When planning a trip to Poland on your own, there are many important nuances to consider: border crossing rules, visa requirements, insurance coverage, etc. Learn more about visa requirements, as well as the rules for entering and staying in Poland in 2024

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Poland is a country that impresses with its rich culture and history, picturesque landscapes and magnificent architecture. It offers tourists many attractions: museums, seaside resorts, and ancient cities. Poland is home to 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which is a testament to its rich cultural heritage.

In addition, the country's economy is quite developed, and the labor market is open to those looking for opportunities. Poland also attracts tourists and expats with reasonable prices for housing, food, and entertainment.

But the main thing is the friendliness and hospitality of the Poles, who are happy to welcome visitors. Poland is a country that can make you fall in love with it at first sight. According to statistics, citizens of Ukraine, Germany, and Belarus cross the borders of Poland most often.

How to organize an independent trip to Poland?

An individual trip to Poland will open up many interesting places and advantages that are rarely included in the lists of travel agencies. Instead of standard routes, you will have the opportunity to visit such unique places as the roof of the University Library or multimedia fountains in Warsaw, which will give your trip a special flavor.

Poland is famous for its diverse culture and history. You will be able to visit popular attractions such as the Church of the Holy Cross and Barbican Fortress in Warsaw, Wawel Castle in Krakow, and the City Hall in Gdansk. In addition, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the culture and art of famous Polish architectural monuments, such as palaces and museums that preserve the country's rich history.

Polish cuisine will also enchant you with its flavors. You will be able to taste a variety of dishes such as goose breast roll, pike perch stew, bigos - a hearty dish of sauerkraut and meat, polendwice - smoked sirloin sausage, as well as sweet traditional pies.

Before planning your travel itinerary, think about your preferences and expectations. Consider how much time you can allocate for the trip and what you want to see first. Poland has many more secrets waiting to be discovered.

If you have any problems, you can call the hotline numbers where you will be provided with advice or assistance:

1.Polish Border Guard: (+48) 222-787-777 (call is charged);

2. The Border Guard (if you do not know when to leave or are interested in other information): +48166732307, +48323903400;

3.Special phone line for tourists: (+48) 608-599-999;

4.The telephone number of the Customs Information Center in Warsaw is 650-2873;

5.Tourist information service in Krakow - 422-60-91, Warsaw - 635-18-81;

6.Rescue service - 112, police - 997, fire brigade - 998, ambulance - 999;

7. Information "security phone" for tourists - 0-800-200-300 (landline, free of charge) or 0-608-599-999 (for mobile phones, paid according to the tariffs of the telecommunications operator).

For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help you solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety anywhere in the world.

Obtaining a visa to visit Poland in 2024

In Poland, there are different types of visas aimed at different purposes of traveling to the country, and each of them has its own characteristics and requirements.

1. Schengen visa. This type of visa is suitable for those who plan to stay in Poland and other Schengen countries for less than 90 days, such as tourists, relatives, business travelers, or patients in need of medical treatment. With a Schengen visa, you can travel freely throughout the zone during its validity period;

2. Transit visa. It allows you to enter the international transit zone of the Polish airport to change your flight. It is granted to passengers who have a change of flight at the Polish airport when traveling to a third country;

3. Employment visa. It is required for those who wish to work in Poland. To obtain it, you need to find an employer who will apply for a work permit on your behalf to the local office. Different types of work permits provide for different conditions and employment opportunities;

4. Student visa. This type of visa is required for foreigners who have been accepted to a university in Poland. It allows you to obtain student status and stay in the country during the academic period;

5. Family visa. Allows family members to join a relative who is already in Poland. It gives the right to work in the country during the validity of the visa. To obtain a family visa, you need to confirm your family status by submitting relevant documents, such as a marriage or birth/adoption certificate.

List of documents for obtaining a Polish visa:

1. Application form for a visa to Poland. You must fill out the application form completely and sign it at the end;

2. Two passport size photos;

3. A copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least 3 months after the date of entry;

4. A cover letter describing the purpose of your trip, what you are going to do in Poland, etc;

5. Confirmation of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Poland (bank statement of income for the last 6 months);

6. Paid visa fee.

Rules of entry and stay in Poland 2024

If you are planning a trip to Poland, you should first familiarize yourself with all the border crossing rules and document requirements. This way you will be able to avoid any problems while crossing the border and continue your trip safely. When crossing the border, you will be waiting for passport and customs control. You will need to provide your personal data, show your insurance, tell them where and why you are going and what you are carrying. This is a formality, but it is necessary. 

When entering Poland you need to have:

1. Passport or travel document;

2. A valid visa or document entitling you to enter and stay in the country.

If you are a citizen of the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, you only need a valid travel document or identity card. When entering Poland under the visa-free regime, you only need to present a valid passport. You need to confirm the purpose of your trip. If you are traveling for work, present a work permit or a letter of authorization from your employer. 

It is forbidden to transport the following: hazardous substances, cold steel, pirated copies and counterfeits. If you are organizing a trip for a certain period of time, you will need to have insurance that meets the criteria specified on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

The insurance should cover all expenses in case you need medical care or if you encounter any dangerous situation. You must have enough money to live in Poland and be able to return home. The Border Guard may ask you for documentary evidence of this.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Poland;

Legal advice on immigration in Poland;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Poland;

Medical insurance all over the world.