Many visa applicants applying for a visa are always keen to know the Poland visa processing time. They like to know how long it will take to get the visa. As an intending applicant, this information is important so you will know how to plan your itinerary. If you apply for the visa too late, you will not get it on time, which may ruin your travel plans. If you apply for it too early, the visa may arrive when you are not ready, and you will lose some precious days. You can also apply for a Poland tourist visa online by simply visiting VisaHQ.
What Is The Poland Visa Processing Time?
The length of time you will have to wait to get your visa will depend on the application method. If you submit your application to the Poland embassy in your country, you will have to wait for 15 working days. Sometimes, the waiting time may last for 45 days due to a backlog of unprocessed applications. For a Poland Schengen visa, the application process takes a little longer than applications for normal Polish visas. This is because you have to submit your application form and documents to the embassy before they schedule an interview for you.
To save time, it is best to submit your application at least 2 months before the date you plan for your trip. After the interview, your application will be processed, and the visa will be issued to you.
The Type Of Visa Matters
The type of visa you are applying for will determine how long you have to wait. If you apply for a short-stay visa like a tourist visa, you may not wait for too long, but for long stay visas like work or tourist visas, you will have to wait for a longer time. To avoid delays, ensure you only submit valid documents, and the information you fill in on the application form should reflect what you have on your documents.
Who Needs A Visa To Enter Poland?
Anyone who is not a citizen of an EU/EEA /Schengen country must apply for a visa. Some countries have a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Union, so their citizens may enter Poland without a visa. These countries are Tunisia, Thailand, New Zealand, Georgia, Canada, Australia, the US, Japan and South Korea, and a few other countries.
If you are not a citizen of any of the above countries, you definitely need a Poland visa.
Types Of Poland Visa
There are different types of Poland visas available to foreign nationals. Here are some of them.
Schengen Visa: This visa is accepted in all Schengen borders in Europe. If you plan to visit Poland and any other Schengen nation for a short time, you can apply for a visa. This visa is suited for tourism, medical treatment, or business.
Transit Visa: The transit visa allows you to enter any Polish airport, so rest before switching flights to take you to your final destination. This visa is for travelers connecting flights. However, you don’t need this visa if you have no plans to leave the airport. Only visitors who leave the airport need a transit visa.
Work Visa: The work visa is for those who wish to work in the country. The employer must submit a signed request to the local Voivodeship office on the applicant’s behalf after they have obtained the visa from the Polish embassy. A work permit will then be issued to you so you can legally work in the country. The work permit you will get will depend on the nature of the work.
Student Visa: International students from non-European Union countries who have gained admission into a college in Poland may apply for this visa. Successful applicants will be issued a visa and resident permit.
Family Visa: Family visas are for spouses or parents who want to visit a family member in Poland. This visa is valid for 2 years and allows the holder to work during their stay. However, the applicant will have to prove their relationship with the Polish resident.
Poland Visa Requirements
These are the documents you need to apply for a visa.
Application Form: You need a completed and signed application form.
Photograph: 2 recent passport photographs of yourself.
Passport: A valid passport that will not expire at least three months after your return date. The passport must not be older than 10 years and must have at least 3 blank pages for visa stamps.
Medical Insurance: A Medical insurance policy with a minimum coverage of €30,000 to take care of any medical expenses you might incur during your stay in Poland. Only insurance policies issued by Schengen -recognized insurers would be accepted.
Cover Letter: A signed letter stating the purpose of your trip and describing your intentions in Poland.
Proof of Accommodation: A copy of a Hotel reservation or a letter from your host.
Proof of Funds: a statement of account for six months to prove your financial capacity to cover your expenses. The minimum daily expense is €25 per day.
Proof of Status: A marriage or birth certificate to prove status.
Visa Fee: You will also pay a visa fee.
Now that you know the Poland visa processing time ensure you time your application submission properly to avoid unnecessary delays.