Poland visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Poland

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Polish Visa.

  • Duly completed visa application form.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after intended date of exit from Poland or any other Schengen country you might visit.
  • Your passport must have 2 blank pages for visa.
  • Two 35x45mm. coloured passport photograph that meets the visa application requirement.
  • For minors travelling alone, the application form and consent letter must be signed by the parents/legal guardians.  
  • Original birth certificate is required for minors as well as valid identity documents of the parents.
  • You'll need to provide proof of being South African. This proof could be your National ID or a residence permit for non-South Africans.
  • Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies up to a minimum of €30,000 is important.
  • You'll need to provide travel itinerary showing entry and exit dates from the country to show intent of leaving Poland at the expiry of your visa.
  • Proof of sponsorship signed by your host or proof of financial capability that shows you can take care of your expenses during your trip. This proof should be in form of bank statements reflecting the past 6 months.
  • Documentation proving status either as an employee, student or business owner is important.
  • Proof of accommodation which could be hotel reservation or letter of declaration from your host stating you'll be accommodated during your stay in Poland is required.
  • A valid means of identification of your host and a letter of invitation detailing purpose, duration and any other necessary information about trip is needed.
  • The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days in advance.
  • This visa costs €60 for South Africans 12 years and above, €35 for children between 6-11 and is free for children under 6.
  • The visa is eligible for  a stay of 90 days and expires after 90 days.

Poland Visa for South Africans

Facts about Poland

Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country located in Central Europe. It is divided into 16 administrative subdivisions, covering an area of 312,696 square kilometers, and has a largely temperate seasonal climate.

Poland is part of Europe and its capital of Warsaw is a great tourist attraction.Poland has a variety of regions with beautiful landscapes, primeval forests, mountain ranges, grasslands, lakes and hidden valleys. It's a great country to visit for relaxation activities like bird watching, horseback riding & cycling.

Poland is very encouraging for foreigners looking to learn or study a course by charging low tuition fees. Polish citizens are also beneficiaries of free university education, social security and university health care.

Despite LGBTQ issues not being as big a problem as they once were, they still remain controversial and considered a taboo. Polish culture also has a long tradition of chivalry and strong, traditional gender roles. That said, in larger cosmopolitan areas such as Warsaw, Kraków or Wrocław, gays and lesbians shouldn't have a hard time fitting in. Over 90% of the Polish population are Catholics.


Types of Poland Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 15 days 90 days
Transit visa 15 days 1-5 days
Business visa 15 days 90 days
Student visa 15 days 90 days

General Requirements for Poland Visa

  • Duly completed visa application form.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after intended date of exit from Poland or any other Schengen country you might visit.
  • Your passport must have 2 blank pages for visa.
  • Two 35x45mm. coloured passport photograph that meets the visa application requirement.
  • For minors travelling alone, the application form and consent letter must be signed by the parents/legal guardians.  
  • Original birth certificate is required for minors as well as valid identity documents of the parents.
  • You'll need to provide proof of being South African. This proof could be your National ID or a residence permit for non-South Africans.
  • Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies up to a minimum of €30,000 is important.
  • You'll need to provide travel itinerary showing entry and exit dates from the country to show intent of leaving Poland at the expiry of your visa.
  • Proof of sponsorship signed by your host or proof of financial capability that shows you can take care of your expenses during your trip. This proof should be in form of bank statements reflecting the past 6 months.
  • Documentation proving status either as an employee, student or business owner is important.
  • Proof of accommodation which could be hotel reservation or letter of declaration from your host stating you'll be accommodated during your stay in Poland is required.
  • A valid means of identification of your host and a letter of invitation detailing purpose, duration and any other necessary information about trip is needed.
  • The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you intend to travel. You should apply no later than 15 working days in advance.
  • This visa costs €60 for South Africans 12 years and above, €35 for children between 6-11 and is free for children under 6.
  • The visa is eligible for  a stay of 90 days and expires after 90 days.
Poland Tourist visa Poland Transit visa Poland Business visa Poland Student visa

Poland Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The tourist visa allows you to go anywhere within Poland and take-in the beautiful sight of Poland at any time during your stay as you please.
  • Should you intend to visit friends and relatives, this is just the right visa type for you.
  • Applicants are not allowed to take up any kind of paid employment with this type of visa.
  • You are not allowed to study in any learning institution with this visa type.
  • If you are visiting a friend or relative in Poland, a valid ID and letter from your host in the country is required. This letter should contain your host's home address.
  • South African resident permit valid for at least 3 months after last day of trip is required if the applicant is not a citizen.
  • You'll be required to show proof of family ties in South Africa. This is to show you have an incentive to return to South Africa.
  • A full round trip reservation which corresponds with your entry and exit date is required to avoid overstaying in Poland.
  • Proof of accommodation in Poland is important. This could be in the form of  a hotel reservation or a declaration that you'll be accommodated by your host
  • A valid travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is required. This is to take care of any possible health problems the applicant might encounter during stay.
  • A signed letter from the applicant's employer written on the company's letterhead confirming position & leave approval for the exact travel dates the applicant will be out of South Africa is required for this visa application.
  • If self-employed, you'll need to submit your company's documents confirming that the business exist.
  • Students are required to provide a letter from their school confirming enrollment, awareness of trip and proof of registration for the year under the university's letterhead.
  • You're to leave Poland before the expiry of your visa.
  • The visa is usually processed for about 15 days.
  • This visa costs €60 for South Africans 12 years and above, €35 for children between 6-11 and is free for children under 6.

Poland Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for those who are travelling from one non-Schengen state to another, but passing through Poland.
  • Holders of this visa can stay in the airport while they await the flight to their destination.
  • You are not allowed to go on visits or tour the country.
  • Applicants are required to have the visa and flight ticket of the final destination country.
  • Minors should have the original copy of birth certificate.
  • A valid medical insurance is required for this visa application.
  • You need to present a document showing you are in good health condition.
  • The visa expires as soon as the holder leaves the country.
  • This visa take about 15 days to process and it's valid for a maximum of 5 days.
  • Holders of this visa type are only permitted a single entry.

Poland Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to people who have the intention to study longer than 30 days in one of the institutions in Poland.
  • The visa allows the applicant multiple entry into Poland.
  • You'll be required to present a  letter of admission from the institution you intend to study in. This letter must contain details of the course of study.
  • Certificates and transcripts of applicant's previous schools should be submitted.
  • This visa allows you to be a part-time worker while studying.
  • Applicants must be willing to obey all the rules and regulations of the country.
  • You'll be required to show proof of financial sustenance for the duration of stay in Poland. This proof must show that applicant can afford at least €20 daily.
  • If you'll be getting financial support from a third party, you'll need to show proof of a declaration from your sponsor. This proof could be a scholarship offer letter.
  • If you are a minor, a consent form signed by both parents is required. The original copy of the minor’s birth certificate is required.
  • You should have a proof that you are in good health condition.
  • The visa is usually processed during a period of 15 days.

Poland Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Due to the very good economic situation, a lot of people visit for business purposes. This visa is for those who want to foster a business relationship in Poland.
  • This visa type allows you to meet with business partners to discuss business, sign contracts and attend conferences while in Poland.
  • This visa does not allow you take up paid employment while in the country.
  • An invitation letter from the Polish company you will be visiting and their detailed address accompanied with the dates of your visit is required.
  • Certificate of registration of the company in Poland you are partnering with as well as any proof of previous business relations is important.
  • A letter from your current employer confirming that he/she is aware of your business leave is needed. The duration of your stay in the country should be stated.
  • You should have a valid medical insurance.
  • While in the country, you cannot study with this visa.
  • Business bank statement of the latest 6 months to show
  • Memorandum and Article of Association in original certified copy (registered with joint stock companies) Trade License (first issued and present renewal), Proprietorship/Partnership documents
  • Regarding your expenses during your stay in the Schengen zone, you'll need a letter from the South African employer or the Polish company being visited. This letter must state coverage of expenses.

Poland Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

60.00 (PLN)

Transit visa

60.00 (PLN)

Business visa

60.00 (PLN)

Student visa

60.00 (PLN)

Poland Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

14 Amos Street, Pretoria, 0083 South Africa.

http://www.pretoria.msz.gov.pl/en/

+27 12 430 2632

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the emergency number used in Poland?

The unified number used for most emergency cases in Poland is 112

Is Poland one of the Schengen countries?

Yes Poland is a Schengen country which means you  can visit other Schengen countries with the visa you're applying for.

What is the best food to try when visiting Poland?
You should try out some of the country's most famous dishes like Pierogi, Golabki, Kotlet schabowy and Golabki.
What currency do they spend in Poland?

The official currency of Poland is the Polish zloty (PLN).

Is it true the Jews hate Poland?

Yes, some Jews hate Poland because of  the Holocaust and antisemitism they face in the country.

What's the official language in Poland?

Polish is the official language while Kashubian is recognized as an ethnic-minority language.

I applied for a student visa and I am still waiting to receive an appointment. My flight is in one month, is this enough time??
When can I apply for my student visa for February 2023?
I am from Cape town and want to visit my son in Poland. Must I travel to Pretoria to apply for the visa or can I do it with the internet???
Am Ghanaian, Please can i apply for Poland student visa in south africa.?
Is there a draw for visa appointment??