Do you need a visa to travel to Poland? What are the requirements for applying for one? What documents will you need to present and how long you will be able to stay? Find out in this article.
Citizens of a number of countries can travel to Poland visa-free. This includes all the member states of the Schengen Area as well as a number of other countries (Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Mexico, New Zealand, and others).
Unless you come from one of the countries exempt from the visa requirements, you will need to apply for a visa prior to making your travel plans.
Conditions
The Schengen C visa is the most popular option when visiting Poland. It is valid for a maximum of three months and allows you to make a short stay not only in Poland but also other member states of the Schengen Area.
For a longer stay in Poland (over 90 days), you will need to consider applying for the national D visa.
The A visa, or airport visa, allows foreigners to transit through Poland on their way to another destination. With an A visa, you will not be allowed to go beyond the airport's international transit zone. The visa is specially designed for nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, and Sri Lanka.
Procedures
The documents you will need to produce to apply for a visa depend on the type of visa requested as well as your country of residence. Thus, it's always a good idea to inquire about the specific procedures at your local Polish Embassy or Consulate.
However, there is a general list of documents and information you will be asked to provide.
In order to apply for the Schengen or C visa (short stay), you will need the following:
- your passport (issued by competent authorities not more than ten years before, valid for at least three months beyond your return date and comprising two blank pages)
- a duly filled and signed application form
- a passport size identity photo
- a health insurance with a minimum of 30,000 euros threshold (valid within the Schengen area)
- other documents such as proof of accommodation, the purpose of your stay, proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the country, return tickets, etc.
In order to apply for the National or D visa (long stay), you are required to produce the following:
- your passport
- a duly filled and signed visa application form
- a passport size identity photo
- a health insurance certificate
- other documents such as proof of accommodation, the purpose of stay, information regarding the estimated duration of your stay, proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, etc.
Note that fees apply for both C and D visas.
Exemptions
Nationals of the European Union and of the European Economic Area do not require a visa to travel to Poland. Nationals of a number of other countries are also exempt from the visa requirement for a less than 90 days stay in the country. Find the relevant list in the useful links below.
Useful links:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs ' Poland Missions Abroad
Ministry of Foreign Affairs ' Visa exemptions
e-Konsulat ' Visa application and online appointment system
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