Visa requirements

Poland

General visa requirements for travelling to Poland. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Journalist visa (National Visa D - Journalist/Foreign Correspondent)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 365 days
Processing time: 15-30 working days
Fee: EUR 135 (National Visa D fee)
Validity: Up to 1 year (Visa D); then apply for temporary residence permit
Entry: Multiple entry

National Visa D for foreign correspondents and journalists on long-term media assignments in Poland exceeding 90 days. After arrival, the journalist should apply for a temporary residence permit. Press accreditation from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is required for permanent foreign correspondents.

Eligibility

Nationality
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) employed as journalists or media correspondents.
Employment
Must be employed by or contracted to a recognized media organization for a long-term assignment in Poland.

Required status: Employment or contract with media organization

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, colour
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

Accepted types: Long-term accommodation proof; Must cover full stay: No
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: National visa D application form; Form url: https://secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl/
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card; Amount: EUR 135
Press credentials
Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather press credentials, media organization letters, passport, photos, insurance, and accommodation proof.
Online application
Submit the national visa D application via e-Konsulat.
Appointment booking
Book appointment at Polish embassy or consulate.
Fee payment
Pay national visa D fee of EUR 135.
Document submission
Submit all documents in person.
Biometrics
Provide biometric data.
Processing wait
Wait for processing, 15-30 working days.
Visa collection
Collect passport with visa D sticker.

Journalist visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Journalist/Media)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: 15 calendar days standard, up to 45 calendar days
Fee: EUR 90 (adults)
Validity: 90 days within any 180-day period
Entry: Single entry

Schengen Type C visa for journalists and media representatives on short-term assignments in Poland. Poland does not have a separate journalist visa category; media professionals apply for a standard Schengen C visa with journalist-specific supporting documents. For longer media assignments exceeding 90 days, a National Visa D must be obtained. Journalists covering events may need press accreditation from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Eligibility

Nationality
Nationals of Annex I countries under EU Regulation 2018/1806.
Purpose of visit
Must be traveling for legitimate media or journalism purposes. Must have valid press credentials.
Includes
- Media coverage
- journalism
Employment
Must be employed by or contracted to a recognized media organization.

Required status: Employment or contract with media organization

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, colour
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

Accepted types: Hotel reservation or accommodation for media assignment; Must cover full stay: No
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Schengen visa application form; Form url: https://secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl/
Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card; Amount: EUR 90
Press credentials
Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather press credentials, media organization letter, passport, photos, insurance, and assignment details.
Online application
Complete the Schengen visa application form via e-Konsulat.
Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the Polish embassy or consulate.
Fee payment
Pay the visa fee of EUR 90.
Document submission
Submit all documents in person during your appointment.
Biometrics
Provide biometric data if not recorded within 59 months.
Processing wait
Wait for processing, typically 15 calendar days.
Visa collection
Collect passport with the visa sticker.

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.