We use cookies to enhance your experience and to help us understand how to improve usability. By continuing to use this site, you agree to receive cookies. Privacy Policy
How to Apply: Schengen Visa
Complete our user-friendly online application in just 20 minutes, or feel free to take breaks and return at your convenience.
Move closer to an approved visa with our team of iVisa Experts, who not only review your answers but also provide you with the necessary tools to prepare.
Make use of our feedback and free templates to confidently submit accurate information, and experience a surprisingly stress-free process!
Once government-approved, your visa will be ready for collection, marking the start of your travels.
How to Apply: Embassy Registration
Complete our easy online application and pay with credit card or PayPal
Your embassy will assist you if an emergency (eg. Natural disasters, civil unrest, etc) occur
Why Register with the Embassy
Required Information to Apply
Once You Have Registered With Your Embassy Or Consulate, You Will Need To Update Your Data If:
- your contact details change,
- your civil status changes,
- you are going back to your home country.
Learn More: Schengen Visa
Apply today for the Poland Schengen Visa with us!
Last updated: January 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. In this article, we'll cover everything from document preparation to form submission, making your visa application a breeze.
Continue reading to learn more about the Polish Schengen Visa application, and apply with our guidance via our handy platform or download our user-friendly iVisa app!
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:
-
Do tourist activities.
-
Visit friends and family.
-
Conduct business activities.
-
Participate in short studies and traineeships.
-
Receive health treatments.
-
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:
-
Purpose of visit: Have an accepted reason for visiting Poland, such as tourism or business.
-
Duration of stay: Your intended stay in Poland can’t exceed the maximum allowed period as stated in the visa conditions (more info below).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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, use our Visa Checker Tool and initiate the application process conveniently online!
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.
For added convenience, you can apply as a family on our platform by clicking 'Add another person' during the online application process. This allows you to streamline the visa application for all family members together.
How long is the Poland Schengen Visa valid?
With the Poland Schengen Visa, you can spend up to 90 days Per Entry within a 180-day period. 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.
Our services enable visa applicants to initiate the process of getting a Multiple Entry visa valid for 5 years after issued. However, note that the final decision rests with the Polish authorities. They’ll 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 through our services, you’ll only need your passport and a photo. However, before attending your interview and biometric data appointment, it's essential to gather the following Poland Schengen Visa requirements:
-
Valid passport: Your passport should remain valid for at least six months after your intended arrival date in Poland and have two blank pages.
-
Travel itinerary: Present a confirmed return flight ticket and any hotel reservation(s) or tour confirmations to demonstrate the purpose of your travel.
-
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.
-
Travel insurance: Get travel medical insurance covering health expenses up to €30,000 for the entire Schengen Zone, ensuring you are prepared for emergencies.
-
Two passport photos: Ensure they meet the Polish requirements.
-
Visa application form: Complete, print, and sign the official visa application form, which you’ll receive on our platform or app during the online application process.
-
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
To prove you have financial means to support your trip, you must present proof of a minimum bank balance. The minimum balance depends on your trip situation. Consider the following criteria:
-
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.
-
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
For a straightforward process to get your visa to Poland, follow the steps below:
-
Step 1: Provide your contact and travel information on our online platform or through our user-friendly app. Double-check that all information is accurate.
-
Step 2: Pay our iVisa service fee using a debit card, credit card, or PayPal. During your appointment, you must pay the government fee at the Polish Consulate, Embassy, or Visa Application Center (VAC) in your country.
-
Step 3: Complete the remaining sections of our simplified application form, following our instructions, and upload a scanned copy of your passport and a photo before submitting the information for expert review. We will arrange the interview appointment on your behalf.
-
Step 4: Attend the appointment to present the required documents and undergo the visa interview. Then, wait for the visa decision.
You'll receive a step-by-step manual providing instructions on filling out all details on the application form and a list of documents to bring for the mandatory visa interview.
Poland Schengen Visa costs and processing time
The Poland Visa fees are divided into two parts:
- iVisa standard processing: This option incurs a fee to access our services (excluding the government fee) and may take up to 30 days.
This fee can vary depending on your nationality, so it's always best to start the application process early to determine the total visa costs.
With iVisa standard processing, you'll receive full support from our experts, and we'll provide you with a step-by-step manual to assist you in completing the application form and preparing for your interview.
- Government processing: The Polish government processes visa applications, which may take up to 45 days or longer, depending on the situation.
To ensure a smooth application process, it is advisable to apply for a 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:
-
A child or a spouse of an EU citizen or family member of a Polish citizen.
-
A student, pupil, or postgraduate student with educational or vocational purposes traveling with teachers.
-
A scientist who will carry out research or participate in scientific events.
-
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.
Benefits of getting your Poland Schengen Visa with us
Considering why you should choose to apply under our guidance? The reasons are clear. Navigating the application process for a Netherlands Schengen Visa can be challenging, but with our service, you gain numerous benefits.
Poland entry requirements and restrictions in Poland
There is no requirement for a COVID-19 test, vaccination certificate, or quarantine when entering Poland or any other Schengen Zone countries.
However, as entry requirements may change rapidly, we advise you to check the latest information with your airline shortly before departure. Keeping yourself updated will ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
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:
-
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.
-
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. Once ETIAS becomes available, eligible travelers can apply online.
Come back to stay updated about the latest updates regarding the availability and application process of ETIAS!
Where can I learn more about the Poland Schengen Visa?
Should you have any inquiries, feel free to contact our customer support team. We’re available through online chat or at [email protected] for any questions or assistance.
Required Documents to Apply
-
Passport scan.
-
Applicant's Photo.
Important Instructions
-
The Poland Schengen Visa is a multiple-entry travel document to visit Poland and all 27 countries of the Schengen Area.
-
You can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days.
-
We advise you to apply for this visa 2 months ahead to avoid any delays.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
For this visa, you will have to pay 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.
-
Sometimes these fees can be paid online, depending on the country you are applying from.
-
Children under 6 years old don’t need to pay a government fee.
-
Children and spouses of EU citizens or family members of Polish citizens don’t have to pay a government fee.
-
You can check the FAQ section to learn more about visa fees.
-
iVisa is a legitimate company, accredited and recognized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see the FAQs below.
Questions?
iVisa's accreditations and recognitions
Our Company is accredited and recognized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and has a validated IATA Agency Code. If you want to check this information you can verify our membership using our bearing No. 23716873 at http://store.iata.org/ieccacfree.
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:
-
Your printed and signed application form.
-
Your application photo. We advise you to bring an extra photo just in case. Make sure they follow the Schengen standards.
-
The payment for the visa fee.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Copies of your previous Schengen Visas (if needed).
-
Prove that you are capable of financing your trip. For example, bring your bank statements from the last 3 months.
-
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.
-
If you are living in a country different from your country of origin, please bring your proof of residency.
-
Bring any document that proves that you are going to return to your country. For example, return travel tickets or round-trip tickets.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
A letter explaining how expenses will be covered. (If needed)
-
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.
-
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.
-
If you travel alone as a minor, you will need parental consent.
-
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:
-
A child or a spouse of an EU citizen or family member of an Polish citizen.
-
A student, pupil, or postgraduate student with educational or vocational purposes traveling with teachers.
-
A scientist who will carry out research or participate in scientific events.
-
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?
- Poland Schengen Visa for Azerbaijan citizens: Complete application guide for 2023
- Poland Schengen Visa for Bangladesh citizens: Complete application guide for 2023
- Poland Schengen Visa for Ecuadorian citizens
- Poland Schengen Visa for Pakistani citizens
- Poland Schengen Visa for Afghan citizens: Complete application guide for 2023
- Poland Schengen Visa for Bahrain citizens: Complete application guide for 2023
- Poland Schengen Visa for Bolivia citizens: Complete application guide for 2023
- Poland Schengen Visa for Cambodia citizens: Complete application guide for 2023
- How Can Citizens of Germany Enter Poland During Coronavirus? See the restrictions here
- Poland COVID green pass: Is Poland asking for a green pass right now?
- See All
- iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/visas