poland for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew, or Religious Purposes

When applying to get a Polish visa for the purpose of attending a Cultural / Sports / Religious Event in Poland you must provide the following additional documents:

• Event Information. As:
  • Invitation letter from the relevant body in Poland with details on the nature of events or activities that are to be held in Poland.
  • Entry tickets to the event.
  • Enrollment conditions & detailed program of the event in Poland.
  • Other documents present the names of the applicants (crewmembers) and other relevant information about the event.
• Proof of previous performances. Participation in previous festivals and ceremonies (cultural, religious), sports competitions, winners' certificates, and proof of world/international ranking (sports).
• Documents proving the applicant’s qualifications for the purpose of the visit, i.e. proof of employment in a related field, career history; certificates, diplomas, etc.

Poland Visa for Spouse of Polish National Requirements

If your spouse (husband or wife) is a Polish national, and you wish to travel to Poland for a short-stay visit, then you can apply for a Poland Visa for the Wife/Husband of a Polish Citizen.

Required Documents for a Polish Schengen Visa for the Wife/Husband of a Polish Citizen

When applying to get a Polish visa as the spouse of a Polish national/citizen, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Proof of Polish citizenship (ID card or consular card or certification of Polish nationality or naturalization order).
• Polish marriage certificate.
• Polish family record book.

Poland Official Visit Visa Requirements

When traveling to Poland as a member of an Official Delegation representing the government, an institution or an organization, you will need to apply for a Polish Visa for Official Visits.

Polish Schengen Visa for Members of Official Delegations

When applying to get a Polish visa as a member of an official delegation, you must provide the following additional documents:

• The official invitation copy.
• Evidence about the purpose of the journey (negotiations, meetings, events by intergovernmental organizations, consultations).

How to Apply for a Polish Short-Stay Visa?

In order to complete the application process to obtain a short-stay visa to Poland, you must follow these steps:

1. Find out where you need to apply for a visa to Poland.
2. Choose the right Poland visa type. Based on the purpose of your travel to Poland, choose the right visa type to apply for.
3. Figure out where you need to apply for a Poland visa.
4. Collect the required documents for a visa to Poland. Make sure you collect the right documents for the type of Polish visa you are applying for and that they all comply with the criteria as defined by the Polish embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
5. Make a visa appointment.
6. Attend the visa interview.
7. Wait for your application to be processed.

Where to Apply for a Polish Short-Stay Visa?

Where you need to lodge your application depends on the Polish authorities in your country of residence.  You will have to apply at one of the following Poland diplomatic bodies in your home country:

• The Polish Embassy
• A Polish consulate
• A Visa Application Center to which Poland has outsourced visa submission
• The Embassy / Consulate of another Schengen country to which Poland has outsourced visa submission

Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa at the Polish Embassy / Consulate / VAC?

Additionally, the Polish embassy/consulate will process your application only if you meet the following criteria:

• Poland is your main destination, which means:
  • Poland is the only Schengen country you will be visiting.
  • You will visit other Schengen countries, but you will be spending more days in Poland
  • You will be spending an equal amount of days in each country, but you will enter the Schengen Zone through Poland.
• You are one of the following:
  • A citizen of the country from where you are applying.
  • A foreign citizen on a permanent/temporary residence permit in the country from where you are applying.

You cannot apply for a short-stay Polish visa from a country in which you are currently on a visa.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Polish Visa?

The processing time for a Poland short-stay visa takes no longer than 15 days. Exceptional cases may take up 30 days, since the Polish embassies may have to consult with other Schengen consulates.

To avoid any delay in the issuance of your Polish short-stay visa, you should submit your application as soon as possible, though no earlier than three months before you travel to Poland.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Polish Visa?

The Polish Schengen Visa fees are as follows:

• Poland visas for adult travelers – €80
• Poland visas for children (6 – 12 years) – €40
• Poland visas for children (under 6 years) – Waived

Moreover, according to the applicant’s nationality, the purpose of the visit, and some other factors, there are some categories of applicants exempt from paying the fee and others that need to pay a lower amount as well.

How Long Can We Stay in Poland Without a Visa?

The permitted length of your visa-free stay in Poland depends on your nationality. If you are a passport holder of one of the following, you can enter Poland visa-free, and stay there for up to 90 days:

• EU / EEA member countries– you need to register with the relevant Polish authorities if you wish to stay longer.
• Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of South Korea, or the United States of America – you need to obtain a residence permit within three months of arrival in Poland if you wish to stay longer.
• Poland visa-exempt countries – you need to obtain a Polish National visa for long stays from your country of residence if you wish to stay longer.

Whereas, if you are a passport holder of any of the countries that still have not signed a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area, you must obtain a visa before heading to Poland, or any other Schengen member country.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you understand the 90/180 Schengen Visa Rule. Do not violate this rule, not even for one day, since you may face consequences for overstaying in the Schengen territory.

Can I Extend My Schengen Visa in Poland?

Yes, you can extend your Polish Schengen visa, but only in exceptional cases where new facts and special reasons arise after entry into Poland, such as i.e. humanitarian reasons or force majeure.

The Civil and Migration Affairs Departments in Voivodeship Offices, where you can apply for a visa extension in Poland are as follows:

• Wojewoda Mazowiecki
• Wojewoda Kujawsko-Pomorski
• Wojewoda Lubelski
• Wojewoda Lubuski
• Wojewoda Łódzki
• Wojewoda Małopolski
• Wojewoda Dolnośląski
• Wojewoda Opolski
• Wojewoda Podkarpacki
• Wojewoda Podlaski
• Wojewoda Pomorski
• Wojewoda Śląski
• Wojewoda Warmińsko-Mazurski
• Wojewoda Świętokrzyski
• Wojewoda Wielkopolski
• Wojewoda Zachodniopomorski

Can My Polish Schengen Visa Be Revoked?

Yes, your Poland visa can be revoked, in case the competent Polish authorities conclude that the conditions for issuing the visa are no longer met.

If you are in Poland when the decision on the revocation of your visa happens, you will be given a deadline to leave Poland. If you do not leave Poland or the territory of Schengen within this period, you will then be considered an illegal resident in Poland.

Please note that failure of the visa holder to provide the border officer, with the entry requirements, may also lead to a decision to annul or revoke the visa, though not automatically.