Schengen Visa – Guide for Poland

Standard processing time is 15 calendar days for short-stay Schengen visas (Type C) and up to 60 days for national visas (Type D). Processing can be extended during peak seasons (June-August) or if additional documentation is required. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned travel date to account for potential delays.

Tourist and business visas (Type C) cost €80 (about $85), while national visas for work or study (Type D) cost €180 (about $190). Additional service fees of €20-40 may apply at visa application centers. Children under 6 are exempt from fees, and those aged 6-12 pay reduced rates of €40 for short-stay visas.

Essential documents include: valid passport (3+ months validity), completed application form, recent passport photos, travel insurance (€30,000 minimum), proof of accommodation, flight reservations, bank statements (3 months), and employment/income verification. Work visas require additional documents like work permits and employment contracts. All non-Polish documents must be translated by certified translators.

Short-stay Schengen visas (Type C) generally cannot be extended except in exceptional circumstances like force majeure or humanitarian reasons. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a national visa (Type D) or residence permit before your current visa expires. Extensions are processed by regional governor offices (Wojewoda) in Poland.

If you're transiting through Poland without leaving the airport international zone, you typically don't need a visa if your final destination doesn't require one. However, if you need to collect luggage, change airports, or leave the transit area, you may need a transit visa or regular Schengen visa. Requirements vary by nationality - check with the Polish consulate.

You can appeal the decision within 14 days by submitting a formal appeal to the consul general, or reapply with additional documentation addressing the rejection reasons. Common rejection reasons include insufficient financial means, incomplete documentation, or doubts about intention to return. Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the decision outcome.

No, tourist and business visas (Type C) strictly prohibit employment in Poland. Business visas allow attending meetings, conferences, and negotiations, but not performing work or receiving payment from Polish entities. For employment, you need a work visa (Type D) with a valid work permit, which requires employer sponsorship and labor market testing.

You can apply up to 6 months before your intended travel date, but it's recommended to apply 4-6 weeks in advance. This allows time for document preparation, potential requests for additional information, and peak season delays. For work visas requiring work permits, start the process 3-4 months early as work permit applications can take 30-60 days.

Apply at Polish embassies, consulates, or authorized visa application centers (like VFS Global) in your country of residence. Some countries have multiple application centers for convenience. You must apply from your country of legal residence - applications from third countries are generally not accepted. Book appointments online through official websites as walk-ins are rarely accepted.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage is mandatory for all Polish visa applications. The insurance must cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay. The policy must be valid for all Schengen Area countries, not just Poland. Coverage should start from your entry date and extend until your departure date.