Overview
Poland, shaped by the continental collision of Europe and Africa, over 60 million years back. Stretching over an area of 312,696 sq. Km with a temperate seasonal climate is the 6th populated state in EU with 38.5 mil people. Warsaw is the largest metropolis and capital of Poland with other major cities like Wrocław, Poznań, Gdańsk and Łódź. It is bordered by the Baltic Sea, and also by the major countries like Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Germany.
Poland is a developed market and regional power, being the eighth largest and one of the most dynamic economies of EU. Warsaw, its capital, is the largest and most important in Central Europe. Along with high standards of living; high-income economy, life quality, safety and education are equally seen with great importance and value.
Although not as famed as its fashionable sisters, France and Italy, fashion has always been an important aspect of Poland. Poland has contributed largely to global trends, clothing habit, beauty inventions and cosmetics, which are still in use nowadays.
Its currency is Polish złoty.
How to Travel to Poland?
Poland is listed as a member state of the Schengen Agreement and the European Union. The country permits the U.S. citizens to enter the country for 90 days, be it a tourist or business purpose without a visa. However, the passport should be valid three months beyond the period of stay. You also need 10,000 € or equivalent with you and a return air ticket.
The Schengen area consists of 26 European countries. They do not have any border controls between them. The countries are Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Finland, France, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Poland, Norway, Malta, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Hungary, Iceland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Sweden, Slovenia, Portugal and Latvia. They have a common short stay visa policy.
Why is a Polish Visa Needed?
You will require a visa to visit the nation of Poland. Your reason for visiting Poland will decide the type of visa you should apply for. There are two types of Polish visas:
a. Schengen Visa:
This type of visa allows you a stay of 90 days. This visa also allows applicants to visit other Schengen states. Also, you will have no restrictions to visit or enter any of the Schengen states. Hence, the Schengen Visa C is issued not just for a single entry but also for double and multiple entries.
b. National Visa:
This type of visa allows you a stay of 91 days to 180 days. D-visa can be issued for many reasons, but there are two types of National D-visa. One allows working the other doesn’t.
Kinds of visa to enter Poland
Aforementioned, your visit to Poland can be for any reason and the reason will decide the kind of visa you are given. The types of visa for each visit are:
Tourist Visa:
- A letter of invitation with the address and phone number of friends or family
- Bank statement of last 6 months
- Passport copies
Schengen C- visa:
Stay in the Schengen territory for other purposes other than tourism.
Schengen visa is waived for:
- Children below six years
- School students, postgraduate students and teachers who accompany them on the basis of study or educational training
- A third countries’ Researchers travelling for the purpose of scientific research as mentioned in the EC regulations
- Representatives of no profit organization travelling to participate in an event organized by a non-profit company
- Family members of the European citizens
Business purpose:
- An invitation from a Polish company with their address and dates of your visit.
- A certificate stating the business travel from the employer
- Proof of earlier trades between the two companies
- Last 6 months’ business bank statement
- Memorandum and Article of Association in original certified copy, Trade License (oldest and latest), Partnership documents
- The total expenses of your stay must be stated on the invitation
For Medical:
- A medical report stating the situation of the applicant
- An attested medical report from the doctor in Poland confirming the date and medical situation
- Receipt of medical fees paid
For culture, sports, film crews or religious purposes:
- An invitation stating the purpose of the visit and expense covered
- Name of the crew members
- Duration and travel itinerary
For members of official delegations:
- The official invitation
- Identity of the member
- Purpose of visit
- Duration and accommodation
For study-related purposes:
- An enrollment certificate
- Certificate of completion or courses attended
- Financial sustainability
For wife/husband of a Polish citizen:
- Proof of Polish citizenship
- Polish marriage certificate
- Polish family record book
For a transit visa:
- This visa or an alternate entry permit licensing you to enter the country before you change flights to reach your final stop
- Copy of valid visa to your final stop
For underage children:
- Proof of parent’s regular income
- Travel permission from consent parent
For National visa:
- If you plan to stay for more than 3 months; you have to apply for a national visa for a further stay. You need to apply for a national D-type visa.Period of validity of D-Visa cannot be more than 1 year. There are 2 types of D-visa.
- National D-visa as a national visa: You can stay in the territory for any other purpose other than work.
- National D-visa (work) as a national visa: You can stay in Poland for work purpose only for the whole period of visa validity.
- For Polish visa, apply in the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, New Delhi.
How to Check the Status of Poland visa?
You can check the status of your Poland visa by going online and ‘tracking the application’
Documents required for a Poland Visa
- Download the application or fill it electronically and print out the hard copy
- photos with a light background
- Your passport and copies of previous visas — valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date
- blank pages minimum
- Copy of return ticket
- Take a travel visa insurance with a confirmation of minimum 30,000 € coverage within Poland and the entire Schengen area
- Cover letter stating the specific reason of visit
- Flight itinerary reservation specifying entry and exit dates along with your flight numbers
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of civil status
- Proof of financial means for the period of stay
Documents required as per the position
Employed:
- Employment contract
- Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
- NOC from the employer
- Income Tax Return form
Self-employed:
- A copy of your business license
- Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Income Tax Return form
Student:
- Proof of enrollment
- Approval letter from the school
- Copy of the fee receipt
Retired:
- Pension statement of the latest 6 months but sometimes regular income generated by property as proof of the previous 6 months is required
The documents mentioned above are mandatory, otherwise, the visa will not be issued and your application will be rejected.