Applying for a Schengen Visa to Poland

Visiting Poland on a Schengen Visa

With the cities of Krakow and Warsaw featuring a captivating mix of architecture, from the Romanesque and Gothic churches to the faded brutalism of the Soviet era, Poland is a wonderful part of Europe to visit. To travel to Poland for a short trip lasting fewer than 90 days, you will need a Poland Schengen Visa, as it is part of the Schengen Area of European countries that have abolished border controls between each other.

A visa for any of the Schengen countries is valid for a stay in all the other Schengen nations during the period for which the visa has been issued - meaning you can start a trip around Europe in Poland.

Who needs a Schengen Visa to enter Poland?

If you are traveling to Poland, you will need a Schengen Visa if you are a citizen of a non-Schengen country without a visa-free travel agreement with the area, or if you have been refused for visa-free travel. Short-stay visas can be for business or tourism purposes, as well as family and short study visits, or for medical reasons.

The standard fee for processing your Schengen Visa application is €80 for adults and €40 for minors.

How do I apply for a Schengen Visa to Poland?

Once you have filled in your visa application form and booked an appointment, you will need some supporting documents - two recently taken passport-style photos, your passport or other travel documents that are no older than 10 years and valid for at least three months after your departure date from the Schengen Area. You will also need travel and medical insurance covering you up to costs of €30,000, a cover letter stating your itinerary and the purpose of your visit, as well as a flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of your civil status, like a marriage certificate, and proof you have means of subsistence during your stay. You typically have to demonstrate you have various amounts of money to travel to Poland and obtain your visa. For stays of up to three days, you have to demonstrate you have €67.76. For days exceeding three days, the daily amount is €22.60, which reduces to €4.52 if you can prove you have pre-booked accommodation.

What are the Poland Visa requirements for a work, business or student visa?

If applying for a work visa to Poland, you will need to provide the embassy/consulate with documents that prove you meet Poland Schengen visa requirements based on your employment status. If employed, you need an employment contract, a current bank statement, a no objection letter from your employer giving you leave to travel, and an income tax return. If self-employed, you will need a copy of your business license, company bank statements, and income tax returns. You will also need an invitation letter regardless of whether you are applying for a work visa or for a short-stay Schengen Visa for business.

In order to get a long-term work permit, your future employer also needs to fill out a work permit application that includes the name of the company that is hiring you and your future job title within this company. You will also need to obtain a residence permit.

Student visas

Student visas require proof of enrolment at a Polish institution, a no objection letter from your place of study in your homeland, and an invitation letter.

Where do I go to apply for a Poland Schengen Visa?

You will need to apply to the embassy of the Republic of Poland or consulate in your country of residence, or a visa application center acting on the nation’s behalf. The official visa partner of Poland’s embassies is VFS Global.

How long does it take to get a Poland Schengen Visa?

The processing time for a Poland Schengen Visa may take up to 15 days in normal circumstances, but could take up to 60 days to be issued in extreme circumstances. You can apply for your visa up to six months before you travel.

Why choose AXA Schengen Insurance?

Those traveling to the Schengen Area, including Poland, need travel cover. AXA’s Low Cost Travel Insurance costs just €0.99 ($1.11) per day of your trip and will meet your visa requirements, while the AXA Schengen Europe Travel Insurance offers extended coverage up to costs of €100,000.

Those seeking a multiple-entry visa can purchase the Multi Trip insurance from €298 per year, which again covers you for expenses up to €100,000.

Other Schengen countries you might be interested in

Austria visa

Belgium visa

Czech Republic visa

Denmark visa

Estonia visa

Finland visa

France visa

Germany visa

Greece visa

Hungary visa

Iceland visa

Italy Visa

Latvia visa

Liechtenstein visa

Lithuania visa

Luxembourg visa

Malta visa

Netherlands visa

Norway visa

Poland visa

Portugal visa

Slovakia visa

Slovenia visa

Spain Visa

Sweden visa

Switzerland visa

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Frequently asked questions about getting an Poland Schengen Visa

Can I extend my Schengen Visa during my stay in Poland?

Yes. You can extend your Poland short-stay visa but only in exceptional cases or emergencies.

What should I do if my Poland Visa is refused? Can I get a refund?

If your visa is refused you have the right to appeal to the authorities in the Schengen member state where you applied. You cannot obtain a refund as your fee covers the processing of your application.

I want to travel to Poland for business, but also visit for tourist purposes - which visa type should I apply for?

If you are planning to conduct business while in Poland - you will need to state this as the main reason for your trip - what you do in your downtime is up to you!