Cracow Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Poland's visa policy follows Schengen Area regulations. Citizens of many countries can visit Cracow visa-free for short stays, while others require advance authorization or a traditional visa application.
Citizens of EU member states, EEA countries, and Switzerland can enter freely with no visa required
Valid national ID card or passport required. No immigration stamp needed for intra-Schengen travel.
Citizens of numerous countries can enter Poland and the Schengen Area without a visa for tourism or business
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen Area. The 90/180 day rule applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just Poland. Cannot work on tourist entry.
From 2025, visa-exempt travelers will need ETIAS authorization before entering the Schengen Area
Cost: €7 for adults (free for under 18 and over 70)
ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization. Implementation expected in 2025 - check official EU sources for exact launch date. Apply at least 96 hours before travel.
Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry must obtain a Schengen visa before travel
Required for citizens of China, India, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Philippines, Indonesia, and many other countries. Apply for the country where you'll spend the most time if visiting multiple Schengen countries. Visa fee approximately €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for children under 6.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival at Cracow's airport or other entry points, travelers will proceed through immigration and customs. The process is generally efficient, with separate lanes for EU/EEA citizens and non-EU travelers.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Poland's customs regulations align with EU standards. Travelers arriving from non-EU countries must pass through customs, while those arriving from other EU countries generally face no customs checks. However, all travelers must comply with limits on duty-free goods and prohibited items.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - strictly prohibited with severe penalties including imprisonment
- Counterfeit goods and pirated products - subject to seizure and potential fines
- Weapons and ammunition without proper permits - requires special authorization from Polish authorities
- Endangered species products - items made from protected animals/plants (ivory, certain furs, exotic leather) prohibited under CITES
- Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries - with limited exceptions for small quantities of certain products
- Plants and plant products without phytosanitary certificates - to prevent disease spread
- Offensive materials - child pornography, materials promoting violence or hatred
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - bring only what's needed for your trip with original packaging and prescription. Quantities exceeding 30 days may require documentation
- Pets - require EU pet passport or health certificate, rabies vaccination, and microchip. See special situations section for details
- Cultural artifacts and antiques - items over 50 years old may require export permits
- Drones and radio equipment - may require registration or permits depending on specifications
- Large amounts of cash - while legal, amounts over €10,000 must be declared
- Firearms for sporting purposes - require advance permits from Polish Police and proper documentation
Health Requirements
Poland does not currently require specific vaccinations for entry for most travelers. However, health requirements can change, particularly in response to disease outbreaks or pandemics.
Required Vaccinations
- None for most travelers
- Yellow fever vaccination required only if arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (certificate must be presented)
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, etc.) should be up to date
- Hepatitis A and B - especially for longer stays
- Tick-borne encephalitis - if planning extensive outdoor activities in forests during warmer months
- Influenza - during flu season (October-March)
- COVID-19 - check current requirements as policies evolve
Health Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors and mandatory for visa applicants. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to state healthcare at reduced cost. Non-EU travelers should obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation. Poland has good medical facilities in Cracow, but private care can be expensive without insurance.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.
Get a Quote from World NomadsImportant Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport (family passports no longer accepted). Minors under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized parental consent letter signed by non-traveling parent(s), including contact information and trip details. Letter should be in English and Polish if possible. Divorced parents should carry custody documentation. These documents may be requested at immigration. Unaccompanied minors require special airline arrangements and additional documentation.
Pets entering Poland from EU countries need: EU pet passport, microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant), valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel). From non-EU countries: health certificate issued by official veterinarian (within 10 days of travel), microchip, rabies vaccination and antibody titration test (at least 30 days after vaccination, 3 months before travel). Maximum 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. Certain breeds may be restricted. Contact Polish veterinary authorities or your airline for specific requirements. Service animals have additional considerations.
Tourist stays limited to 90 days per 180 days in Schengen Area. For longer stays, you must apply for appropriate visa or residence permit before 90-day period expires. Options include: student visa (for enrolled students), work permit and residence (with job offer), business/entrepreneur visa, family reunification, or long-stay national visa (type D). Applications submitted at Polish embassy/consulate in home country. Cannot extend tourist stay from within Poland except in exceptional circumstances (medical emergency, force majeure). Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and Schengen Area entry bans.
Poland does not currently have a specific digital nomad visa. Remote workers from visa-exempt countries can stay up to 90 days as tourists but cannot legally work for Polish companies. Working remotely for foreign employer in tourist status is legally gray area - officially not permitted but rarely enforced for short stays. For longer stays while working remotely, consider: freelancer residence permit (requires registering business in Poland), employee residence permit (if employed by Polish entity), or exploring other EU digital nomad visa programs. Consult immigration lawyer for legitimate long-term options.
Students accepted to Polish universities need student visa (type D) for stays over 90 days. Required documents: university acceptance letter, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means (approximately €500/month), health insurance, clean criminal record. Apply at Polish embassy/consulate in home country 3 months before intended travel. Temporary residence permit issued upon arrival. Students can work part-time (20 hours/week during term, full-time during holidays). EU students can study without visa but should register residence if staying over 3 months.
Business visitors on short trips (meetings, conferences, negotiations) can usually enter on tourist visa/visa waiver. Bring invitation letter from Polish company, conference registration, or business documentation. Cannot engage in paid work or employment. For longer business assignments, work permit and residence permit required. EU citizens can work freely. Business travelers should carry business cards, company letter explaining purpose of visit, and meeting schedules if asked at immigration.