This is a comprehensive guide to getting a Poland Schengen Visa for US citizens and Green Card holders, so If you are planning a trip to this beautiful European destination In this article, we will look at all you need to know about the application process, requirements, types of visas, and much more, this is to make your journey easier and less stressful.
Poland Schengen Visa: A Ticket to Explore Europe
The country has an impressive 96.51% approval rate and getting a visa there is a straightforward process, especially if you’re applying from the United States. In 2022, the Embassy of Poland and its Consulates in the US received a total of 1491 visa applications, This statistic proves the increasing popularity of Poland as a travel destination for US citizens.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Poland?
They generally don’t need a visa to enter Poland for short stays, as long as the visit does not exceed 90 days within 180 days but this exemption depends on different purposes, including tourism, business, short-term studies, cultural or sports events, and even medical treatment.
However, if your plans are for long-term work, studying, or relocating to Poland, you must apply for a National (D) Visa.
Starting in 2024, US citizens planning to visit Poland will need to register for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling. It serves as an electronic travel authorization, allowing visa-exempt citizens to travel within the Schengen area hassle-free. It’s valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Do Green Card Holders Need a Visa for Poland?
This will depend on your passport’s origin:
- If you possess a passport from a country with a visa liberalization agreement with the EU, you won’t need a visa.
- but if it’s the opposite you will need to apply for a visa.
- Make sure to know your specific visa requirements.
Who Can Apply for a Poland Visa from the US?
- Citizen of a country that needs a visa to enter the Schengen Area.
- You are a legal resident in the United States, which includes Green Card holders and various visa categories such as F1 (I-20), H1B, G1, J1, and more.
- Your US residence permit remains valid for at least three months after leaving the Schengen area.
Additionally, you should apply for a Polish visa in the United States if:
- Poland is the sole European country you plan to visit.
- It is your primary destination among the Schengen states you intend to visit.
- Please note that tourists and visitors with US visa type B1/B2 and J1 Summer Work Travel visas must apply in their country of residence.
Types of Poland Short-Stay Visas Available for US Residents and Green Card Holders
- Poland Airport Transit Visa: If you plan to transit through a Polish airport on your way to your final destination outside the Schengen Area.
- Poland Tourist/Visitor Visa: Those visiting for holidays, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family residing in the country.
- Business Visa: Designed for individuals attending business-related activities in Poland.
- Poland for Official Visit: Applicable to official delegations coming to Poland on an official trip.
- Poland Medical Visa: If you intend to seek medical treatment in Poland.
- Poland Short-term Study Visa: Perfect for those wishing to attend a short-term course at an educational institution in Poland for up to three months.
- Poland Visa for Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews: For those participating in cultural or sports activities or working as part of a film crew in the country.
Requirements for a Poland Visa from the US
To ensure a smooth visa application process, you must gather the following documents before submitting your Poland visa application in the United States:
Application Form
Complete and sign the application form with a blue pen, you can download the form online.
Valid Passport
It should not be older than 10 years and should be valid for at least 3 months even after you leave Poland to make sure it has at least 2 blank visa pages and your signature.
Photographs
Provide passport-sized photographs that meet Schengen requirements, including being no older than six months and having a white background.
Proof of Residency
Green card (alien residence card) or a valid US residence visa and the visa should allow re-entry into the United States.
Proof of Travel Arrangements
Present a flight reservation with your name, destination, and flight number.
Travel Medical Insurance
Get travel medical insurance for Poland with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros or its equivalent in USD, up to $50,000 and you can easily purchase this insurance online from Europ Assistance.
Proof of Accommodation in Poland
Ensure you have arrangements for accommodation during your stay in Poland, whether it’s a hotel reservation, hostel booking, rent agreement, or an invitation from friends or family.
Cover Letter
It should detail the purpose of your visit, the duration of your stay, travel dates, and information about accompanying persons like family members, friends, or business associates.
Visa Fee Payment
Pay and attach the receipt along with your application and other documents.
Proof of Financial Means
show evidence that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in the country and this can include bank account statements, sponsorship letters, or a combination of both.
Proof of Civil Status
Depending on your circumstances, this could be a marriage certificate, a birth certificate for children, or a death certificate of a spouse, among others.
Proof of Employment
If Employed:
- Employment contract
- Current bank statement for the last 6 months
- Leave permission from the employer
- Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary
Unemployed:
If you’re economically dependent on someone, provide a notarized letter from the person taking financial responsibility for your trip. They should also attach a copy of their valid passport and three recent bank statements.
If Self-Employed:
- Include a copy of your business license
- Provide company bank statements for the last 6 months
- Include your Income Tax Return (ITR)
For Foreign Students in the US on F1 Visas:
- Valid I-20
- A reference letter from your educational institution in the US confirming your good standing, major, and expected graduation date.
If Retired:
- Provide pension statements for the last 6 months
Visiting Poland for Tourism or Sightseeing:
- Present a detailed hotel reservation for your entire stay in Poland.
- If you’ve rented a place in Poland, include the rent agreement.
- If you’re traveling with a tour agency, provide a letter from the tour organizer.
If Visiting Friends and/or Family:
- Prove your relationship with the host in the country.
- Include an invitation letter from your host with a copy of their passport and/or residence permit for Poland.
- Ensure the invitation is registered with the appropriate Polish authorities (Urzad Wojewódzki).
Visiting Poland for Business Purposes:
- Present an invitation letter from the company you will be visiting, along with their detailed address and visit dates.
- Include a certificate from your employer explaining the purpose of your trip.
- Provide your business bank statement, preferably for the last 6 months.
- Include the Memorandum and Article of Association in original certified copy (registered with joint-stock companies).
- Attach your trade license like the initial issue and present renewal.
- Show proof of trip financing, indicating the coverage of expenses during your stay in Poland.
If Visiting for Medical Purposes:
- Get a local medical report from a doctor/clinic/hospital in your home country, confirming your need for medical treatment in Poland, Including a medical attestation from a hospital or doctor in Poland, confirming your appointment and medical situation, and Present payment receipts for medical fees.
- Include official confirmation of the treatment/appointment by the receiving medical institution (hospital/clinic) in Poland.
- Provide evidence of sufficient financial means to cover medical expenses and related costs during your treatment.
Additional Required Documents for Visa Application for Minors
- Original birth certificate
- The Poland visa application form signed by both parents
- If the minor is traveling alone, a notarized authorization to travel to Poland, signed by both parents/legal guardians
- If one parent is not located in the United States, they should submit their signed consent to the Embassy/Consulate of their residing country
How Much Money Do American Residents Need to Have to Get a Visa for Poland?
The required funds depend on the duration and purpose of your stay:
- For stays up to 3 days, you need to demonstrate a minimum of PLN 300 for the entire stay.
- If your stay exceeds three days, you must show proof of at least PLN 75 for each additional day of your planned stay.
- However, if your visit falls into specific categories, such as a participant in a youth camp, tourist, or sports event, or if someone else is covering your costs, you should have at least PLN 20 for each day of your stay.
- Please note that exchange rates may fluctuate, so it’s essential to check the current rates before your visa application.
Where to Apply for a Poland Visa in the United States?
You can make appointments exclusively through the e-Konsulat system. Here are the missions where you can apply and the corresponding regions they serve:
- Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington
- Residents of: Alabama, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, the American Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Bahamas
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago
Residents of: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Houston
Residents of: Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Los Angeles
Residents of: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York
Residents of: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont
How to Apply for a Poland Visa in Washington, D.C.?
follow these steps:
- Set up an appointment online through the e-Konsulat system.
- Complete the application form and gather all required documents.
- Attend the appointment at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, located at 2640 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009.
How to Apply for a Poland Visa in Chicago?
- Set up an appointment online via the e-Konsulat system.
- Complete the application form and collect the necessary documents.
- Attend your appointment at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago, situated at 1530 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60610.
How to Apply for a Poland Visa in Houston?
- Arrange an appointment online using the e-Konsulat system.
- Fill out the application form and compile all the required documents.
- Attend the scheduled appointment at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Houston, located at 3040 Post Oak Blvd 8th floor, Houston, TX 77056.
To Apply for a Poland Visa in Los Angeles?
- Book an appointment online via the e-Konsulat system.
- Complete the application form and prepare all necessary documents.
- Attend your appointment at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Los Angeles, situated at 12400 Wilshire Blvd #555, Los Angeles, CA 90025.
How to Apply for a Poland Visa in New York?
- Set up an appointment online through the e-Konsulat system.
- Fill out the application form and gather all the required documents.
Attend the scheduled appointment at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York, located at 233 Madison Avenue (Jan Karski Corner), New York, NY 10016.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Polish Schengen Visa in the United States?
it takes a minimum of 15 days to process but under certain circumstances, such as a high volume of visa applications, it can be extended to up to 30 days.
In exceptional cases, the processing time may stretch to 60 days and that is why it’s advisable to apply for your short-stay visa as early as possible, but not more than three months before you plan to travel.
How to Pay the Poland Visa Fee From the United States?
You can conveniently pay using various methods:
- Cash
- Credit card
- Certified checks
- Postal money order
- If you opt for a postal money order, make sure it is addressed correctly based on your location in the USA. Here are the addresses to which you should send the money order:
- “Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington”
- “Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago”
- “Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Houston”
- “Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Los Angeles”
- “Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York”
The fees for Poland visa applications in the United States are as follows:
- Schengen visa application fee: €80 (approximately USD 95.45)
- Poland Schengen visa fee for children aged between 6-11 years: €40 (approximately USD 47.72)
- Fee for children under 6 years: No fee
- US residents holding a passport from Armenia, Azerbaijan, or Kosovo: €35 (approximately USD 38.52)
- Researchers traveling to conduct scientific research or participate in a scientific seminar or conference: No fee
- US residents holding a passport of the Gambia: €120 (approximately USD 132.07)
This guide aims to provide you with a solid understanding of the application process, requirements, and important details, and With this information in hand, you can confidently plan your visit with ease.
Getting a Poland Schengen Visa from the United States is a well-thought-out process, and the key to success is preparation. By following the outlined requirements and procedures, you can increase your chances of receiving the visa and go on an unforgettable adventure whether you’re traveling for leisure, business, education, or medical purposes, the country welcomes you with open arms so Plan your trip, complete the necessary paperwork, and soon you’ll be exploring the enchanting beauty of this European gem.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel for a Poland Schengen Visa for US citizens straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Poland Schengen Business Visa or a Poland Schengen Visitor Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration lawyer consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process, coordinating with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need for a Poland Schengen Visa for the US. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
