Poland ETIAS will be mandatory in 2024 for travelers coming to Poland for short visits from visa-free countries. This new policy will affect nationals from more than 50 countries, so you should pay attention to the changes if you are affected.
Before now, visa-free travelers could enter Poland with only a valid passport, but all that is set to change. Here, you will find helpful information about this new policy and how to secure authorization.
Why Is This New Policy Set To Go Into Force?
ETIAS is a visa waiver policy set to force in the coming months. The policy affects all countries in the Schengen Area, including Poland, and it was introduced by the European Commission and passed by the EU parliament.
The sole purpose of ETIAS is to secure EU countries from foreign threats posed by those coming from visa free countries. Currently, there are more than 50 countries on the visa-free list whose citizens can enter EU territory without a visa.
Since all Schengen countries practice the same border policy, visitors that can enter one Schengen country without a visa can enter the other without one as well. ETIAS is a security system that screens visitors and will prevent anyone that could be a security threat from entering Poland or any other country for that matter.
Eligible applicants will be asked to fill out a form and pay a small application fee using their credit or debit cards. The system will then run that information across several security databases, and if the information does not trigger a security alert, travel authorization will be given.
If a security alert is triggered, their application will be forwarded to a vetting department for future review, which may take a few days to weeks before a final verdict is reached.
Is Poland ETIAS A Visa?
Poland ETIAS is not a visa and should not be considered as such. It is a waiver for eligible travelers to enter Schengen countries without going through long lines at the embassy or airport to secure a visa on arrival.
The system is largely online, and its sole purpose is to increase border security by vetting travelers entering the Schengen zone.
Traveling To Poland With ETIAS
Poland is an Eastern European country with a rich history and culture. The country has experienced the best and worst of history, and it was the scene of some of the worst atrocities perpetrated during the Second World War.
A perfect example of these atrocious events is the Auschwitz concentration camps, where hundreds of thousands of people were killed in gas Chambers by the Nazis.
However, after the travails of the war, which ended in 1945, the country was rebuilt and has continued to evolve in the right direction ever since then. Today, Poland boasts one of the world's most dynamic and stable economies, including world renowned and beautiful towns like Krakow and Warsaw, which serves as the capital. In addition to some amazing natural landscapes like the Tatra Mountains and the Mazury Lake District.
Poland boasts a total of 15 World Heritage Sites that attract millions of visitors to the country every year. It is also attracting continental and global interest for its cuisines which are influenced by other countries like the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Turkey, France, etc.
Visitors from visa free countries can still enjoy the beauty Poland has to offer, but they must obtain ETIAS approval first before they can enter the country.
Poland ETIAS Requirements
Only applicants who meet the ETIAS requirements will be allowed to enter Poland for short visits. They must have the following
A valid passport
A return flight ticket back to their home countries
Visa fee
Passport and personal information
You must submit a few documents for ETIAS approval, and the application takes only a few minutes.
How to Apply For Poland ETIAS?
To apply for ETIAS Poland is relatively easy, especially if you use a trusted application website like VisaHQ. Here are the steps to take to apply for Poland ETIAS
Visit VisaHQ
Choose Poland as your destination
Choose your country of citizenship
Complete the ETIAS form with your details
Upload all ETIAS documents required
Pay the application fee with a credit or debit card
Submit for approval
Make sure you only provide valid and accurate information when filling out the form so your application will not be denied. Also, note that the application fee is €7 and is not refundable. Paying this fee is for document processing and is not a guarantee that you will get the authorization.
Applying for Poland ETIAS is very easy if you are eligible for it. Just head to VisaHQ to complete the application form and submit it for approval within minutes. It's that simple.