Poland Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| British | Yes | Yes | No |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | No |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | No |
| USA | Yes | Yes | No |
| EU | See below | No | No |
Passports
EU nationals: When travelling from one border-free Schengen country to another by car, you are not required to show a passport or national ID card. However, transport providers like airlines, train operators and ferry companies will require you to show your passport or ID card to prove your identity.
Non-EU nationals: To enter Poland, you must have a valid passport issued within the past ten years and with at least three months left. You must also have a return ticket and sufficient funds for the length of stay.
Poland is a member of the Schengen Agreement, but beware that EU members such as Cyprus and Ireland are not part of the Schengen area, so a passport or ID card is required if travelling to/from these countries.
Passport Note
Passport and visa regulations are subject to change, and airlines may have different requirements. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should check with the relevant embassy before departure, particularly when transiting through a third country. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these requirements.
Visas
EU nationals: Citizens of EU and EEA countries do not need a visa to enter Poland. But those planning to stay longer than 90 days must apply for a residence registration certificate with local authorities.
Non-EU Nationals: Citizens of the following countries can visit Poland and other Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period:
Africa: Seychelles.
Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Asia: Brunei, Georgia, Hong Kong (SAR passport holders), Israel, Japan, Macao (SAR passport holders), Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan (passport must include an identity card number), Timor-Leste, United Arab Emirates.
Europe: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, San Marino, Serbia (biometric passports only; excluding those issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate), Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican City.
Oceania: Australia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Nationals from countries not listed above are advised to contact the nearest Polish embassy or consulate to verify visa requirements.
Types and Cost
Short-stay (Schengen C) visa: €90 for those aged 12 and above, €45 for children aged six to 11, and free for children under six. Certain categories, such as students, researchers, and family members of EU/EEA citizens, are exempt from fees.
Validity
The Schengen C visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Application to
Contact the nearest Polish embassy, consulate, or authorised visa application centre. Applications can be initiated online via the gov.pl e-Konsulat system.
Schengen Visas
Poland is a Schengen country, so the Schengen visa rules apply.
Temporary residence
EU nationals: Must register their stay with local authorities if staying in Poland longer than 90 days.
Working days
Schengen visa applications are generally processed within 15 calendar days, though this may extend up to 45 days in specific cases. Applicants should apply well in advance of their planned travel.
Sufficient Funds
Schengen visa applicants must provide proof of funds to cover their stay.
Extension of stay
Short-stay Schengen visas can only be extended in exceptional circumstances such as force majeure or humanitarian reasons.
Entry with pets
Pets entering Poland from other EU countries must have a microchip, an EU pet passport, and a valid rabies vaccination. Pets from non-EU countries must comply with EU entry requirements, including an animal health certificate and, where applicable, a rabies antibody test.
This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
British Embassy in Poland
Telephone: (022) 311 0000.
Website: http://www.gov.uk/government/world/poland
Address: , ul. Kawalerii 12, Warsaw, 00-468,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0830-1630.
Embassy of the Republic of Poland in the UK
Telephone: (020) 7291 3520.
Website: http://www.london.mfa.gov.pl/en
Address: , 47 Portland Place, London, W1B 1JH,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0830-1630.
Embassy of the Republic of Poland in the USA
Telephone: (202) 499 1700.
Website: http://washington.mfa.gov.pl/en/
Address: , 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1500.
