Located in the center of Europe, Poland is a famous tourist destination due to its historic architecture, beautiful landscape, and low prices, so it comes as no surprise that many people are looking to visit. However, you may need a Polish visa.
To start the Poland visa application process, you have to contact the nearest Polish embassy and set up a visa appointment online.
The steps to follow in order to apply for a Poland visa are:
Depending on where you live, you can apply for a Poland visa at one of the following:
Regardless of where you have to apply, your first point of reference should be a Polish embassy or consulate. You can find Poland’s missions abroad here.
It is essential to set up a visa appointment at the embassy. You must apply for the Poland visa appointment at least two weeks before your planned visit to Poland. You can schedule a visa appointment, complete the Poland visa application form and pay the fee at the e-Konsulat (Poland’s consular website). You have to download the application form and attach it to the rest of the documents.
Please note that after you schedule your appointment and pay the fee online, you still have to submit your documents to the Polish embassy/consulate in person. Find the Polish e-Konsulat website here.
The required documents for a Poland visa application are:
On the date of your appointment, submit the visa application and all the required documents to your nearest Polish embassy or consulate. Make sure you do not forget any of the requirements, as your application may be denied immediately.
The interview section of a Schengen visa application is often required. The interview process is a possibility for the interviewers to know the reasons for your visit and other personal information. You must answer the questions truthfully.
The standard processing time for a Poland visa application is between 10 and 14 days. This timeframe may be extended for 45-60 days in some occurrences.
The processing time begins the moment the embassy or consulate receives your visa application and documents. If you are asked to submit additional documents, the time could be extended.
During your visa interview, the interviewers will ask questions to see whether you should receive a visa. They will also try to determine whether you may pose a risk for illegally staying in Poland. Most of the Poland visa application interview questions will be focused on your private life. You may be asked questions such as:
You must answer all of the visa interview questions truthfully.
You can register and pay the Poland visa fee online via the e-Konsulat. This fee is calculated based on your age and your choice of visa type. This fee must be paid when you go and submit your application. The fees of different types of Poland visas and ages are as follows:
Please note that you will have to pay additional fees if you require additional consular services. If you apply through a visa application agency (such as VFS), you also have to pay an additional service fee.
After receiving the Poland Schengen visa, you must enter Poland before your visa’s expiry date. Because of the continuous spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, from 2020, you will be asked to provide additional documents when entering Poland after receiving your visa. You should fill out the Passenger Locator Form. This form is necessary so you can be contacted in case there was an infected passenger on the plane, and you will get the needed help.
If your visa application is rejected/denied, you can appeal. Your Poland visa may be rejected even if you have correctly done all of the application steps. Common reasons for visa rejection include:
You can submit the appeal within eight weeks after your rejected visa application. For more information on how to appeal, make sure to check your rejection form, as it will have instructions on how to continue with the appeal process.
Please be aware of the appeal process fee and that you are required to pay for it. The appeal fee is around €80.