Did you know that Poland is a Schengen zone member and qualified to issue visas to applicants?
A Schengen visa for Poland can also be used to visit other countries in the zone, and Poland has been issuing this visa since 2007. Today, the country receives thousands of visa applications annually through its embassies and consulates abroad. If you want to visit Poland, read this post to know whether you need a visa and now to get one if required.
Poland At A Glance
Poland is a member of the European Union with a population of 38 million population. The country has a land area of 312,696 km2 and is officially called the Republic of Poland. This country l, located in Eastern Europe and sharing a border with Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, has one of the most dynamic economies in the world. Having joined the Schengen zone in 2007, it started issuing visas to travelers entering Europe through its borders and airports, leading to a lot of passenger traffic in the region.
Poland has 15 UNESCO heritage sites, such as Poznan, Wroclaw, Lodz, Krakow, Szczecin, and Gdansk, and it also has a thriving tourism industry. Warsaw's capital is the most populated city with large urbanized areas. As a visitor, there is much you would enjoy, including some top tourist attractions like the Masurian lakes, Malbork and Wawel Castle, and Auschwitz. The old town of Gdansk is also a top tourist destination.
Do I need A Schengen Visa To Enter Poland?
Your nationality depends on whether you need a Schengen visa to enter Poland. For instance, citizens of other EU and Schengen nations do not need a visa to enter Poland; all they need is a valid ID card or passport unless they wish to become permanent residents; there is a different document for them. Also, citizens from visa-free countries don't require visas as well; citizens from countries like the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand don't need visas to enter Poland.
If you are not from a visa-free country or an EU/Schengen country, you need a visa to enter Poland, and the Schengen visa is a viable option.
Can I Enter Other Countries With A Schengen Visa?
Holders of Schengen visas can travel to other countries in the Area. There are 26 Schengen countries in all, and visas issued by any of them under agreed protocols are recognized and accepted for entry by other countries in the Schengen Area as long as the visa is valid.
Schengen visas are valid for 180 days and allow the holder to stay for up to 90 days.
Schengen Visa For Poland Requirements
If you want to apply for this visa, here are the documents you must submit for processing.
Application Form: You must submit a completed and signed visa application form. This is a mandatory document for all visa applications. Forms must be correctly filled with no section left blank.
Passport: A valid passport that will not expire during your time in the country. The minimum validity requirement is three months from the day you arrive in Poland. The passport must have at least two blank pages and must not be older than ten years.
Photos: Two recent photographs of you that meet Schengen requirements. They must be identical and printed on a white background.
Previous Visas: Copies of previous visas issued to you in the past. Submit them even if they are expired for review.
Travel Health Insurance: It is mandatory for all visitors to the Schengen Area to possess valid Travel health insurance to the tune of €30,000 for medical emergencies and bills you may incur during your visit to the country.
Proof of Funds: You must prove that you have the financial capacity to cover all your expenses throughout your stay in Poland. The minimum daily amount for expenses is €22.95 per day throughout your stay.
Cover Letter: A Cover letter explaining why you want to visit Poland, including arrival and departure dates.
Proof of Accommodation: You need hotel reservation documents showing the hotel and address you will stay.
These and other supporting documents will be required of you where applicable. Ensure that you compile all these documents and make photocopies before appearing at the embassy on the day of your appointment.
How To Apply For The Poland Visa?
Applicants must visit the Polish embassy or consulate to submit their application documents. If there isn't an embassy or consulate in your country, check for the accredited agent handling visa applications for the Polish government and submit your documents to them for processing.
The Schengen visa to Poland takes about 15 working days to process, so pack your bags and be ready to go once the visa is issued.