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To start the Poland visa application process, you have to contact the nearest Polish embassy and set up a visa appointment online. Located in the center of Europe, Poland is a famous tourist destination due to its historic architecture, beautiful landscape, and low prices, so it comes as no surprise that many people are looking to visit. However, you may need a Polish visa.
How to Apply for a Poland Visa?
The steps to follow in order to apply for a Poland visa are:
- Find the nearest Polish consulate or embassy.
- Set up a visa appointment. You also have to complete an application form through the e-Konsulat website.
- Collect the required documents. You can find the required documents listed below.
- Submit the application in person at the Polish embassy or consulate.
- Attend the visa interview. The interview is required to find out more about you and the reason for your visit.
- Wait for the decision. The processing time for a visa application usually takes around 14 days.
Step 1. Find the Nearest Polish Embassy or Consulate
Depending on where you live, you can apply for a Poland visa at one of the following:
- The Polish embassy or consulate in your country.
- The Polish embassy or consulate in a neighboring country.
- The embassy or consulate of another Schengen country, to which Poland has outsourced visa submissions.
- A private visa application center or agency where the Polish embassy has outsourced visa submission services.
Step 2. Set Up a Visa Appointment
It is essential to set up a visa appointment at the embassy. You must apply for the Poland visa appointment at least two weeks before your planned visit to Poland. You can schedule a visa appointment, complete the Poland visa application form and pay the fee at the e-Konsulat (Poland’s consular website). You have to download the application form and attach it to the rest of the documents.
Step 3. Collect the Required Documents
The required documents for a Poland visa application are:
- The Poland visa application form. Complete the application form entirely and sign it at the end.
- Two passport-sized photos of yourself. The pictures must follow the Schengen visa photo guidelines (35x40mm dimensions and a white background).
- Your passport. It must be valid for at least three months after the return date.
- Schengen travel health insurance. The policy must be valid in Poland and the entire Schengen zone and cover at least €30,000.
- Cover letter. Write a letter detailing the purpose of your visit and itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation. You should have a hotel booked or a letter from a friend/family member who will host you in Poland.
- Proof of sufficient funds to provide for your stay in Poland. The required daily amount you need to cover is around €16.
- Proof of your relationship status. E.g. marriage certificate.
- Proof of your flight date and time. You do not need to necessarily purchase a ticket, especially since you do not know if your application will be accepted. Some embassies, however, may ask for a purchased return ticket.
- Paid visa fee receipt. If the embassy asked you to pay the fee beforehand, you must submit the paid fee receipt.
Step 4. Personally Submit the Visa Application
On the date of your appointment, submit the visa application and all the required documents to your nearest Polish embassy or consulate. Make sure you do not forget any of the requirements, as your application may be denied immediately.
Step 5. Enter a Visa Interview
The interview section of a Schengen visa application is often required. The interview process is a possibility for the interviewers to know the reasons for your visit and other personal information. You must answer the questions truthfully.
Step 6. Wait for the Poland Visa to Process
The standard processing time for a Poland visa application is between 10 and 14 days. This timeframe may be extended for 45-60 days in some occurrences.
The processing time begins the moment the embassy or consulate receives your visa application and documents. If you are asked to submit additional documents, the time could be extended.
Poland Visa Application Interview Questions
During your visa interview, the interviewers will ask questions to see whether you should receive a visa. They will also try to determine whether you may pose a risk for illegally staying in Poland. Most of the Poland visa application interview questions will be focused on your private life. You may be asked questions such as:
- Are you traveling alone?
- What is your marital status?
- Are you currently in a relationship?
- Do you have any children?
- Are you currently employed?
- What is your income?
- Why do you want to visit this country?
- Do you have leave approval from your job?
- Do you have any family members currently residing in a Schengen country?
- Do you have proof of your health insurance and bank statements?
- Have you traveled before?
- Can you provide proof that you will be returning to your home country after your visa expires?
You must answer all of the visa interview questions truthfully.
