Poland will launch a special system aimed at preventing intermediaries from using visa appointments. Find out how the new system will work, why Poland is tightening the rules and how these changes will affect visa applicants.

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Poland is introducing a new IT system to combat visa appointment fraud. The initiative will use enhanced electronic services, potentially including biometrics, to ensure fair access to visa appointments for travelers and employers. This approach will prevent intermediaries from booking and reselling visa slots at high prices. The exact launch date is not yet known, but the system is expected to be operational as early as 2025.

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How will Poland’s new visa appointment system work?

The main goal of the new IT system is to ensure that only genuine applicants are given the opportunity to make visa appointments. It is expected that once the innovations are approved:

- Applicants will be required to verify their identity before booking a slot.

- New additional electronic services will be introduced for more detailed checks.

- Intermediaries will no longer be able to book appointments.

It is not yet known in detail how all this will be implemented, but officials believe that biometric verification could be part of the process, meaning that applicants for a Polish Schengen visa may need to undergo a biometric check in order to make an appointment.

Pilot implementation for countries with high migration rates

Polish authorities say that in the first phase they will test the new system in countries with high demand for Polish Schengen visas - India, the Philippines and Uzbekistan.

After testing and evaluating the results, the system will be extended to other countries.

In the future, the system is planned to be integrated into the existing Polish eKonsulat platform and the new consular electronic services platform.

Why did Poland decide to tighten the rules for visa appointments?

The introduction of the new Polish visa appointment system was facilitated by the following three factors:

1. Complaints from foreign citizens and Polish employers

Many employers find it difficult to book visa places for their employees. Some were forced to pay intermediaries to book appointments that were supposed to be free.

2. Reports of shortage of visa appointments, especially in the IT sector

The investigation found that although official systems did not show available slots, intermediaries were booking them instantly. The authorities are now taking steps to prevent this unfair practice.

3. Recent visa scandal

The Supreme Audit Office of Poland found that consulates in Asia and Africa were involved in a scandal, charging applicants thousands of dollars for work visa appointments.

What will the new system change for Polish visa applicants?

Once the system is fully implemented, visa applicants will have to:

1. Pass a stricter identity check.

2. May be required to provide biometric data for an appointment.

3. Appointments will be possible only through official channels.

It is these changes that will ensure fair access to visa slots.

If you plan to apply for a Polish visa, follow the announcements of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the news on the Visit World portal to be aware of all current changes in the world of migration and respond quickly to them.

Order a consultation with a migration lawyer to prepare the correct package of documents and obtain a Polish visa that clearly corresponds to the purpose of your entry into the country.

Reminder! In 2025, Poland announced an update to the rules for issuing a Schengen visa type C, in particular, it is already known that the application procedure has become fully digital, but more stringent. We have already told you what changes travelers and other categories of foreigners need to adapt to in 2025 in Poland.

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