Visas

VISA REQUIREMENTS TO POLAND 

Information on the Schengen area

On 21 December 2007, Poland, together with 8 other new EU Member States, joined the Schengen area - a territory with no checks at internal borders formed by 25 States (i.e. Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, as well as Norway, Iceland and Switzerland). These States apply uniform rules concerning entry and short stays in their territories.

To enter the Schengen territory non-EU nationals must be in possession of a valid travel document and a visa if it is required. They also have to meet the following conditions:

• they justify the purpose and conditions of the intended stay and prove that they have sufficient means of subsistence, both for the period of the intended stay and for the return to their country of origin or transit to a third State into which they are certain to be admitted, or are in a position to acquire such means lawfully;
• no alert has been issued for them for the purposes of refusing entry;
• they are not considered to be a threat to public policy, national security or the international relations of any of the Schengen States.

After undergoing the single check at the external border it is possible to move freely within the Schengen territory.

 
Schengen States issue the following types of uniform visas which entitle the holder to enter and stay in the Schengen territory:

• airport transit visa (A) - valid only for airport transit, does not entitle the holder to leave the transit zone of the airport. Airport transit visas are issued to citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Congo (Democratic Republic), Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Yemen. Under the airport transit visa, the traveler is allowed to spend a maximum of 2 days in the international zone of a Polish airport. Travelers applying for an airport transit visa must present a valid visa for the country of their final destination first. Airport transit visas can be valid for one, two or multiple entries.

• transit visa (B) - valid for transit through the Schengen territory for a period not exceeding 5 days. A traveler applying for a transit visa must first present a visa to the country of their final destination. Transit visas can be valid for one, two or multiple entries.

• short-stay visa (C) - valid for stays of no more than 90 days (within period of 180 days). Short-stay visas are issued for travelers going to Poland (and other Schengen countries) for purposes such as tourism, visits to friends or family, business trips, economic or cultural activities, international conferences, sports events, etc. 

Apart from uniform visas, Schengen States issue national long-stay visas (D) and residence permits which are valid only for the territory of the issuing State.

Long-stay national visas entitle their holders to a maximum 5-day visa free transit through the Schengen territory.

Holders of residence permits issued by one of the Schengen States are allowed to travel within the Schengen area during a maximum 3-month period.

Visas and residence permits issued by Poland after 21 December 2007

On 21 December 2007 Poland began issuing uniform visas (A, B, C) valid for the entire Schengen territory and will continue issuing long-stay D visas and residence permits, valid only for Poland.

Holders of Polish D visas (issued before 21 December 2007 as well as after that date) will be entitled to a maximum 5-day visa free transit through the territory of other Schengen States.

Holders of Polish residence permits will be allowed to enter the Schengen territory and stay there for a period not exceeding 90 days.

Polish short-stay visas issued before 21December 2007 will not be converted into Schengen visas automatically. They will remain valid for the period indicated in the visa, however their holders will be entitled to enter and stay only in Poland and to transit through Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia.

Entry conditions for third-country nationals under visa obligation

Third-country nationals will be allowed to enter and stay in Poland, if they are in possession of one of the following titles:

• uniform short-stay Schengen visa (C),
• Polish long-stay national visa (D),
• C or D visa issued by Poland before 21 December 2007, provided it is still valid,
• Polish residence permit,
• residence permit issued by another Schengen State.

 The following titles will be valid only for the purpose of transit:

• uniform airport transit Schengen visa (A) - only for airport transit,
• uniform transit Schengen visa (B),
• A or B visa issued by Poland before 21 December 2007, provided it is still valid,
• D visa issued by another Schengen State,
• C visa issued before 21 December 2007 by one of the Member States that joined the EU in 2004, provided it is still valid,
• residence permit issued by Switzerland or Liechtenstein.

Citizens of the following countries may travel to Poland (and the Schengen territory) for tourism and business purposes without a visa if the planned stay in Poland does not exceed 90 days:

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See (state of the Vatican), Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Romania,  San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Hong Kong: holders of "British National (Overseas) Passport" and "Hong Kong Special Region Administration Passports". Macau: holders of "Macau Special Administration Region Passports".
                         
REQUIREMENTS FOR A SCHENGEN VISA
 
Israeli passport holders that intend to visit Poland or another Schengen country for a period shorter than 90 days do not need a visa.

Holders of Israeli travel documents and travel documents issued by the Palestinian National Authority require a visa to visit Poland or another Schengen country.

Other nationalities with temporary or permanent status in Israel might require a visa. Information on the list of countries, which citizens need a visa to enter Poland or another Schengen country can be received by phone (+972-3-72-53-124).

Israeli citizens who intend to work in Poland have to apply for a special Polish visa with a work permit. For details call +972-3-72-53-124.

If you want to visit more than one Schengen country, but you do not have a main destination, then you must apply for a Schengen visa at the embassy of the country that will be your first destination. If you do not need a visa for the Schengen country that is your first destination, then you still might need a visa for other Schengen countries that you want to visit. In such cases, you need to apply for a Schengen visa at the embassy or the consulate of the first Schengen country you visit, for which you will need a visa.

Being in possession of a Schengen visa does not automatically give you the right to enter a Schengen country. You can be refused at the border if you do not meet all admittance requirements. Such requirements include but are not limited to incidents where: you do not have sufficient means of support, covering both the duration of your stay and your return journey; if you are not in possession of a valid travel insurance policy, covering costs of medical treatment during your entire stay abroad and repatriation to the country where you live or have a residence permit; the minimum cover is 30,000 euro. The required insurance should also include liability insurance.
 
The following documents are required to apply for a Schengen visa:
 

1. One completed application form

The visa application form (duly and completely filled in and signed by the applicant) should be submitted in person to the embassy of the Schengen country that will be your main destination. You must be staying legally in Israel at the time of application. All questions must be answered; otherwise the application may not be accepted.
 

2. Two recent passport photographs

Photos submitted for the purpose of obtaining the visa must meet the following criteria:

• remain in sharp focus, clear and in good contrasts, printed on high-quality paper, in color,
• dimensions 35x45 mm,
• taken within the period of last 6 months and resembling the applicant,
• person must face the camera directly, against a bright background,
• the whole head and the top of the shoulders must be exposed. The face must occupy 70-80% of the photo,
• eyes must remain open and clearly visible, hair must not cover any parts of the eye,
• only glasses with clear lenses can be worn, frames must not cover any part of the eye. Reflection in lenses is not acceptable.

3. Valid passport or travel document

The document must have a blank page for the visa sticker. The passport or travel document must be valid for at least 6 months after the visit to Poland or to other Schengen countries.
 

4. Evidence of employment or student status

Employment:

• An original, recent and signed letter from employer or a recent payslip must be provided by the applicant.

Self-employment:

• An original, recent signed letter from a chamber of commerce and industry or another register of firms, confirming self-employment status or another form of your business activity must be provided by the applicant.

Unemployment:

• A social benefit entitlement letter must be provided by the applicant

Student:

• An original, recent, signed letter from a school, college or university, confirming course details must be provided by the applicant.

5. Proof of purpose of visit

Visit to family or friends:
- An original letter of invitation from your friend or a member of your family, stating duration of stay and duly registered by the Voivoda Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) in Poland must be provided by the applicant. If you are applying for multiple entries the invitation must confirm that multiple visits are expected. E-mails are not accepted.
 
Business:

• An original, recent and duly signed letter or fax from your foreign business partner must be provided by the applicant. The letter must explain the nature and duration of stay and number of entries required. If the foreign business partner is covering all expenses connected with your visit, it must be stated in the letter/fax.

Tourism:

• A confirmed hotel reservation for the duration of stay or confirmation of an organized tour must be proved by the applicant. If you are planning several visits to other Schengen countries, hotel bookings must be produced for all visits. Please note: Poland must be the main destination (the country where you will be spending the most number of days).

6. Travel insurance

Insurance certificate and summary of cover.

The insurance must cover emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, repatriation and the liability insurance (minimum 30,000 euro). Evidence of this cover is required, i.e. the relevant paragraphs from the insurance policy. Proof of insurance must be produced on collection of the visa.

Private visits:  travel insurance is required even if your reference in Poland has stated that he/she will cover this. Single or annual multi-trip insurance will be accepted if you are applying for multiple entries.

Business visits: if your employer is covering travel insurance and you are a member of a company travel insurance scheme, your employer's letter must state this. Membership cards will be accepted.
 

7. Return ticket

Return flight tickets are required upon collection of the visa. If you are applying for multiple entries only a return ticket for the first visit is needed.
 

8. Evidence of sufficient funds for the visit

The minimum requirement is approximately 10 USD per day if you are staying with family or friends on the written invitation that has been duly registered by the Voivodship Office in Poland (even if your host is covering this), or if your hotel is prepaid. Otherwise 40 USD (or 30 euro) per person per day is required (detailed information link below).

 You can submit evidence of having sufficient  funds by means of:

• original bank statement for the month immediately prior to the date of application; in the case of your account being overdrawn, you must bring proof of an overdraft facility, or by
• recent credit card statement showing credit limit, or by
• travellers cheques

 Business visits:

• if your employer or foreign business partner is covering your expenses, your employer's letter or invitation must confirm this.

9. Proof of residence

The applicant must supply the Embassy with a document confirming hotel reservation. A hotel voucher covering the whole period of stay in Poland is required upon collection of the visa.

If you are staying  with friends or family you need to submit an official invitation that has been signed by your friend or by the family in question, and was duly legalised (registered) by the local authorities of the concerning Schengen country (in Poland the authority is " voivodship office"; in Polish: urząd wojewódzki ).
 
SCHENGEN VISAS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS OF EU/EEA NATIONALS

Only the following supporting documents should be produced:

• original marriage certificate,
• spouse's passport (photocopies not accepted),
• evidence of same address,

A standard, short-term visa is normally issued free of charge to these nationals.

However, if you would like a longer-stay visa all the above documentation should be produced.
 
Please note that in some cases further documents and guarantees may be required.
                                               
SCHENGEN  VISA FEES from 21 December 2007
 
The visa fee is 60 EUR (341 NIS) for all categories of Schengen visas.

Please, see below for the fees for the nationals of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Moldova, Macedonia and Serbia.

 Schengen visa fee exemptions:

• children under 6,
• school pupils, students, accompanying teachers who travel for the purpose of beginning studies or completing school education in one of the Schengen states,
  
• researches travelling for professional purposes.

 
Schengen visas are issued free of charge for the spouse and children of EU nationals. All required documents (i.e. original marriage certificate, spouse's passport) must be produced at the time of application.
 
Payment must be made on the date of submitting an application. We accept payment in the form of cash or cheque. No credit/debit cards are accepted. No refund of the fee is available even if the visa is rejected.

SCHENGEN VISA FEES

NATIONAL VISA FEE ( valid only for Poland)

VISA FEES for the nationals of Russia

VISA FEES for the nationals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Moldova, Macedonia, Serbia

 VISA FEES for the nationals of Ukraine

VISA FEES for the nationals of Belarus

PROOF OF MEANS OF SUPPORT

In accordance with regulations issued by the Polish Ministry of the Interior, please be informed that beginning 6 December 2007, Polish Border Authorities will start checking means of  support in possession of foreigners entering the territory of Poland.

Foreigners travelling to Poland must meet the following requirements:

• must possess the equivalent of at least 100 zloty in foreign exchangeable currencies (about 40 USD or 30 EUR) for each day of their intended stay in Poland: for trips not exceeding 3 days the equivalent of at least 300 zloty is required;
• must possess the equivalent of at least 300 zloty in foreign currencies (about 120 USD or 86 EUR) for each day of their stay or a health insurance policy covering the costs of medical treatment in Poland.

The above mentioned requirements can be fulfilled by presenting to the Polish border officer: cash, travelers cheques, credit cards, a statement of foreigner's bank account in Poland, an invitation from a Polish citizen living in Poland or from a foreigner holding a valid residence permit in Poland or by an organization (institution or company) registered in Poland. The original invitation given by an individual person should be duly registered and certified by the "Voivodship" office in the place of residence of the inviting person, and has to contain his/her commitment to cover the costs of foreigner's stay  and medical treatment in Poland.
 
Foreigners travelling to Poland in tourist groups organized by  travel agencies, or to participate in sport events, or going to Poland for medical treatment (including trips to health spas) , have to submit a travel agency voucher or other document confirming that the cost of their stay in Poland has been already paid.

The above mentioned travelers have to possess the equivalent of at least 20 zloty in a foreign currency, for each day of  their time in Poland (but not less that the equivalent of 100 zloty) and at least 300 zloty per day of intended stay in Poland to cover the costs of emergency medical treatment or a health insurance policy is required.
 
Foreigners travelling to Poland to study have to present confirmation that the payment of their annual tuition fee has already been made and the foreigner must posses the equivalent of at least 1,600 zloty in foreign currency and the amount of 300 zloty for each day of at least one month's stay in Poland, to cover costs of medical treatment. Instead of the above mentioned requirements, foreigners can present either confirmation of a scholarship to be granted or an original invitation, duly confirmed, as well as a health insurance policy.