Traveling to Poland
One of the top five largest states in Europe in terms of population, Poland attracts many tourists. Warsaw, its capital, has a fascinating history, while the country in general is renowned for its friendliness and accessibility.
You may need a visa to travel to Poland, depending on where you are from (nationality), the length of your trip (duration of stay), and your reason for travel (type of visa needed).
There are numerous types of visas for Poland, which are valid for travel for specific purposes and times. Different Poland visas have different Poland visa requirements and validity periods.
In general, Poland visas can be divided into two main categories: short stay visas and long stay visas (a long stay visa for Poland is required for those looking to spend more than 90 days in the country).
Another main distinction relates to allowed entries: a single entry will allow you just one entry into the country; a multiple entry visa for Poland will let you enter and exit as many times as needed.
Poland visa types
Schengen Visas
- Business
- Cultural
- Medical
- Official Visit
- Sports
Transit Visa (Type A)
- Poland transit visa
Short Term Visas (Type C)
- Study
- Tourism (Poland Tourist visa)
- Visiting Family or Friends
- Other
Long Term Visas (Type D, National)
Long stay visas to Poland allow you to stay in the country for up to one year, and are available for the following purposes:
- Poland Working visa
- Poland Student visa
- Other
Poland visa requirements
The following documents are typically required for all visas to Poland:
Passport
Official, government-issued document, not older than 10 years, with the correct validity length (a minimum three months past the intended day of exit from Poland)
Visa fee
Your Poland visa fee will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, and possibly other factors, such as your age. The basic adult Schengen visa fee for Poland is 80 EUR (long stay visa fees vary). Fees are generally non-refundable, even in the case of a denied visa.
Personal photos
Two recently taken photos of the applicant. Photos should be passport style (and have passport dimensions).
Additional documents:
You will almost certainly have to submit additional documents on your Poland visa application. Requested documents are typically those which help visa authorities confirm your identity, determine the truthfulness of your stated purpose of travel, and assess your financial state. The type of Poland visa you apply for will determine your supplemental documents, which may include the following:
Biographical documents
Identity documents, such as your birth certificate
Financial materials
Documents showing your finances, such as your bank balance
Accommodation
Information about where you will stay in Poland
Educational materials
Proof of university education, etc.
Proof of medical insurance
Please note that all documents may need to be written in Polish or English (or accompanied by official translations into either).
Poland visa application
Applicants for Poland visas should follow these general steps, which may vary slightly depending on numerous factors, including visa type and application destination.
- Access Poland’s online application system (e-Konsulat)
All applicants should begin by accessing https://secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl. From there, you will do the following:
Determine where to apply
Find the physical destination for your application (the Poland Embassy/ Consulate or associated visa-application center where you live) by entering your country of residence in the search box.
Choose your visa duration
Determine how long you intend to be in Poland i.e. what type of Poland visa you need: long, short, or airport. Once you know, you will select either the Schengen visa or National visa “type of service” to access your correct form and make an appointment.
Schedule your visa interview
Almost all Poland visa applicants, even those who apply online, must attend a visa appointment at their application destination. Scheduling a Poland visa interview can take days, weeks, or even months if you apply through the Poland visa portal, you should be able to view appointment openings and ultimately schedule your interview online. Alternatively, you may need to reach out to the application destination directly (via email/phone) to make an appointment. - Fill out your visa application
Access the preliminary application form
Fill out the basic online information, including purpose Schengen visa or national visa type), entry category, and other essential information.
Pay your Poland visa fee
You may be able to pay for your visa at this stage of the application (online). Alternatively, you will be asked to submit payment at step 3 (your visa interview). - Gather the rest of your documents
Gather your required documents as well as the supplemental ones required for your specific Poland visa type.
- Attend your visa interview
This is where you will submit your biometric information, be interviewed, and meet other requirements pertaining to your visa type. This is typically the final stage of the Poland visa application process; you will either be granted a visa upon the conclusion of your appointment, receive a rejection, or leave to await a decision.
Please note certain visas may require subsequent steps. For example, if you are applying for a long term Poland Business visa or Poland Working visa you may need to apply for a Poland work permit, while other long term visas may require you to apply for a residence permit for Poland. For more information about whether your visa application will subsequently require you to seek a Poland Work Permit or residence permit for Poland, make sure to research the specific visa requirements for your specific visa type.
Where to apply for Poland visa
Poland visa application processing occurs at Polish embassies and consulates (and their associated visa application centers) around the world (application destination). While Poland has an online application system, applicants must also fulfill the in-person Poland visa requirements at their application destination. If you are outside of Poland and are applying for a Poland visa, you will apply through the Poland embassy/consulate or visa application center where you live. If there is no Poland mission in your country, you will likely apply for your Poland visa through the embassy/consulate of another country, which is representing Poland interests abroad.
When to apply for a Poland Visa
Applicants for short-stay visas to Poland are advised to submit their application a minimum of fourteen days before their intended trip. And while applying well in advance is recommended, applying too early (i.e. over six months before departure) is discouraged.
Poland visa processing time
The Poland visa application processing time varies. Factors which determine how long it will take to get your visa include the following:
- Poland visa type
- Application destination
- Your nationality
- The completeness of application
Depending on all of these factors, you could expect to receive a visa in days, weeks, or even months after you apply.