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Poland, officially known as the Republic of Poland, is a country in Central Europe. It is world renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, medieval architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and picturesque landscapes, which include the Tatra mountains in the south, the Masurian Lake district in the north-east and the coastal beaches along the Baltic Sea.

Poland offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its medieval towns and stunning landscapes to its resilient spirit and thriving economy, Poland enchants visitors with its rich heritage and warm hospitality.

History of Poland
Poland’s history dates back to the 10th century and the country has played a significant role in the history of European politics. Through the centuries, Poland has faced partitions, wars, and occupation by force, but after World War II, Poland experienced a remarkable transformation and has now become a democratic nation and a member of the European Union.

Tourism
Poland beckons tourists to its shores around the year. The historic city of Krakow in Poland is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to stunning landmarks like the Wawel Castle and the historic Main Square. Warsaw, the capital city on the other hand showcases a blend of modern architecture and reconstructed historic buildings. Other notable places to visit in Poland are Gdansk, with its beautiful old town and maritime heritage, and Wroclaw, known for its charming market square and numerous bridges.

If you are planning to visit Poland sometime soon, and if only the visa application is remaining, then here is a comprehensive guide on the things you must know about obtaining a visa to this historic and beautiful country. Sounds interesting? Read on!

Obtaining a Poland Visa
There are different types of Poland visas depending on the reason for your stay: work, studies, or simply tourism. However, before you apply for a visa, you must also check whether you even need one at all; and if you do, what are the requisites for applying for one?

You do not need a visa for Poland if:
a) Your country is part of the EU/EEA countries or any Schengen country
b) Your country of residence has a visa-free agreement with Schengen. This includes citizens of the USA, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, and Tunisia.

If you are from a country that does not have a visa-free agreement (such as India, China, Morocco, Thailand, Turkey, Egypt, etc.) you have to apply for a visa to visit Poland.

Types of Poland Visas

a) Schengen Visas – also known as C-Type visas. These include:
• Tourist Visa
This visa is suitable for individuals visiting Poland for tourism purposes, including sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, or participating in cultural events. It allows you to stay in Poland for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. It is referred to as a Schengen visa because it allows the holder to visit all other Schengen countries within the visa’s validity period i.e., it allows you to travel freely to 26 European countries without the need for additional visas.

• Business Visa
Business visas are issued to individuals traveling to Poland for business-related activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations. They also permit participation in trade fairs and exhibitions. Similar to the tourist visa, this too is a Schengen visa and the maximum duration of stay is 90 days within 180 days.

b) National Visas – also known as D-Type visas. These include:
• Student Visa
If you are from a non-EU country and have been accepted to a university in Poland, you need to apply for a Polish student visa and student residence permit. This visa allows for a longer stay, typically covering the duration of the academic program.

• Work Visa
If you want to work in Poland, you must apply for a Polish work visa. You must have an employer who will submit a request for a work permit on your behalf, at the local Voivodeship office (which is the Polish equivalent of a municipal office). There are different types of work permits depending on the duration and nature of your work. You can only start working after your employer provides you with a work permit.

• Family Visa
If you want to join either your spouse or parents who live in Poland, you have to apply for a Polish family visa. The family visa is valid for 2 years, and you are allowed to work in Poland during this time. You have to provide proof of your family status, such as a marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth/adoption certificate (for minor children).

c) Transit Visas
If you are transiting through Poland on your way to another Schengen country, you may need a transit visa. This visa allows the holder to enter the international transit area of an airport in Poland, so they can switch flights. It is aimed at passengers who are traveling to a third country, but whose flight connects in Poland. Not everyone needs a Polish transit visa if they do not leave the international transit area.

Poland visa application process
To apply for a Polish visa, you have to:
a) Apply early! You should submit your application at least 3 weeks before your travel date, which means you should set an appointment much earlier. In many Polish embassies, the waiting times for an appointment can take weeks or months.
b) Locate the nearest Polish embassy/ consulate or an outsourced visa service agency like us (BLS International) and set an appointment.
c) Fill in the application form with precision and sincerity.
d) Pay the visa fee. The embassy/consulate, or visa application centre will let you know how to pay the fees. The same might be done online or through a bank transfer. You must take the payment confirmation and attach it to the rest of your documents.
e) Prepare all required documents as per the list provided to you by the embassy/consulate for your visa.
f) Prepare for the visa interview. Look up common questions asked in Polish tourist visa applications so you are prepared for the visa interview.
g) Double check you have all your documents before applying.
h) Submit the application on the day of your visa appointment. Make sure you are on time, not too late and not too early either.

What are the essential documents needed for applying for a Poland visa?

Visa Application Form: Since Poland is a Schengen area country, you would need to fill out the Schengen visa form to apply. You can download the visa application form online and fill out the required details. It is the most basic document while applying for a visa.

Travel document: The passport is without a doubt the most important requisite for applying for a Poland visa. It should be valid for at least 3 months after your return date. You will also need to ensure that there are at least two blank pages for marking the entry and exit from Poland.

Biometric Photo: You will need two passport-size photographs as per the Schengen visa specifications, for the Poland visa application.

Visa Fee Proof: You’ll also be required to show proof of payment of the visa fee.

Health insurance policy: A travel insurance covering at least 30,000EUR is one of the requirements for the Poland visa as it acts as an assurance that you can afford any medical emergency that comes your way. The medical insurance should be valid across all the Schengen area countries.

Other supporting documents required for the visa
Apart from the essential documents, you may also be requested to carry certain extra documents for the Poland visa requirements which may help in expediting the visa application process.
• Flight reservation for visa
• Proof of accommodation in Poland
• Covering letter with details of your trip, the purpose of visit and the dates of visit
• Proof of your financial health
• Marital status proof
• No objection letter from your employer should state that your employer or institution does not have any objection towards your trip and that you have enough leave approvals for the entire duration of the trip.
• Sponsorship letter from the person who will be financially sponsoring your trip to the Schengen Zone. It is also often called an Affidavit of Support.

The processing time for the Polish visa depends on the Polish embassy/consulate and its workload. The general waiting time for a Polish visa is two weeks. In some cases, the waiting time for a Polish visa can go up to 45 days or more.

A visit to Poland is surely going to be etched in your memory forever, so start planning for your upcoming holiday to this beautiful country. While planning, if you happen to encounter challenges with your Poland visa requirements…worry not! Our team of visa experts is here to provide you with comprehensive assistance throughout your visa application process.

We at BLS International are committed to ensuring a seamless and hassle-free visa application experience for you! To know more about us, visit us at www.blsinternational.com