If you want to apply for a visa, you need to know the types of Schengen visa Poland and the right one to apply for. Like other countries, the Polish government, through its embassies, issue visas to visitors based on their needs; each visa has its unique requirements. Below we review the visa process and the types of visas you can apply for.
Does Every Visitor Need A Visa?
Not every visitor needs a visa for Poland; this visa is solely for those from non-visa-exempt countries. If you are not from any 63 visa exempt countries with passport liberalization agreements with the Schengen union, you will need a Schengen visa to enter Poland or any other Schengen country.
Schengen visas are issued for short stays, not long stay visas, and visitors cannot stay for more than 90 days. The visa is valid for 180 days and is not renewable. Being a short term visa, it does not permit the holder to work in the country, nor does it qualify them for a work permit or residency. Furthermore, the visa is issued as a single, double, or multiple entry visa, so the holder is free to choose whichever one they wish.
How Many Countries Can I Visit?
You can visit all 27 Schengen countries in Europe with this visa, but there is more; you can also see other non Schengen countries on the continent, like Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, and Croatia. Microstates like Andorra, The Vatican, and Monaco are also open to holders of Schengen visas. However, the UK is not open to visa holders because the country is no longer a part of the European Union due to Brexit. Furthermore, the Republic of Ireland is not accessible to Schengen visitors because it has a different immigration policy, so travelers must apply for an Irish visa instead.
Types of Schengen Visa Poland
So what are the different Schengen visa types visitors can apply for? Let’s have a look.
Airport Transit Visa: Transit visas are for trackers who wish to switch flights in Poland but rest a few days before continuing their journey. This visa is only required if they wish to leave the airport; it is not required for visitors waiting for their flight.
Tourist Visa: Most visitors who come to Poland on this visa do so for tourism, and they are free to visit any part of the country for sightseeing and vacation as long as they don’t stay for more than 90 days.
Business Visa: Another visa type is the business visa for professionals, investors, and guests coming for meetings, negotiations, conferences, or any business-related activity. Business visitors are not allowed to work and get paid directly for their services as it is not a work visa.
Medical Treatment Visa: Patients needing medical care may visit Poland for treatment. To qualify for this visa, they must show evidence issued to them by the medical facility detailing the type of treatment they are coming for and how long it will take.
Study Visa: This is not the standard study visa valid for one year and above, and this one is for short courses that will not last more than 90 days. It may be an academic or training course, but the applicant must show an admission letter issued to them.
Cultural Exchange Visa: A cultural exchange visa is a flexible visa issued to visitors coming for social events like sports, arts, musical, cultural, religious, tours, or any other event of a social nature. The documents required for this visa differ depending on the applicant and the nature of their visit.
Official Visa: This visa is for officials of embassies and foreign governments coming for official assignments or invited by the Polish government. Only those with diplomatic passports can apply for this visa.
These visas reviewed are for short-term visits lasting not more than 90 days, but you will need a long-term visa for extended stays.
How To Get A Schengen Visa For Poland?
You can get a Schengen visa for Poland by submitting your application to the embassy. Some embassies collect applications directly, while others collect them through accredited visa collection agents.
You need to decide on the visa you want based on your needs. Secondly, you need to figure out the collection process; does the embassy accept direct submission or through visa agents.
The third step is to arrange the necessary documents before booking an appointment with the embassy.
Documents For Processing
Here are the documents you will need for the visa
Completed application form
Valid passport
Two recent photographs
Cover letter
Civil status certificate
Proof of accommodation
Letter of invitation, if applicable
Visa fee
Proof of financial means
Round trip flight Itinerary
The documents you will be asked to submit will depend on the types of Schengen visa Poland you apply for.