How long does a Poland tourist visa take to process?

A decision on a Poland tourist visa typically takes around 12 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

Where do I apply for a Poland tourist visa?

Polish consulate via e-Konsulat system in most countries. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.

What documents are required for a Poland tourist visa?

The Poland consular network lists: Valid passport; e-Konsulat printed application; 2 biometric photos; Travel medical insurance €30,000+; Flight reservations; Hotel confirmations; Bank statements (3 months); Employment letter; Invitation (if visiting family/friends). Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a Poland tourist visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 1 submission point in the UK for Poland, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

Poland tourist visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the Poland tourist (schengen c) visa — used for short holiday or sightseeing trips of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Poland consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€90

Typical decision

12 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a Poland tourist visa

Polish consulate via e-Konsulat system in most countries.

Required documents

Valid passport
e-Konsulat printed application
2 biometric photos
Travel medical insurance €30,000+
Flight reservations
Hotel confirmations
Bank statements (3 months)
Employment letter
Invitation (if visiting family/friends)

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

Adult (standard)€90
Child 6–11€45
Child under 6Free
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
Visa centre service fee (outside the UK)€30— Applies only where Poland uses an outsourced visa application centre. In the UK, applications go directly to the Consular Section in London — no service fee.

Consular fee is EUR 90 (or PLN equivalent). Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt; children under 6 free and 6–11 reduced. Poland does not offer a paid premium/VIP or fast-track visa service — the only extra cost is the VFS Global service fee where a visa centre is used.

Booking an appointment

Appointments are booked only through e-Konsulat (e-konsulat.gov.pl). For C-type Schengen visas the consulate releases new slots weekly — every Sunday at 11:00 — and they are taken quickly; it is first-come, first-served, not a lottery. Since 1 March 2026 you must pick one of three categories when registering: "Schengen visa – tourism and other purposes", "Schengen visa – business purposes", or "Schengen visa – family or friends visit".

Practical tips

Check your specific consulate's page on gov.pl for the exact release day and time — schedules differ per country. Be logged into e-Konsulat with all details ready a few minutes before the batch opens. Do not change the purpose of travel after registering; a mismatch between category and application causes refusal.

What is unusual about the Poland process

Slots are released in weekly batches (Sundays at 11:00) rather than continuously, so plan to be online at the release time. Commercial agencies cannot secure appointments — only the consulate issues them.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — Consular Section, Embassy of the Republic of Poland
10 Bouverie Street, London EC4Y 8AX
The only place in the UK where Polish visa applications can be submitted. Appointment via e-Konsulat required; nearest tube Blackfriars/Temple. The Manchester and Edinburgh consulates do NOT accept visa applications.

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official Poland consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Poland tourist visa cost?: For a Poland tourist visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Adult (standard) — €90; Child 6–11 — €45; Child under 6 — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; Visa centre service fee (outside the UK) — €30. Consular fee is EUR 90 (or PLN equivalent). Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt; children under 6 free and 6–11 reduced. Poland does not offer a paid premium/VIP or fast-track visa service — the only extra cost is the VFS Global service fee where a visa centre is used. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a Poland tourist visa take to process?: A decision on a Poland tourist visa typically takes around 12 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a Poland tourist visa?: Polish consulate via e-Konsulat system in most countries. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a Poland tourist visa?: The Poland consular network lists: Valid passport; e-Konsulat printed application; 2 biometric photos; Travel medical insurance €30,000+; Flight reservations; Hotel confirmations; Bank statements (3 months); Employment letter; Invitation (if visiting family/friends). Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a Poland tourist visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. Appointments are booked only through e-Konsulat (e-konsulat.gov.pl). For C-type Schengen visas the consulate releases new slots weekly — every Sunday at 11:00 — and they are taken quickly; it is first-come, first-served, not a lottery. Since 1 March 2026 you must pick one of three categories when registering: "Schengen visa – tourism and other purposes", "Schengen visa – business purposes", or "Schengen visa – family or friends visit".
Can I apply for a Poland tourist visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 1 submission point in the UK for Poland, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇵🇱 Poland tourist visa: requirements, fee and processing time