How to Apply: Schengen Visa
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Learn More: Schengen Visa
What you need to know
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The Poland Schengen Visa is a multiple-entry travel document to visit Poland and all 27 countries of the Schengen Area.
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You can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days.
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We advise you to apply for this visa 2 months ahead to avoid any delays.
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With the Poland Schengen Visa you can do tourism, unpaid business activities, short-term studies, sports or cultural activities, visit friends and family and receive health treatment.
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You can complete the visa application form online with iVisa. We assigned you an iVisa Expert to review your application to make it 100% government-compliant, so you can avoid rejections.
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To apply, you will need your valid passport. It needs to have been issued for the past 10 years, be valid for at least 3 months after your planned stay, and contain at least 2 blank pages.
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For this visa, you will have to pay a government fee of $88 USD (80 euros) in cash (appointment fee not included).
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Children between the age of 6 and 11 will need to pay a government fee of $44 USD (40 euros) in cash.
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Sometimes these fees can be paid online, depending on the country you are applying from.
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Children under 6 years old don’t need to pay a government fee.
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Children and spouses of EU citizens or family members of Polish citizens don’t have to pay a government fee.
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You can check the FAQ section to learn more about visa fees.
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iVisa is a legitimate company, accredited and recognized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see the FAQs below.
How to apply for a Poland Schengen Visa
Last updated: April 2024
Dreaming of exploring Poland's historic cities and picturesque landscapes? The Poland Schengen Visa is your gateway to an unforgettable European journey!
The Schengen Visa is a unified travel permit for 27 European countries, including Poland, with vibrant cities like Warsaw and Kraków and the breathtaking Tatra Mountains.
This guide will cover everything from document preparation to form submission, making your visa application a breeze.
What is the Poland Schengen Visa?
The Poland Schengen Visa is a travel permit that allows foreign nationals to enter Poland and other countries within the Schengen Area for a short stay.
The Schengen Area operates as a unified zone with no internal border controls, making it easier for travelers to move freely between member countries without additional visas or passport checks at each border.
What can I do with the Polish Schengen Visa?
The Poland Schengen Visa offers the following travel purposes:
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Do tourist activities.
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Visit friends and family.
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Conduct business activities.
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Participate in short studies and traineeships.
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Receive health treatments.
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Attend sports and cultural events.
What can’t I do with the Polish Schengen Visa?
The Poland Schengen Visa doesn’t permit holders to engage in paid work or long-term studies in Poland. For information regarding work visas, please refer to the official website of the Polish government.
Who can apply for the Poland Schengen Visa?
To apply for a Polish Schengen Visa, you must meet specific criteria. These include:
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Purpose of visit: Have an accepted reason for visiting Poland, such as tourism or business.
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Duration of stay: Your intended stay in Poland can’t exceed the maximum allowed period as stated in the visa conditions (more info below).
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Intention to return: You must prove your intention to leave the Schengen area before your visa expires. You can do this by showing ties to your home country, such as work or family obligations.
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Funds to cover your stay: You must prove you can pay for your trip’s expenses using bank statements, proof of employment, or a sponsorship letter.
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Travel insurance: It’s mandatory to have travel medical insurance that covers medical expenses. It must have a minimum coverage of €30,000 and be valid in the entire Schengen Area.
Which nationalities are eligible for the Poland Schengen Visa?
Most foreign visitors coming from outside the Schengen area or the European Union must fulfill all the requirements to get a Polish Schengen Visa. Here is the list of eligible countries:
Afghanistan | Ethiopia | Niger |
Algeria | Fiji | Nigeria |
Angola | Gabon | North Korea |
Armenia | Gambia | Oman |
Azerbaijan | Ghana | Pakistan |
Bahrain | Guinea | Papua New Guinea |
Bangladesh | Guinea-Bissau | Philippines |
Belarus | Guyana | Qatar |
Belize | Haiti | Russia |
Benin | India | Rwanda |
Bhutan | Indonesia | Sao Tome and Principe |
Bolivia | Iran | Saudi Arabia |
Botswana | Iraq | Senegal |
Burkina Faso | Jamaica | Sierra Leone |
Burma/Myanmar | Jordan | Somalia |
Burundi | Kazakhstan | South Africa |
Cambodia | Kenya | South Sudan |
Cameroon | Kuwait | Sri Lanka |
Cape Verde | Kyrgyzstan | Sudan |
Central African Republic | Laos | Suriname |
Chad | Lebanon | Syria |
China | Lesotho | Tajikistan |
Comoros | Liberia | Tanzania |
Congo | Libya | Thailand |
Cote d'Ivoire | Madagascar | Togo |
Cuba | Malawi | Tunisia |
Democratic Republic of Congo | Maldives | Turkey |
Djibouti | Mali | Turkmenistan |
Dominican Republic | Mauritania | Uganda |
Ecuador | Mongolia | Uzbekistan |
Egypt | Morocco | Vanuatu |
Equatorial Guinea | Mozambique | Vietnam |
Eritrea | Namibia | Yemen |
Eswatini | Nauru | Zambia |
Nepal | Zimbabwe |
Who is visa-exempt for Poland?
Residents of European and Schengen countries are not required to have a visa to visit Poland. Additionally, citizens from the following nations can enter Poland and all other Schengen countries without a visa:
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- United States
Please note that the above list is not exhaustive, and other visa-exempt nationalities exist. To determine if you need a Poland Schengen Visa, simply fill in your nationality at the top of this page.
Do children and minors need a Schengen Visa for Poland?
Children or minors holding passports from visa-required countries must obtain a Schengen Visa to visit Poland and other Schengen Zone countries.
Parents or legal guardians must sign the application form. Additional documents, like the child's birth certificate, may be required during the application submission.
How long is the Poland Schengen Visa valid?
With the Poland Schengen Visa, you can spend up to 90 days per entry within 180 days. This allows you to travel freely between any Schengen country as long as your cumulative stay within the Schengen Area does not exceed 90 days.
Polish authorities determine whether you are granted a multiple-entry, double-entry, or single-entry visa based on various factors, including your supporting documents and travel history.
Typically, the duration of a multiple-entry visa ranges from 180 days to 5 years after issued.
Can I extend the Polish Schengen Visa?
In general, Schengen Visas cannot be extended. Only under exceptional circumstances, like emergencies, may an extension be granted.
If you require more time in Poland or the Schengen Zone beyond the duration your visa allows, you must return to your home country and reapply for a new visa.
Poland Schengen Visa required documents
When applying for a Poland Schengen Visa, you’ll need:
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Valid passport: Your passport should remain valid for at least six months after your intended arrival date in Poland and have two blank pages.
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Travel itinerary: Present a confirmed return flight ticket and any hotel reservation(s) or tour confirmations to demonstrate the purpose of your travel.
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Sufficient funds: Show that you have the financial means to cover your trip to Poland and other Schengen countries by providing a bank account statement reflecting your income and financial stability.
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Travel insurance: Get travel medical insurance covering health expenses up to €30,000 for the entire Schengen Zone, ensuring you are prepared for emergencies.
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Two passport photos: Ensure they meet the Polish requirements.
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Visa application form
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Additional documents: Include documents supporting your professional and social status, such as a marriage certificate if applicable, to provide further context for your visa application.
Minimum bank balance for the Poland Schengen Visa
You must present proof of a minimum bank balance to prove you have the financial means to support your trip. The minimum balance depends on your trip situation.
Consider the following criteria:
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For a visa to Poland for short stays up to 4 days, you must show proof of having at least PLN 300, equivalent to around €62, for the entire stay.
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For stays longer than four days, the requirement increases to a minimum of PLN 75 for each day of your visit (about €15 per day).
How to apply for the Poland Schengen Visa with us
The general steps to apply are:
- Choose the Schengen visa type based on your travel purpose.
- Fill out the Schengen Visa application form accurately.
- Collect all necessary documents, including passport, photos, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and financial means.
- Book a visa interview appointment at the embassy/consulate or visa application center.
- Present your application and documents at the appointment.
- Pay the visa application fee as per the current rates.
- Monitor the status of your visa application online or through the embassy/consulate.
You can find more detailed information about the application process on the Polish Government Website.
We currently don't offer this visa, but you can join our waitlist to be notified when we do:
Poland Schengen Visa costs and processing time
The Polish government processes visa applications, which may take up to 45 days or longer, depending on the situation. We strongly advise applying for your Schengen Visa at least two months before your intended travel dates.
The government visa fee is approximately €80 (though it may vary by nationality) and must be paid during your visa appointment. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 are eligible for a half-price visa fee, while kids under 6 are exempt from paying any visa fee.
You won’t need to pay a government fee if you are:
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A child or a spouse of an EU citizen or family member of a Polish citizen.
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A student, pupil, or postgraduate student with educational or vocational purposes traveling with teachers.
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A scientist who will carry out research or participate in scientific events.
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Twenty-five or younger and a representative of a non-profit organization wishing to participate in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural, or educational events hosted by non-profit organizations.
Do I need a Poland Schengen Visa if I’m transiting through the country?
You might require a Poland Transit Visa or Airport Transit Schengen Visa if you plan to pass through the Schengen Area to reach your final destination. Whether you need this visa or not can depend on your nationality and other factors.
We recommend contacting your local embassy or airline to determine whether you need a transit visa. The regulations concerning transit visas are subject to change, so it's best to seek up-to-date information from reliable sources.
Differences between the Poland Schengen Visa and ETIAS
The European Travel Information and Authorization System is a forthcoming travel authorization set to be implemented in 2025. Here are the key distinctions between ETIAS and the Schengen Visa:
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ETIAS is not a visa, but a new travel authorization system to enhance European security. Its primary objective is to assess whether visa-free travelers planning to visit the European Union and the Schengen Area pose any potential safety risks to the region.
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Similar to the United States ESTA system, ETIAS applies to travelers who can enjoy visa-free travel and are not required to hold a Schengen Visa.
Where can I learn more about the Poland Schengen Visa?
Our dedicated online team of customer service agents is available via online chat, or you can speak with them via WhatsApp.
Questions
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Remember that the customer service team at iVisa is here 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about our service.
When should I apply for the Poland Schengen Visa?
A Poland Schengen Visa is issued in at least 15 working days. Sometimes it can take 45 days. The process can be long, especially if you apply alone. For that reason, we recommend you apply 2 months in advance for this visa to avoid any delays, but if you want to apply with more anticipation, it is permitted to submit your application 6 months in advance.
Remember that with iVisa you can apply easily for a Poland Schengen Visa with the help of an iVisa Visa Expert. Forget about going through a stressful visa application for yourself and start to enjoy planning your trip!
How long does it take to apply for the Poland Schengen Visa form?
What documents do I need to apply online for the Poland Schengen Visa Form?
What documents do I need to bring to the Poland Schengen Visa appointment?
You should bring the following documents:
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Your printed and signed application form.
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Your application photo. We advise you to bring an extra photo just in case. Make sure they follow the Schengen standards.
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The payment for the visa fee.
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Your collected fingerprints in case you have not registered them in the VIS (Visa Information System) for the previous 59 months. Children younger than 12 don’t need to follow this requirement.
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Your valid passport. It needs to have been issued for the past 10 years, be valid for at least 3 months after your planned stay, and contain at least 2 blank pages.
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Copies of your previous Schengen Visas (if needed).
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Prove that you are capable of financing your trip. For example, bring your bank statements from the last 3 months.
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Your proof of accommodation. For example, a confirmed hotel booking with the contact information of the place. If you are traveling with a group, you will need a certificate from the travel agency.
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If you are living in a country different from your country of origin, please bring your proof of residency.
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Bring any document that proves that you are going to return to your country. For example, return travel tickets or round-trip tickets.
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If you are going to visit your friends or family, we advise you to bring an invitation letter with a copy of their ID or residence permit.
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If you are a student, we recommend you to have a recent, official, signed, and dated letter from your school, university, or college specifying your enrollment.
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If you are traveling for business, it is very helpful to have a letter of invitation from the host company in Poland or from your business partner explaining the nature of the business and a reference letter from your employer.
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A letter explaining how expenses will be covered. (If needed)
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Your travel itinerary. It is always good to detail all the activities you’re going to do during your trip and the means of transport.
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If you're traveling for medical reasons, we advise you to bring a certificate from the institution receiving you stating that they can offer the treatment you are looking for and that you are able to afford it.
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If you travel alone as a minor, you will need parental consent.
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Health insurance for travel that could cover hospitalizations, emergencies, urgent treatments and healthcare, death, or repatriation in the Schengen area of at least 30,000 euros.
Can I travel to all the Schengen countries with the Poland Schengen Visa?
Can I get the Poland Schengen Visa for free?
No. There is a government fee you will usually need to pay.
You need to pay at the embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Center (VAC) a government fee of $88 USD (80 euros) in cash (appointment fee not included). Children between the age of 6 and 11 will need to pay a government fee of $44 USD (40 euros) in cash. Children under 6 years old won't need to pay a government fee.
If you are a citizen of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Serbia, or Ukraine you need to pay a $39 USD (35 euros) government fee.
You won’t need to pay a government fee if you are:
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A child or a spouse of an EU citizen or family member of an Polish citizen.
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A student, pupil, or postgraduate student with educational or vocational purposes traveling with teachers.
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A scientist who will carry out research or participate in scientific events.
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Twenty-five or younger and a representative of a non-profit organization wishing to participate in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural, or educational events hosted by non-profit organizations.
We charge a small fee but remember that by applying beforehand with iVisa, you can avoid any delays or errors, including saving time at immigration. Our team of experts will also review your application to minimize the likelihood of errors to guarantee you a smooth entry to Poland.
NOTE: Sometimes you can pay the government fees online, depending on your country of residence.
How long is the Poland Schengen Visa valid?
The Poland Schengen Visa is a travel authorization, with a permitted stay of a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days.
NOTE: We offer you an application for a multiple-entry visa, but in the end, it is the Embassy that decides if you will receive a multiple-entry, double-entry, or single-entry visa.
Are there any COVID-19 requirements to enter Poland?
Who can I talk to if I have more questions?
Please don’t hesitate to contact our customer service agents if you have further questions, they’re available for you 24/7.
How do processing times work?
Where can I read more?
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