Planning a trip to Kraków? Here is everything you need to know about visas, passports, and the new EU entry systems – including EES and the upcoming ETIAS – before you travel.
Kraków John Paul II International Airport.
At a Glance: Entry Requirements for Poland
| Who You Are | Visa Needed? | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EU / EEA citizen | No | Passport or national ID card accepted |
| Swiss citizen | No | National ID card accepted |
| UK citizen | No | 90 days max; valid passport required |
| US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand citizen | No | 90 days max; valid passport required |
| Most other visa-exempt nationalities | No | 90 days max; see Schengen rules below |
| Nationalities requiring a Schengen visa | Yes | Apply at Polish consulate before travel |
| EES (Entry/Exit System) | — | In effect from 10 April 2026 — biometric registration at border for non-EU visitors |
| ETIAS | — | Coming late 2026 — €20 pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt non-EU visitors |
EU and EEA Citizens
If you hold a passport from an EU or EEA member state, you do not need a visa for Poland. Free movement rights apply — there is no limit on how long you can stay. You can enter using either a valid passport or a national identity card; Poland accepts both.
Switzerland, though not an EU member, has bilateral agreements that allow Swiss citizens to enter on their national ID card as well.
UK Citizens
Since the UK left the EU in January 2021, British travellers are no longer covered by free movement. That said, the UK and Poland have a long relationship as tourist destinations for each other, and visiting Kraków remains straightforward.
UK citizens can visit Poland — and the wider Schengen Area — for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. You must travel on a valid British passport (not a driving licence or other ID). Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
From April 2026, UK travellers are subject to EES biometric registration at the border (see below). ETIAS pre-travel authorisation will be required from late 2026.
For the latest Foreign Travel Advice for Poland, see the UK Government website.
US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand Citizens
Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can visit Poland and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. A valid passport is required — valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Schengen.
From April 2026, EES biometric registration applies at the border. ETIAS pre-travel authorisation will be required from late 2026.
Other Visa-Free Nationalities
Many additional countries are also visa-exempt for Schengen short stays, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Israel, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Malaysia, the UAE, and numerous others. For the full list, see EU Regulation 2018/1806 (Annex II).
If your nationality is on the visa-free list, the same 90/180-day Schengen rule applies, as do EES and the upcoming ETIAS requirement.
Nationalities That Require a Schengen Visa
If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you will need to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) before travelling to Poland. Countries in this category include Russia, Belarus, China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia, among others.
Apply at the Polish consulate or embassy in your home country. You will typically need:
- A valid passport
- A completed visa application form
- Travel insurance covering at least €30,000
- Proof of accommodation in Poland
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- A return travel reservation
Processing usually takes around 15 working days. For current visa fees and the complete application requirements, see the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kraków Holiday Essentials
- Where To Stay In Kraków: See our guide to the best areas and the best hotels to stay in Kraków.
- Things To Do In Kraków: Check this huge list of Krakow activities that you can book online.
- Flights to Kraków: Find the cheapest flights to Kraków and flight times from scores of airlines with 12go.
- Kraków Packing List: Don’t forget to take any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Poland.
- Travel Insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Claim online anywhere in the world.
EES: The New EU Entry/Exit System
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) came into full effect on 10 April 2026. It replaces the traditional passport stamp with a digital record of every entry into and exit from the Schengen Area.
Who is affected? EES applies to all non-EU, non-Schengen nationals on short stays — including UK, US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand visitors.
What happens at the border?
On your first Schengen crossing, border staff will register:
- Your fingerprints
- A facial scan
- Your passport details
On subsequent crossings within the same stay, facial recognition confirms your identity — a faster process once you are in the system. Your data is retained for three years.
Practical tips:
- Allow extra time at passport control, particularly at busy periods. Queues have been longer since rollout began.
- If your passport does not have a biometric chip, you will not be able to use automated kiosks and will need to be processed by a border officer. If your passport is old, consider renewing before you travel.
- Nothing needs to be done in advance — there is no pre-registration for EES.
A note on overstays: EES has automated enforcement of the 90/180-day Schengen limit. Previously, passport stamping was inconsistent; now, every entry and exit is digitally recorded. Overstays are flagged automatically and can result in fines, removal, and a ban on re-entry to the Schengen Area.
ETIAS: Pre-Travel Authorisation (Coming Late 2026)
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors — similar in principle to the US ESTA or the UK ETA.
When does it start? ETIAS is expected to launch in late 2026, with a grace period before strictly mandatory enforcement from approximately mid-2027. No applications are currently being accepted.
Who needs it? Citizens of 60-plus visa-exempt countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens are exempt, as are nationals who already need a Schengen visa.
How much does it cost? €20 per application. Free for travellers under 18 and over 70 (though an application is still required).
How do you apply? When live, applications will be completed online at the official ETIAS portal. Most are approved within minutes. ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and covers unlimited trips across all Schengen countries.
Warning: Fraudulent websites are already advertising ETIAS applications. No legitimate applications are accepted before the official launch — use only the official EU portal.
The 90/180-Day Schengen Rule
If you are a non-EU visitor on a short stay, you can spend a maximum of 90 days in the Schengen Area within any rolling 180-day period. This covers your total time across all Schengen countries — not just Poland. Days spent in France, Spain, Germany, or any other Schengen member on the same trip or a recent previous trip all count toward the same 90-day allowance.
The Schengen Area currently includes 26 countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. Ireland and the UK are not members.
The EU provides an online calculator to help you check your remaining days.
Your Passport
Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. Some airlines and travel insurers apply a stricter six-month rule — check with your carrier before travelling.
Biometric chip: A biometric (chipped) passport is not legally required to enter Poland, but non-biometric passports cannot use the automated kiosks introduced under EES. If you travel frequently to Europe and your passport is due for renewal, doing so before your trip will save time at the border.
EU citizens: You may enter Poland on a valid national identity card — a full passport is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Kraków?
Most visitors from Western Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa. Citizens of around 60 countries can visit Poland visa-free for up to 90 days. If you are unsure, check the EU visa list.
What is EES and do I need to do anything before I travel?
EES is the EU’s new digital border registration system, fully in effect from April 2026. You do not need to register in advance — the process happens at the border on your first entry. Allow a little extra time at passport control.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is an upcoming pre-travel authorisation (similar to the US ESTA) for visa-exempt visitors. It is expected to launch in late 2026 and will cost €20. It is not yet required — and no legitimate applications are currently being processed.
How long can I stay in Poland without a visa?
Visa-exempt visitors may stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area — not just Poland.
Can I use my EU national ID card?
Yes. EU and EEA citizens can enter Poland with a valid national identity card. Non-EU visitors, including UK citizens, must use a valid passport.
I am a dual EU/non-EU citizen — which passport should I use?
Enter on your EU passport. This means EES does not apply to your entry, and you will not be subject to the 90/180-day limit or the ETIAS requirement.
I need to stay longer than 90 days. What are my options?
For stays of more than 90 days — for work, study, or family reasons — you will need to apply for a Polish national visa (Type D) from a Polish consulate before you travel. This falls outside the Schengen short-stay rules.
My nationality requires a Schengen visa. How do I apply?
Apply at the Polish consulate in your home country well in advance of your trip — processing typically takes around 15 working days. See the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for current requirements and fees.
Useful Links
- EU Travel Portal (EES, ETIAS, Schengen)
- EU Visa-Free Nationalities List
- Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa Information
- UK Government — Foreign Travel Advice: Poland
- US State Department — Poland Travel Information
- Australian DFAT — Poland
Things To Do In Krakow
Start Planning Your Kraków Trip Now!
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:: Need inspiration? Check our Kraków Itineraries for two-day, three-day, and four-day trips, as well as our Things To Do In Kraków guide for ideas of where to do and what to do.
