Warsaw Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Poland follows the Schengen visa policy. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your intended stay. The Schengen Area allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
Citizens of EU member states, EEA countries, and Switzerland can enter and stay indefinitely with freedom of movement rights
Only a valid national ID card or passport required. No registration needed for stays under 3 months; for longer stays, register with local authorities within 30 days.
Citizens of these countries can enter the Schengen Area without a visa for tourism, business, or family visits
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure and issued within the last 10 years. Must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries. Proof of sufficient funds, accommodation, and return ticket may be requested.
Starting in 2025, visa-exempt travelers will need ETIAS authorization before entering the Schengen Area
Cost: €7 for adults aged 18-70 (free for those under 18 or over 70)
ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization. Once implemented, it will be mandatory for visa-exempt nationals. Check official EU sources for exact implementation date.
Citizens of countries not listed in visa-free categories must obtain a Schengen visa before travel
Required documents include completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), proof of accommodation, flight reservations, financial means, and visa fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for children under 6). A Schengen visa issued by Poland allows travel throughout the Schengen Area.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival in Warsaw, you'll proceed through immigration control, collect your baggage, and pass through customs. The process is typically efficient, though wait times can vary depending on flight arrivals and time of day. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens use automated gates or dedicated lanes, while other nationals use separate immigration queues.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Poland's customs regulations align with EU standards. When arriving from outside the EU, you must declare goods exceeding duty-free allowances. Travelers arriving from other EU countries face fewer restrictions for personal use items. Always use the red channel if you're unsure whether you need to declare something.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - strictly prohibited with severe penalties including imprisonment
- Weapons and ammunition - without proper permits and declaration
- Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items, pirated media
- Endangered species products - items made from protected animals/plants (ivory, certain furs, exotic leather) without CITES permits
- Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries - with few exceptions, to prevent disease transmission
- Plants and plant products - soil, certain seeds, and plants from non-EU countries without phytosanitary certificates
- Offensive materials - child pornography, materials promoting violence or hatred
- Unregistered drones - certain types require registration and permits
- Cash over €10,000 - not prohibited but must be declared; failure to declare is illegal
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - carry in original packaging with prescription or doctor's letter; some medications require special permits
- Firearms and ammunition - require Polish firearms permit and must be declared; sporting/hunting weapons need additional documentation
- Cultural artifacts and antiques - items over 50 years old may require export permits from country of origin
- Large amounts of alcohol and tobacco - exceeding personal use limits may be subject to questioning and duty
- Professional equipment - expensive cameras, laptops, or equipment for commercial use may need to be declared to avoid duty on re-exit
- Drones and radio equipment - may require registration; commercial drone use requires permits
- Live animals - require health certificates, vaccination records, and microchipping (see pet import requirements)
- Food products - honey, eggs, and certain foods from non-EU countries are restricted; check current regulations
Health Requirements
Poland generally has no mandatory vaccination requirements for international travelers from most countries. However, health requirements can change, particularly regarding communicable diseases. It's essential to check current requirements before travel and ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage.
Required Vaccinations
- No routine vaccinations are required for entry to Poland for most travelers
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required only if arriving from or having transited through yellow fever endemic areas in Africa or South America within 6 days prior to arrival
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), influenza, COVID-19
- Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers due to potential food/water exposure
- Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have contact with blood/body fluids or require medical treatment
- Rabies - for travelers with extensive outdoor activities or contact with animals
- Tick-borne encephalitis - recommended for travelers visiting rural/forested areas during spring and summer
Health Insurance
Health insurance is strongly recommended for all travelers and mandatory for visa applicants (minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation). EU/EEA/Swiss citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to state healthcare, though supplementary travel insurance is still advisable. Non-EU citizens should ensure their travel insurance covers medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation, as healthcare costs can be significant. Poland has good medical facilities, particularly in Warsaw, but private care is expensive for uninsured patients.
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport or be included on a parent's passport (if country allows). Minors (under 18) traveling alone, with one parent, or with non-parents should carry a notarized parental consent letter signed by absent parent(s), including contact information and trip details. The letter should be in English or Polish. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship. Children are subject to the same visa requirements as adults. For EU citizens, national ID cards are sufficient.
Pets from EU countries need: microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant), valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), EU pet passport. Pets from non-EU countries need: microchip, rabies vaccination certificate, health certificate issued by official veterinarian (within 10 days of travel), and possibly rabies antibody titer test (depending on country of origin). Dogs, cats, and ferrets are allowed; maximum 5 pets per person. Certain dog breeds may be restricted. Pets must enter through designated border crossing points. Service animals have specific documentation requirements. Contact Polish veterinary authorities or your airline for detailed requirements.
Tourist stays are limited to 90 days per 180-day period in the Schengen Area. For longer stays, you must apply for appropriate visa or residence permit before the 90 days expire. Options include: National (D) visa for stays over 90 days (work, study, family reunification); Temporary residence permit for employment, studies, family, or business; Permanent residence after 5 years of continuous legal residence. Applications must be submitted at Polish consulate in your country (for visas) or at voivodeship office in Poland (for residence permits). EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can stay indefinitely but should register at local town hall (urząd miasta) if staying over 3 months. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.
Business visitors on short stays (under 90 days) can enter on tourist visa waiver or Schengen visa, but cannot receive payment from Polish sources or engage in direct employment. Carry invitation letter from Polish company, conference registration, or business meeting documentation. For employment or extended business activities, work permit and appropriate visa/residence permit required. Some nationalities have bilateral agreements allowing business activities. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can work freely without permits. Keep business cards and documentation of business purpose readily available for immigration.
Students accepted to Polish educational institutions need: acceptance letter from university, proof of sufficient funds (approximately €500-600 per month), health insurance, and accommodation confirmation. Apply for national (D) visa for studies at Polish consulate. Upon arrival, apply for temporary residence permit at voivodeship office. Researchers may qualify for special permits under EU Researcher Directive. EU/EEA students can study freely but should register for stays over 3 months. Part-time work is allowed with student residence permit (limited hours during term time).
Diplomatic and official passport holders may have different entry requirements. Many countries have visa exemption agreements for diplomatic/service passport holders. Contact Polish embassy for specific requirements. Upon arrival, diplomatic personnel should contact Protocol Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Carry diplomatic credentials and official travel orders. Diplomatic immunity does not exempt from customs declarations. Special customs procedures apply to diplomatic cargo and personal effects.