ETIAS for Poland
European travel authorisation for Poland
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Poland ETIAS is a visa-waiver travel authorisation which will allow travellers from eligible nations to visit Poland visa-free.
Poland is a European country with a rich history, lively and young urban life, and stunning landscapes just minutes outside the big cities.
Travelling to Poland will soon require visitors to obtain an ETIAS travel authorisation to present upon arrival in the country to be allowed passage due to the new parameters being implemented by the European Union to ensure a safer Europe.
POLAND BASIC INFORMATION
Lush green scenery envelopes this beautiful Eastern European gem, with a deep past of kings and castles. The more recent and difficult past including World War II is still visible in some areas and history buffs will be enticed by the hundreds of intriguing museums, ruins and monuments that offer a small insight into the evolution of Poland.
Officially the Republic of Poland, the country is at the heart of Europe bordering with these ETIAS countries:
- Germany to the west
- The Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south
It also borders with these countries outside the Schengen Area:
- Ukraine and Belarus to the east
- Lithuania and the Russian province of Kaliningrad Oblast to the northeast.
To the north, Poland is bordered by the Baltic Sea. Its borders have changed on multiple occasions. The present borders of its territory were set at the end of World War II.
POLAND’S GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
Poland features a stunning varied landscape. It is home to sandy beaches on the Baltic coast as well as snow-capped peaks in the south. There are over 1,300 lakes in its territory.
The climate is mostly temperate throughout. Towards the south and east, it is warmer and more continental. The warmest region is Lower Silesia, with high temperatures in the summer.
BRIEF HISTORY OF POLAND
The first civilizations that date back to 2000 B.C. However, it’s roots begin in the 10th century. It was not until A.D. 966 that the region’s tribes were united under the first prince of Polska, Slavic chief Mieszko.
The history of Poland is one of conflict and confrontation. The country has gone through hundreds of changes and has been ruled by numerous kings. Towards the end of the 1500s, Lithuania and Poland became one, ruled under elected kings. In the 1700s, the country dealt with several wars with its neighbouring countries.
In 1795, the polish territory was conquered and divided up among Russia, Austria, and Prussia. Poland didn’t exist again until it was restored as a country in 1918, when the first world war ended.
World War II had a huge impact on the lives of the Polish people. Both German and Soviet Union occupation has played a significant role in the development of Poland.
The Soviet Union occupied Poland for 45 years. Polish workers protested against communism in the 80s. It’s not until 1989 that democratic elections were held and Poland became a republic.
POLAND’S POLITICAL SYSTEM
As a parliamentary republic, it has:
- A prime minister, as the head of government
- A president, as the head of state
The government is centred on the council of ministers.
Poland is divided into 16 provinces, each being governed by a governor appointed by the government.
Poland
Capital City: Warsaw
Official language: Polish
Currency: Zloty
Population: 38,420,687 million
EU member state since: 1 May 2004
POLAND, AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Poland is a part of the European Union and also a nation acknowledged under the Schengen Agreement which allows free movement of goods and people between the 26 countries, Poland included.
The Schengen zone is an area which consents to a common external border and coordinates international security and immigration systems, included the new European visa waiver, known as ETIAS for eligible nations.
Poland is a relatively young country in terms of the European Union and Schengen zone agreements. It is now one of the many ETIAS countries that make up the European bloc.
Joining the EU as recently as 2004, but fighting for their position since diplomacy between Poland and the European Economic Community (EEC) began in 1988. After a difficult post-world-war and Cold War period, Poland had a slow recovery and finally began establishing political changes in the late 80s and early 90s which allowed them to meet the political and economic criteria required to enter the EU.
TRAVEL TO POLAND
As a Schengen member, Poland welcomes all EU nationals. In the same way, Polish citizens are able to move freely within the Schengen Area.
Poland applies the visa liberalisation policy. According to this policy, EU citizens are able to enter Poland with a valid ID. Citizens of over 50 countries can travel to Poland without a visa and can enter with their passport. Third-country nationals from the remaining countries must obtain a Schengen visa to go through Polish border control.
As an ETIAS country, Poland will require visa-exempt foreign nationals to have a valid ETIAS to enter its territory. ETIAS will be introduced in 2026 . Getting the ETIAS visa waiver will be a fairly simple online process.
GETTING AROUND POLAND
Poland has public transport that allows locals and visitors to move easily within a city.
Large and medium-sized cities have extensive bus networks. A few cities also have tram and trolley bus systems. The capital, Warsaw, is the only city with a metro network.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN POLAND
Public transport is available from 5 am to 11 pm. On the weekends, the service is less frequent.
Tickets are usually available at machines inside the bus or tram which can be paid using a contactless card. Ticket machines can be found at major bus and tram stations. Another way to buy tickets is to get them from newspaper kiosks.
All paper tickets must be validated when entering the bus or tram. Ticket inspectors check locals and visitors alike to make sure they have validated their ticket.
ARRIVING IN POLAND BY PLANE, CAR, FERRY, AND TRAIN
There are several ways to get around Poland. It has well-served airports in a number of cities and an extensive network of buses, trains, and ferries. It is possible to enter the country by car, going through any of its official borders.
TRAVELLING BY TRAIN TO AND IN POLAND
- Rail travel is one of the easiest ways to see the country. Trains are operated by Polskie Koleje Państwowe (PKP)
- Speedy InterCity, Eurocity, and Express InterCity trains run between the largest cities
TRAVELLING BY BUS TO AND IN POLAND
- Visitors can connect to and from Poland by bus via several European nations. Buses within the country reach every Polish town
- Nationwide FlixBus and PolskiBus connect bigger cities and are at times, faster than a train
TRAVELLING BY FERRY TO AND IN POLAND
- Entering the country by ferry is another viable option. Poland’s major ports are Gdansk, Gdynia, Szczecin, and Swinoujscie. The most common ferry routes are from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
TRAVELLING BY PLANE TO AND IN POLAND
There are three main airports in Poland:
- Chopin Airport, in Warsaw
- John Paul II International Airport, in Krakow
- Lech Wałęsa Airport, in Gdánsk
All airports are well connected by bus to their respective city centres. It is possible to get a taxi as well.
MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR POLAND
Foreign visitors, who hold a Schengen visa must have medical insurance to enter Poland. To get the Schengen visa, all applicants are required to have medical insurance in the first place.
Visa-exempt travellers do not require medical insurance. Nonetheless, travellers are advised to have insurance to avoid dealing with financial issues during their visit.
European nationals can apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to travel within Schengen territory.
MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR ETIAS POLAND
To apply for an ETIAS Poland, medical insurance is not a requirement. Upon entering Poland, ETIAS holders will not be asked to present medical or travel insurance.
Even though medical or travel insurance are not obligatory, travellers are advised to hire insurance to avoid issues in case of an emergency while travelling abroad.
MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR SCHENGEN VISA FOR POLAND
Schengen Visa holders must have medical insurance to apply and get their visa to visit Poland and all other Schengen member countries.
The insurance should meet the following criteria:
- A minimum coverage of at least €30,000
- It should be valid for all of the Schengen Area
- Cover all expenses in case of repatriation for medical reasons
- Cover all expenses in case of an emergency, treatment
- Cover all expenses in case of death
GOING THROUGH POLISH BORDER CONTROL
As a Schengen member country, Poland opens up its borders to citizens from Schengen countries as well as EU nationals. All they need to cross land, maritime, and air borders is a valid ID.
Citizens from visa-exempt countries will need their passport to enter Poland. As of 2026 , they can apply for an ETIAS visa waiver online ahead of their trip. ETIAS will become a Polish entry requirement for visa-exempt non-EU nationals. All other foreigners must have a Schengen visa and a passport to enter Polish territory.
The Polish Border Guard, abbreviated as SG, patrols the Polish border.
Under certain circumstances, Poland, as well as any other Schengen member country, can reintroduce border controls. For instance, in the case of a pandemic or a crisis, countries are able to manage their borders the best way they see fit.
VISITING POLAND: WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Poland is fast becoming a favourite for weekend breaks and short getaways with its two largest cities attracting tourists from all over seeking all kinds of activities. The main city of Krakow and the capital city of Warsaw see no less than around 18 million travellers each year.
HISTORIC WARSAW
Since the 1990s, Warsaw has transformed into a city for business and tourism.
While in the capital, visitors should not miss a visit to the Presidential Palace.
It’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (one of the 17 sites located in Poland), carefully rebuilt based on photographs and paintings of the city.
Another major attraction is the Warsaw Uprising Museum where visitors can learn about the war, and specifically, the way in which the Polish people fought back against the Nazi occupation. The city was completely destroyed and over 200,000 Polish nationals are believed to have been killed in just 63 days.
Other must-see landmarks in Warsaw include:
- The Palace of Culture and Science features stunning views of the city.
- The Praga neighbourhood features arty cafés and local pubs. A perfect spot to relax and get to know locals.
- Łazienki Park which occupies 17 hectares of the city centre is ideal for long walks. Numerous festivals also take place here.
KRAKOW'S BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE
Krakow used to be the country’s royal capital and continues to be an important city. Even though it was majorly destroyed during the second world war, visitors will encounter a fusion of former styles. The architecture includes everything from Romanesque, baroque, art nouveau, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. One of its most impressive buildings is the 16th-century Renaissance Cloth Hall.
Another great reason to visit this lively and interesting city is culture. Kraków is home to dozens of festivals and cultural events throughout the year. Anything from film, dance, art, music, literature, and theater.
The food in the former royal capital will delight travellers. No visit would be complete without trying the traditional pierogi and a vodka tasting.
Some important landmarks and attractions to see in Kraków include:
- Main Market Square is the heart of Kraków’s Old Town and Europe’s largest medieval town square. The Cloth Hall and the Town Hall Tower are both impressive.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine is a subterranean salt mine with tunnels and chambers. Visitors can enter a small section that includes chapels and figures made of salt.
- St Mary’s Basilica features two towers of different heights. The original structure was built in the 1220s and it was rebuilt during a tatar raid. The interior is just as impressive, boasting carved wooden pieces.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS IN POLAND
Other incredible sites to visit in Poland include:
- The Great Masurian Lakes, where visitors can sail or practice water sports. There are several resorts by the lakes.
- Baltic Beaches, featuring cream-white sand, are uniquely beautiful.
- Malbork Castle, a 13th-century Teutonic castle, the largest in the world.
- Gdansk Museum of WWII, opened in 2016, it’s a modern building by the waterfront that presents the horrors of the war.
- Auschwitz-Birkenau is an essential visit while in Poland. Both sections of the camp have been well preserved to show the reality of the war.
- Białowieża National Park it’s a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site, home to 120 species of birds, as well as elk, wild boars and wolves.
The outgoing and friendly people of Poland have taken leaps forward in business, foreign affairs and growing a thriving tourist and entertainment industry as well as maintaining a nearly unspoilt territory in many parts with shimmering lakes and rivers and emerald fields and forests.
Following the introduction of Europe's travel visa waiver for Poland: ETIAS, Poland will be an even more attractive option for foreign visitors. The travel authorisation will strengthen border security, minimising health and safety risks.
EUROPE''S VISA WAIVER FOR POLAND
Applying for a European visa waiver for Poland will be easy and quick. Travellers will simply need to complete their ETIAS application online in a few basic steps and once approved, will be able to travel to Poland and other European nations multiple times during its validity.
The ETIAS permit for Poland, once granted, will be valid for 3 years or until the associated passport of the applicant expires. With each new passport, travellers will need to apply for an ETIAS renewal.
WHAT DO I NEED FOR AN ETIAS TRAVEL AUTHORISATION FOR POLAND?
For citizens of ETIAS-eligible countries to apply for a Poland visa waiver, they must have a valid passport issued by an eligible nation, credit or debit card, an email account and have their travel documentation and personal information readily available.
Through the online ETIAS platform, travellers will be able to complete the application form with these details.
- Firstly applicants will enter their personal and travel information including name, date of birth, nationality, passport or ID number, validity date, etc.
- They will then need to answer some basic security questions regarding previous travel, immigration and health aspects which will be used to determine the applicant’s eligibility to enter the country.
- Finally, the traveller will need to pay an ETIAS fee online using a credit or debit card.
- The authorised ETIAS for Poland will be sent to each applicant via email.
ETIAS FOR POLAND - FAQs
Which countries can I visit near Poland? Toggle faqs
Poland is extremely well connected with the rest of Europe. It borders 3 ETIAS countries: Germany, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Travellers can reach Polish territory by air, land, rail and boat.
Foreign visitors can easily travel to Poland from major cities throughout Europe. Several airlines offer affordable tickets to Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk.
Eligible travellers will be able to apply online for an ETIAS visa waiver to enter Poland. An approved ETIAS grants entry to Poland and a stay of up to 90 days in the Schengen zone.
Note that ETIAS will also be required to visit Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania which are in the process of joining the Schengen Area.
Which visa do I need for Poland? Toggle faqs
If you are a citizen of a visa exempt country, you do not require a visa to enter Poland. The ETIAS visa waiver will be available to travel to Poland without a visa.
Once the travel authorisation system is launched visa exempt foreigners will have to complete an online form. The application process will take approximately 20 minutes or less. After submitting the form for review, most applicants will receive a notification in their email inbox informing them about the status of their authorisation. Once approved, ETIAS is valid for 3 consecutive years or until the passport expires.
If you are not from a visa exempt country, then you must apply for a Schengen visa through a Polish embassy or consulate. The requirements for a Schengen visa include having a valid passport, medical insurance, travel tickets, and sufficient funds.
What documents do I need to visit Poland? Toggle faqs
Travellers from within the EU need to carry national identification documents to enter Poland.
Visitors from an ETIAS eligible country can currently enter Poland with a valid passport until the visa waiver is available. Travellers from visa waiver countries will need an approved ETIAS as well as their valid passport to enter Poland and other Schengen member countries.
Third-country nationals from non-visa exempt countries should apply for a Schengen visa. The requirements for this visa include a medical insurance policy as well as a valid passport. The applicant will also have to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Europe as well as an onward ticket to a non-Schengen destination.