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PolandEntry and visas

Poland entry rules

Citizens of Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Israel, the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Serbia and Australia do not need to arrange a visa for Poland in advance: the stay is up to 90 days. Citizens of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Türkiye need a visa from a consulate before the trip.

Checked against official sources on 9 October 2026.

Entry rules by passport

For a tourist trip. Checked on 9 October 2026 against the official sources listed below the table.

The 90-in-180-days limit counts across the whole Schengen area, not Poland alone. ETIAS is not running yet: once it starts, visa-free passports will need an online authorisation before travel.

Sources: EUR-Lex — Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, Annexes I and II · Directive 2004/38/EC, Art. 5 — entry of EU citizens (EUR-Lex) · European Commission — ETIAS · EUR-Lex — Regulation (EU) 2026/496 on Georgian official passports · Polish Border Guard — entry restrictions for Russian citizens

What is checked at the border

  • Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and stay valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area.
  • Funds for the trip: up to 4 days — at least PLN 300 (≈ $77), longer — at least PLN 75 (≈ $19) a day. Plus money for the journey home: PLN 200 (≈ $51) if arriving from a neighbouring country, PLN 500 (≈ $128) from another EU country, PLN 2,500 (≈ $639) from a non-EU country.
  • You may be asked to back up the purpose and plan of the trip: accommodation booking or host's invitation, itinerary or tour booking, return ticket.
  • At the Schengen external border, entries and exits are recorded in the electronic EES system with fingerprints and a facial image; it is gradually replacing passport stamps.

How to extend your stay

A Schengen visa is extended by the voivode (regional governor) where you are staying — apply no later than the last day of your legal stay; grounds and fee follow Art. 33 of the EU Visa Code (free for force majeure, €30 (≈ $34) for serious personal reasons). A visa-free stay can be extended by another 90 days only if a bilateral visa waiver agreement provides for it.

Overstay penalties

Overstaying leads to a return decision with a ban on entering Poland and other Schengen countries for 6 months to 3 years. Staying without a legal basis is also a petty offence: a fine of PLN 20–5,000 (≈ $5–1,280).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Poland?
Citizens of Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Israel, the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Serbia and Australia enter without a visa. Citizens of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Türkiye get a visa from a consulate before the trip.
How long can I stay in Poland without a visa?
90 days in any 180 days for citizens of Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Israel, the UK, the US, Canada, Serbia and Australia.
Can the stay be extended?
A Schengen visa is extended by the voivode (regional governor) where you are staying — apply no later than the last day of your legal stay; grounds and fee follow Art. 33 of the EU Visa Code (free for force majeure, €30 (≈ $34) for serious personal reasons). A visa-free stay can be extended by another 90 days only if a bilateral visa waiver agreement provides for it.
What happens if I overstay?
Overstaying leads to a return decision with a ban on entering Poland and other Schengen countries for 6 months to 3 years. Staying without a legal basis is also a petty offence: a fine of PLN 20–5,000 (≈ $5–1,280).
What is checked on entry to Poland?
Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and stay valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area. Funds for the trip: up to 4 days — at least PLN 300 (≈ $77), longer — at least PLN 75 (≈ $19) a day. Plus money for the journey home: PLN 200 (≈ $51) if arriving from a neighbouring country, PLN 500 (≈ $128) from another EU country, PLN 2,500 (≈ $639) from a non-EU country. You may be asked to back up the purpose and plan of the trip: accommodation booking or host's invitation, itinerary or tour booking, return ticket. At the Schengen external border, entries and exits are recorded in the electronic EES system with fingerprints and a facial image; it is gradually replacing passport stamps.
How can I stay in Poland longer?
A visa-free stay does not give the right to live in the country. A longer stay needs a long-term visa or a residence permit: work — temporary residence and work permit, eU Blue Card — highly qualified employment, own business — residence permit to run a business, university studies, family — for family members of Polish citizens and foreign residents, scientific research.

Sources

Checked on 9 October 2026. Entry rules change: check them on the consulate website before you travel.