In this article you will learn in detail about the list of required documents, the application process and the reasons for refusal. We told you about all the different types of Polish visa in the first part of our article. Enjoy the article!
Important changes for visa extensions
Even before 1 July 2023 it was possible to enter Poland on an extended visa on the basis of COVID-19 (we wrote about it earlier in this article), but now it is not possible, unlike the citizens of Ukraine for whom the legal stay has been extended until 4 March 2024 while staying in Poland. However, if Ukrainians want to return with such extended documents to Poland on the grounds of war, it can be done until 1 July 2023 - since the documents were extended not on the grounds of war, but on the grounds of covid, exactly the law for this reason is not spelled out, but we can safely assume that there will be relief for those entering Poland.
If you are in Poland, you as a citizen of Ukraine can apply for a Polish visa in Lviv without traveling outside Poland. You can find more information on this link.
On the website of the European Commission you can find a special calculator for calculating the length of stay in Schengen countries.
List of documents to apply for a visa to Poland for a foreigner
The list of documents to apply for a visa to Poland for a foreigner may vary slightly depending on the type of visa. Usually you will need the following documents:
Visa application (Schengen)
A valid passport, or rather photocopies of it. IMPORTANT: your passport must be valid for at least 3 months before the date of travel.
Two small photo cards as in your passport.
Health insurance for the trip.
Proof of the purpose of the visit (hotel booking, tickets, invitation, etc.).
Proof of financial solvency.
Proof of tax paid (visa fee).
Employment contract and bank statement for the last six months (in case you are employed).
A document proving your current school/university studies (in case you are studying).
Where and how is a visa to Poland issued?
→ First step. Find the nearest Polish embassy or consulate in your country. This can be done online: just type "Polish Embassy in (your city)" into the Google search field.
→ Second step. Book an appointment for visa application at the embassy.
→ Third step. Collect a full list of required documents. Don't forget to pay the visa fee, which can be paid online.
→ Fourth step. Submit all the collected documents and the completed form to the embassy and attend a personal interview. At the interview you will be asked various questions about the purpose of your visit, attitude towards the country, etc.
→ Fifth step. Wait for the decision. Statistics show that the average waiting time for a decision from the embassy is about 12-14 days.
Reasons for refusal to issue a visa
The consul may refuse to issue a visa to a foreigner if, among other things:
- the foreigner does not have a valid travel document or other documents authorizing the foreigner to cross the Schengen border;
- the foreigner is unable to specify the purpose and conditions of the planned stay;
- if there are concerns that the entry and stay of the foreigner may endanger defense, security, public order or violate the interests of Poland;
- if in the process of applying for a visa the foreigner has reported untruths, withheld important information or failed to justify the purpose or conditions of the planned stay;
- if the foreigner does not have the required health insurance;
- the foreigner does not have sufficient funds for his/her own maintenance during the period of stay in Poland and for returning to the country of origin or permanent residence, or for travelling to a state other than the country of origin or permanent residence.
Attention! Every person whose visa application is refused (or visa cancelled/revoked) is mandatorily provided with a refusal form containing the reasons for the refusal. In case of a negative decision issued by the consul, it is possible to apply for a review of the application by the same authority, i.e. the consul (there is no possibility of appeal to a higher authority). The application must be submitted within 7 days from the date of receipt of the decision to refuse to issue (to cancel/revoke) a national or Schengen visa to the authority that issued the decision.
How can we help?
Obtaining a visa to Poland may seem like a daunting task at first, but with the support of the experienced aksis team, you can handle it quickly and easily. aksis is a team of professional migration agents who have the experience and knowledge required to apply for a visa to Poland. We are ready to provide you with expert advice, assist you in collecting and preparing documents, and provide you with support at all stages of obtaining a visa to Poland. Trust us and we will make the process of obtaining a Polish visa fast and convenient for you.
