Poland
Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Poland set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Polish Embassy in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
Poland follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must have:
- a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
- an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Dual nationals
If you are a British-Polish dual national, you must enter and exit Poland using a Polish passport or Polish national identity card. There are regular cases of Polish border guards allowing dual nationals to enter on their British passport, but refusing exit on the British passport.
Children born to Polish or British-Polish dual national parents in the UK are automatically granted Polish citizenship, regardless of the child’s place of birth. The requirement to exit Poland using Polish documentation will apply.
Find out how to apply for a Polish passport before travelling to Poland (in Polish). Check with the Polish Embassy in the UK if in doubt about your circumstances.
Visa requirements
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Poland, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:
- as a tourist
- to visit family or friends
- to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
- for short-term studies or training
The requirements for working in Poland are different.
If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.
Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.
If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.
If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.
At Polish border control, you may also need to:
- show a return or onward ticket
- prove that you have enough money for your stay
Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period
To stay longer, you must meet the Polish government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Polish Embassy in the UK.
If you are in Poland with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
See more details about the rules if you live in Poland and read the Polish Border Guards guidance.
New Schengen entry requirements
Plans for the introduction of the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including British nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen area has been delayed. Information will be updated when available.
Read more information on the EU Entry/Exit System.
Land border crossings
Entering Poland from Ukraine
The main border crossing points to enter Poland from Ukraine are listed on the Ukrainian government website. Prepare for potential long delays at border crossings.
Access to within 15m of the Poland-Ukraine border is restricted. Observe this restriction at all times unless you’re at a designated border crossing point. Follow the instructions of Polish authorities if you are in this area.
If you have arrived in Poland from Ukraine and are in need of assistance, call +48 22 311 0000 or +44 1908 516 666 and select the option for ‘consular services for British nationals’. You can also send an enquiry using the web contact form.
Entering Poland from Belarus
FCDO advises against all travel to Belarus. The Kuzniсa-Bruzgi road border crossing is currently closed. In February 2023, traffic was suspended at the Bobrowniki border crossing until further notice. More border checkpoints may close or impose restrictions at short notice and other disruption is possible.
Access to parts of the Polish border with Belarus is restricted.The regulations, which came into force on 13 June for 90 days and were extended on 11 September for another 90 days, prohibit access to the border in specific areas controlled by the Polish Border Guard posts at Narewka, Białowieża, Dubicze Cerkiewne and Czeremcha. In some areas, access is restricted to within 200m of the border and in others to within 2km. See precise details of the restricted areas (in Polish).
You should check the Polish Border Guards guidance (in Polish), observe these regulations at all times and follow the instructions of the Polish authorities if you are in these areas.
Other Polish borders
Border checkpoints may close or impose restrictions at short notice and other disruption is possible. Check the Polish Border Guards guidance (in Polish) and follow the instructions of the Polish authorities if you are in these areas.
Border controls at Germany’s land borders
There are temporary border controls in place to travel into Germany. Check the entry requirements for Germany.
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Poland guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Poland. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking food and drink into Poland
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.
Taking money into Poland
Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.