With the new travel policy initiated by the European Commission, which is set to go into action in the coming months, many travelers would be curious to know if the policy will affect their trips in the future. However, you should know that this policy will not affect all travelers coming to Poland but only a select category.
Once the policy becomes, active eligible travelers will no longer be allowed to enter the country unless they get the ETIAS waiver. To better prepare you for what is to come, we review ETIAS in detail and list all the requirements and application procedures in the article.
Understanding ETIAS
The European Travel Information and Authorization System is a mandatory waiver for travelers coming to Europe from Visa-free countries. Although the policy is inactive, it will soon be in the coming months as European Countries look to secure their borders. Poland is a part of the European Union and the Schengen Area, so they will also request ETIAS from travelers coming to the country.
Currently, there are 60 countries in the world whose citizens are allowed to visit Schengen countries for a short time without visas; these countries will be affected by the new policy. So if you could previously visit Europe without a visa, you must apply for ETIAS from 2024 when the policy becomes fully active.
The Polish government operates a uniform immigration policy with other EU countries and will demand ETIAS from visitors coming from visa-free countries as well starting in 2024.
This permit will be requested from all visitors from visa-free countries regardless of how they enter Poland, be it through the airport, seaport, or land borders. The good news is that the authorization is easy to apply for as it is done online, and you can get confirmation within a few minutes if your information does not trigger any security alert.
What Is The Validity Of ETIAS?
Unlike many visas that are valid for only a short time, the good news about ETIAS is that it is valid for 3 years from the day it is issued to the traveler. This is a multiple-entry document; you can use it to enter Poland and any EU country you choose.
However, you can only stay in Europe for 90 days per visit. If you wish to stay for more than 90 days, then you must apply for a visa to Poland instead.
Note: ETIAS is not a visa but a visa waiver or permit. It is only used for short visits.
Which Other Countries Can You Visit With Poland ETIAS?
You can visit other Schengen countries in the region and other non-Schengen European countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyrus and microstates like the Vatican, Monaco, San Marino, and Andorra. ETIAS does not rob travelers of the freedom to tour Europe like before.
How Will It Work?
Once an applicant submits their information to the system, it will run a quick security check across several security databases to ensure they don't allow convicted felons or security threats to the country. If the system does not trigger a security alert, they are not a risk, and their application will be approved. A document will be forwarded to their email, which they must print out and travel with. This will show that they are safe travelers.
The ETIAS will check Interpol, EUROPOL, SLS, and other security databases.
How To Apply for Poland ETIAS?
To apply for Poland ETIAS online, you can use VisaHQ to submit your application.
Visit VisaHQ
Choose Poland as your destination
Choose your country of citizenship
Select ETIAS
Complete the application form
Upload the required documents
Pay the application fee
Submit for approval
What Will Happen If My Details Triggers A Security Alert?
If your details trigger a security alert, two things will happen if you are on the crime watchlist in any database. Your application will be denied or forwarded to the ETIAS division in Poland for a manual review. This process may take between a few days to several weeks.
The European Commission has also stated that a failed attempt to secure ETIAS approval does not rule out one's chances of securing ETIAS in the future.
How Much Is ETIAS Poland?
The application fee is €7 for travelers, which is non-refundable. There are no fees for travelers above the age of 80 and minors.
Do I need an Etias to travel to Poland? No, you don't if you are not from a visa-free country. However, if you previously qualified for visa-free travel to Poland because of your nationality, visit VisaHQ to apply now.