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.
Tourist visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa-Free Access (Annex II Countries))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A
- Fee
- None (ETIAS EUR 7 from late 2026)
- Validity
- 90 days within any 180-day period
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Nationals of Annex II countries under EU Regulation 2018/1806 may enter Poland and the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. ETIAS pre-travel authorization (EUR 7) will be required from late 2026. For Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine, the visa-free regime applies only to holders of biometric passports. Serbia exception: holders of passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate are not visa-exempt.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Must hold a passport from an Annex II country listed in EU Regulation 2018/1806.
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Purpose of visit
Visit must be for tourism, business meetings, family visits, or other short-stay purposes. Not permitted to work or study.
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Criminal record
Must not be listed in the Schengen Information System (SIS) as inadmissible.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel reservation, host invitation, etc.; Must cover full stay: No
Tourist visa (EU/EEA/Swiss Free Movement)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Processing time
- N/A
- Fee
- None
- Validity
- Unlimited as EU/EEA/CH citizens
- Entry
- Multiple entry
EU, EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and Swiss nationals have full freedom of movement within Poland. No visa or residence permit required for any duration. Right to live and work freely. National ID card or passport sufficient for entry. After 3 months of stay, EU citizens should register their residence with the local voivode.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Must be a citizen of an EU member state, EEA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), or Switzerland.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Validity months: 0
Tourist visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Tourism)
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 if additional checks needed
- Fee
- EUR 90 (adults), EUR 45 (children 6-11), free (children under 6)
- Validity
- 90 days within any 180-day period
- Entry
- Single entry
Standard Schengen Type C visa for tourism purposes. Nationals of Annex I countries under EU Regulation 2018/1806 must apply at a Polish embassy or consulate via the e-Konsulat system. Applications may be submitted 6 months to 15 days before travel. Multiple-entry visas with longer validity may be issued for frequent travelers. Since June 11, 2024, the standard Schengen visa fee is EUR 90 for adults.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Nationals of Annex I countries under EU Regulation 2018/1806 who require a Schengen visa for short stays.
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover accommodation, living expenses, and return travel.
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Purpose of visit
Must demonstrate genuine tourism purpose with a clear itinerary and return travel plans.
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Criminal record
Must not be listed in the Schengen Information System (SIS). Must not pose a threat to public policy, internal security, or public health.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, colour, light background, full face
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Bank statement
Months required: 3
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host; Must cover full stay: Yes
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
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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/
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
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Travel itinerary
Provide an itinerary showing travel dates, destinations and planned accommodation.
Must include addresses: Yes; Must include dates: Yes
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card (varies by location); Amount: EUR 90
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Hotel booking
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must cover full stay: Yes
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather all required documents including passport, photos, insurance, financial proof, accommodation proof, and flight reservations.
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Online application
Register on the e-Konsulat system (https://secure.e-konsulat.gov.pl/) and complete the Schengen visa application form online.
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the Polish embassy, consulate, or authorized VFS Global center via e-Konsulat.
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee of EUR 90 (adults) at the time of submission. Additional service fees may apply at VFS Global.
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Document submission
Submit all documents in person at the embassy, consulate, or VFS Global center during your appointment.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (10 fingerprints and digital photograph) unless done for another Schengen visa within the past 59 months.
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Processing wait
Wait for processing, typically 15 calendar days. May take up to 45 days if additional checks are required.
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Visa collection
Collect your passport with the visa sticker from the embassy, consulate, or VFS Global center.