Belarusian citizens whose passports have expired—or were confiscated by Minsk—have received a vital reprieve. Poland has extended its special “travel document for a foreigner” programme until 30 June 2026. The scheme, launched in 2023, allows Belarusians to obtain a Polish-issued booklet that functions as an emergency passport recognised for residence-permit renewals and Schengen travel. More than 28 000 documents have been issued to date. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/pl/poland-extends-emergency-travel-document-scheme-for-belarusians-to-30-june-2026/))
Without the extension, thousands of Belarusian students, IT contractors and dissidents risked losing legal stay in Poland because residence-permit renewals require a valid travel document. Employers can now renew assignments and schedule international business trips without forcing staff to cross back into Belarus, where they could face reprisals. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/pl/poland-extends-emergency-travel-document-scheme-for-belarusians-to-30-june-2026/))
The application process has itself moved on-line: requests must be filed through the MOS portal, and voivodeship backlogs can stretch to three months. Companies are therefore urged to file early and keep digital copies of the receipts for border checks. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/pl/poland-extends-emergency-travel-document-scheme-for-belarusians-to-30-june-2026/))
![Emergency Polish travel documents for Belarusians prolonged to 30 June 2026]()
For additional assistance, VisaHQ’s Warsaw-based specialists can streamline MOS portal submissions and arrange any onward visas required. Their online hub (https://www.visahq.com/poland/) also tracks Schengen and non-Schengen entry rules in real time, helping employers and Belarusian residents avoid costly delays.
Mobility managers should also confirm that onward-travel destinations recognise the Polish document; some non-Schengen countries may require a visa issued on a national passport. Community groups advise travellers to carry explanatory leaflets in English and French until the document gains wider recognition. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/pl/poland-extends-emergency-travel-document-scheme-for-belarusians-to-30-june-2026/))
The extension underscores Warsaw’s two-track policy: a tough stance against irregular entries from Belarus coupled with active support for pro-democracy talent that Poland’s economy needs.
Without the extension, thousands of Belarusian students, IT contractors and dissidents risked losing legal stay in Poland because residence-permit renewals require a valid travel document. Employers can now renew assignments and schedule international business trips without forcing staff to cross back into Belarus, where they could face reprisals. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/pl/poland-extends-emergency-travel-document-scheme-for-belarusians-to-30-june-2026/))
The application process has itself moved on-line: requests must be filed through the MOS portal, and voivodeship backlogs can stretch to three months. Companies are therefore urged to file early and keep digital copies of the receipts for border checks. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/pl/poland-extends-emergency-travel-document-scheme-for-belarusians-to-30-june-2026/))
For additional assistance, VisaHQ’s Warsaw-based specialists can streamline MOS portal submissions and arrange any onward visas required. Their online hub (https://www.visahq.com/poland/) also tracks Schengen and non-Schengen entry rules in real time, helping employers and Belarusian residents avoid costly delays.
Mobility managers should also confirm that onward-travel destinations recognise the Polish document; some non-Schengen countries may require a visa issued on a national passport. Community groups advise travellers to carry explanatory leaflets in English and French until the document gains wider recognition. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/pl/poland-extends-emergency-travel-document-scheme-for-belarusians-to-30-june-2026/))
The extension underscores Warsaw’s two-track policy: a tough stance against irregular entries from Belarus coupled with active support for pro-democracy talent that Poland’s economy needs.
