Poland is a unique country with a rich culture and history, stunning landscapes and magnificent architecture. Before planning a trip to this country, be sure to find out if you need a visa. Read more about the visa application process in our article.
Poland – a unique country with a rich culture and history, stunning landscapes and magnificent architecture. This European state offers tourists many museums, seaside resorts and charming old towns. There are 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country. The economy and the labor market are also quite developed here. Reasonable prices in Poland attract many tourists and expats to the country.
However, before planning a trip to Poland, be sure to find out if you need a visa.
Who needs to apply for a visa before traveling to Poland? How do I apply for a visa to Poland? The details are in our material.
Do I need a visa to Poland?
You do not need a visa to Poland if:
– Your country is part of the EU/EEC countries or any country of the Schengen Agreement (Latvia, Germany, France, etc.).
– Your country of residence has a visa-free regime agreement with Schengen (Ukraine, USA, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand and Tunisia).
If you are a citizen of a country that does not have a visa-free agreement (for example, Indus andI, China, Morocco, Thailand, Turkey, Egypt, etc.), you need to apply for a visa to visit Poland.
Important!Even if you can visit Poland without a visa for short-term trips, when it comes to work or study, everyone who is not an EU citizen needs a visa.
Types of Polish visas
There are different types of visas in Poland, depending on the purpose of your trip to the country:
– Schengen visa – suitable for those travelers who plan to stay in Poland for less than 90 days, for example, for the purpose of tourism, visiting relatives, participating in a business event or even treatment. Based on this permit, you can visit all the countries of the Schengen Agreement during the validity period of the visa.
– Transit visa in Poland – allows its holder to enter the international transit zone of the Polish airport in order to change flights. It is aimed at passengers traveling to a third country, but whose flight is flying through Poland.
– Work visa to Poland – for those who want to work in the country. To obtain a permit, you need to find an employer who will submit a request for a work permit on your behalf to the local voivodeship administration. There are different types of work permits depending on the duration and nature of your work. You can start working only after your employer provides you with a work permit.
– Student visa to Poland – citizens of non-EU countries, but who have accepted them to a university in Poland, must apply for a Polish student visa and a residence permit.
– Family visa to Poland – those who want to join their husband, wife or parents need to apply for a Polish family visa. The family visa is valid for 2 years and during this time you are allowed to work in Poland. You must provide proof of your marital status, such as a marriage certificate (for spouses) or a birth/adoption certificate (for minor children).
How do I apply for a visa to Poland?
1. Contact the nearest Polish embassy or consulate and make an appointment
Depending on where you live, you can apply for a visa to Poland in one of the following places:
– The Embassy or consulate of Poland in your country.
– The Embassy or consulate of Poland in a neighboring country.
– The embassy or consulate of another Schengen country to which Poland has transferred the rights to issue visas.
– A private visa application center or agency to which the Polish Embassy has transferred the visa application services.
2. Schedule a visa appointment
It is important to arrange a visa meeting at the embassy. You must apply for a visa to Poland at least two weeks before your scheduled visit to Poland.
3. Prepare the necessary documents
4. Apply for a visa in person
On the day of your appointment, submit your visa application and all necessary documents to the nearest Polish embassy or consulate. Make sure you don’t forget any of the requirements, as your application may be rejected immediately.
5. Attend a visa interview if necessary
The interview process is an opportunity for interviewers to find out the reasons for your visit and other personal information. You must answer the questions truthfully.
6. Wait for the Polish visa to be issued
The standard period for reviewing the application for a visa to Poland is from 10 to 14 days. In some cases, this period may be extended by 45-60 days.
You will need health insurance to move, travel, or find employment in a new country safely. An extended policy can be issued on our website at the link.
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