ETIAS for Poland: What to Expect in 2025

Located in central Europe, Poland is a dream destination for many travelers. With 14 UNESCO heritage sites, the dense Białowieża Forest, and a stunning coastline, tourists of all backgrounds will find something to enjoy in this beautiful country. 

When planning a trip to Poland, it’s crucial to understand which travel requirements apply to your unique situation to ensure a stress-free, smooth voyage – and this includes ETIAS. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through ETIAS and how it pertains to your upcoming trip to Warsaw, Kraków, or wherever it is you’re off to in Poland!

What to know

Yes, from 2026 on, if you are traveling to Poland without a visa (and are not a citizen of a Schengen country), you will need ETIAS authorization.

Who does this apply to? Citizens from the US, Canada, the UK, and more need ETIAS approval to travel to Poland, even if they didn’t need it in the past – so long as you are not traveling on a visa. 

ETIAS isn’t a visa or a substitute for a visa. Instead, it is a pre-travel authorization that permits visitors to enter a country in the Schengen zone (which Poland is a part of). 

If you require a visa in order to visit Poland (this includes citizens of India, China, Russia, and others), you do not need ETIAS authorization. Instead, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit Poland. 

Do I need ETIAS if I have a Polish visa?

No. If you hold a valid visa for Poland, you do not need ETIAS authorization. ETIAS permits travelers to enter the Schengen area. A Poland visa comes with this authorization “baked in”, so ETIAS is unnecessary.

How to apply

The ETIAS approval process for Poland is easy and entirely online. 

Your step-by-step guide for how to get ETIAS for Poland 

• Go to the official ETIAS site and fill out a form with your name, travel details, nationality, and passport number.
• Answer a few questions about your personal history. According to the official European Union website, you’ll be asked to share your parents’ first names, current occupation, and level of education. You’ll also be asked about any past criminal convictions.

• Pay a fee with your credit or debit card. This is the ETIAS application fee and it’s 20 euros (this fee is waived for those under the age of 18 and over the age of 70).
• Wait for approval: ETIAS approval is typically granted in just a couple of minutes. Keep in mind that, while uncommon, approval can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly. 
• Enjoy your trip to Poland!: Once approved, your ETIAS will be automatically linked to your passport for authorities at the border to see. However, it never hurts to print out your approval, just in case. 

ETIAS and its duration

Your Poland ETIAS is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If and when you renew your passport, you will need to reapply for ETIAS. You can reapply by following the steps listed above.

In the event of refusal

If your ETIAS application for Poland is denied, you will receive an email detailing the reason(s) for refusal. This email will also give you instructions on how you can appeal the decision. Unfortunately, you will need approval before you can enter Poland.

Traveling with your ETIAS

According to the EU website, a valid ETIAS does permit you to travel throughout the Schengen area and Cyprus. With that being said, it does not guarantee entry. Border guards can still deny you entry.

ETIAS for Poland: the TLDR;

• ETIAS is required for visitors to Poland who do not have a Schengen visa/passport from 2026 on. 
• The ETIAS application is online and only takes a few minutes. 
• US citizens will need ETIAS to travel to Poland.
• UK citizens will need ETIAS to travel to Poland.
• Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.
• Polish/Schengen country citizens do not need ETIAS.
• Current Poland visa holders do not need ETIAS.
• The ETIAS application costs 20 euros (but is free for those under the age of 18 or over 70).
• ETIAS is not a visa; it’s a travel authorization that permits you to enter a Schengen country. 
• ETIAS is valid for travel by air, land, or sea. 
• Indian citizens do not need ETIAS to travel to Poland. Instead, you need a Schengen visa.
• Chinese citizens do not need ETIAS to travel to Poland. Instead, you need a Schengen visa.
• ETIAS permits you to enter any Schengen country and Cyprus, but entry isn’t guaranteed and will be decided by local border guards. 
• You can appeal a denied ETIAS application. 
• Approval is usually immediate but can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly.