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An Airport Transit Visa (ATV) is required for citizens of certain countries who need to transit through Polish airports. This visa allows you to stay in the international transit area of the airport without entering Poland.
An Airport Transit Visa (ATV) is a Type A Schengen visa that allows you to transit through the international transit area of Polish airports without entering Poland. This visa is specifically for passengers who need to change flights in Poland while traveling to their final destination.
The ATV is valid only for the international transit area of the airport and does not allow you to enter Poland or any other Schengen country. It's typically valid for a single transit or multiple transits within a specific period.
If you need to leave the airport during your layover or if your final destination is within the Schengen area, you will need a regular Schengen visa (Type C) instead of an airport transit visa.
Airport transit visa requirements for Poland
The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries. These include the EU member states except Ireland and Cyprus and the non-EU countries Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland. Citizens of these states and foreign nationals with a valid residence permit for one of these countries enjoy freedom of travel within the Schengen area — border controls only occur at external borders.
The issuance of visas for the Schengen countries is regulated uniformly – depending on the purpose of the trip and the length of the stay, the following visa categories may apply:
According to the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citizens of the following countries need an Airport Transit Visa when transiting through Polish airports:
This list may change. Always check with the Polish consulate or embassy in your country for the most current requirements before traveling. For official information, visit the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Even if you're from a country that normally requires an Airport Transit Visa, you may be exempt if you hold certain documents:
Maximum 24 hours in most cases, up to 48 hours in exceptional circumstances.
Must remain in international transit area. Cannot enter Poland.
Must have confirmed onward flight ticket and valid entry documents for final destination.
Applying for an airport transit visa is straightforward. You can do so at the Polish embassy, consulate, or the responsible visa application centres in your home country or country of residence. As with other Schengen visa applications, a personal appointment is usually required, but the process is designed to be as smooth as possible.
It typically takes 5-15 days for the visa to be issued. Nevertheless, we recommend allowing a little more time and calculating with a processing time of 30 days, as for a Schengen entry visa.
The Polish missions accept visa applications up to 6 months before the planned trip. Adults pay a processing fee of €80. A reduced visa fee of €40 applies for children between 6 and 12. Children under the age of 6 receive their transit visa for free.
No, an Airport Transit Visa only allows you to stay in the international transit area of the airport. You cannot enter Poland or leave the airport.
Generally up to 24 hours, though in exceptional circumstances it may be extended to 48 hours. The exact duration depends on your flight connections.
If you have a valid US visa or residence permit, you are generally exempt from the Airport Transit Visa requirement, even if you're from a country that normally requires one.
No, Airport Transit Visas cannot be obtained at the airport. You must apply in advance at a Polish consulate or visa application center.
If your delay is due to circumstances beyond your control and you exceed the permitted transit time, contact airport authorities immediately. They may provide assistance or temporary accommodation.
Check with the Polish consulate in your country for specific requirements and current processing times. Apply well in advance of your travel date.