Poland Visa: Entry requirements and pre-travel information for Poland

Traveling to Poland? You may need a visa – find out if you do, which type, and how to apply so you can get the paperwork out of the way and focus on your trip.

What’s a Poland Schengen Visa and who’s it for?

Who’s the Poland Schengen Visa for?

Travelers from over 100 eligible countries can apply for a Poland Schengen Visa.

Who’s not eligible for the Poland Schengen Visa?

• Residents from the European Union and nationals of Schengen countries can travel visa-free within the Schengen Zone​.

What’s the purpose of the Poland Schengen Visa? Enter and travel within 27 European countries that are part of the Schengen Area for:

• Tourism and visiting family or friends.

• Attending business meetings, conferences, or other business activities.

• Short recreational courses or sports.

How long can you stay with a Poland Schengen Visa?

The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days Per Entry within 180 days in the Schengen Area. It’s valid from 180 days to 5 years, determined by the embassy based on your personal circumstances.

Learn more about the Poland Schengen Visa

What’s a Poland ETIAS and who’s it for?

Who’s the Poland ETIAS for? Travelers from countries that don't need a visa to visit Poland and other participating countries.

Citizens from over 60 visa-exempt countries must apply for the ETIAS authorization, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan, and Singapore.

Who’s not eligible for the Poland ETIAS?

• Citizens from countries requiring a visa to enter the Schengen Area.

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, as they enjoy freedom of movement within the Schengen Area and don't need any visa or authorization.

• Individuals with an outstanding entry ban or alert in the Schengen Information System.

• Travelers who do not meet the security and entry criteria the ETIAS system determines.

What’s the purpose of the Poland ETIAS?

To pre-check travelers from visa-exempt countries before they enter participating countries, including Poland, for security reasons and to make the entry process quicker and easier.

How long can you stay with a Poland ETIAS?

The ETIAS authorization allows for short-term visits, typically up to 90 days within 180 days. It’s valid for multiple entries within 3 years or until the end of the validity of the passport registered during the application, whichever comes first.

We will update this page as soon as the ETIAS is implemented in 2025.

What are the Poland long-term visa options?

Poland offers several long-term visa options for various purposes, such as employment, study, business, and residence. At iVisa, we currently don’t offer these, but you can find out more from the Polish government website.

Staying healthy in Poland: Here’s what you need to know

Poland has a comprehensive healthcare system with both public and private facilities. Here's what travelers should know.

Make sure to stay updated on routine vaccines

• Before traveling to Poland, ensure that you are up to date with routine vaccinations. These include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and influenza (flu shot).

• Keep updated with Poland's COVID-19 requirements, such as quarantine, testing, or vaccine certificates, through your airline or the Polish government website.

Medical facilities

• The quality of healthcare in major cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk is high, with well-equipped hospitals and clinics.

• English-speaking medical staff are more commonly found in private clinics and hospitals, especially in areas frequented by tourists.

• It’s wise to familiarize yourself with the locations of healthcare facilities near your accommodation.

Health insurance

We’d always recommend taking out health insurance before you travel anywhere from any destination. All the major cities in Poland will have private medical care, but it can be expensive. You should choose travel insurance with high coverage limits.

Contact your insurance provider before traveling to make sure you have the right level of coverage.

Other things to consider:

• Trip cancellation, delay, and interruption benefits.

• Medical expenses and medical evacuation benefits.

• Baggage coverage.

Things to be aware of when visiting Poland

Keep an extra eye on the following to keep healthy and safe during your trip to Poland:

1. Water quality: Tap water is generally safe to drink in Poland, but if you have a sensitive stomach, you might prefer bottled water.

2. Food safety: Like anywhere, consume street food with caution and ensure that food is cooked thoroughly.

3. Tick precautions: If you're hiking or spending time in forests or grassy areas, protect yourself against ticks by wearing long sleeves and trousers, using tick repellents, and checking your body for ticks after being outdoors.

Medication for personal use

Follow these tips to bring into Poland some over-the-counter medicines:

• Declare all medications: Report all medication for personal use to customs authorities.

• Original packaging: Always keep medicines in their original containers and transparent bags in your hand luggage.

• Prescription or doctor's letter: Present the medical prescription issued by your doctor or other competent authority in English.

• Check for restrictions: Call Poland's embassy to verify that all of your prescriptions are legal to bring with you.

• Quantity aligned with itinerary: Bring only a reasonable quantity that aligns with the duration of your stay to avoid complications.

Need embassy support?

For other consular needs for Poland, your first point of contact is the Polish Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Need assistance while traveling in Poland? Your home country's embassy or consulate is your go-to place for support. Check our useful Embassies Finder to locate the nearest one.