Cracow Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
-
EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Who
- Non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, whether or not they need a visa
- When
- At the border, each time you cross an external border of a country using the system
- Cost
- Free
Passport control officers take a photo of your face and/or scan your fingerprints, and your passport is no longer stamped. Nothing needs to be done before travel.
Checked against the official source 2026-09-26 -
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) Not yet in operation
- Who
- Visa-exempt visitors, once the system starts
- When
- Not required yet. The EU will announce the start date several months in advance
ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being collected. Sites offering to apply for it now are not official.
Checked against the official source 2026-09-26
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Poland's visa policy follows Schengen Area regulations. Whether you need a visa, and for how long you can stay, depends entirely on your passport. The most common arrangement allows short visits without a visa. Specifics vary by country.
Passport holders from many countries can visit for tourism or business without obtaining a visa in advance.
This 90-day limit covers the entire Schengen Area, not just Poland. Always count your days across any visits to Schengen countries. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area.
An electronic travel authorization system for visa-exempt visitors, once operational.
Cost: The fee will be set by the EU authorities.
Do not apply for ETIAS until the system officially launches. Any site offering to process an application now is not an official source.
Travelers from countries without a visa exemption or visa facilitation agreement need to apply for a Schengen visa before travel.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check the current entry rules on the official government website before you travel. Apply well in advance of your trip.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival in Cracow, you'll clear border control, then collect baggage before exiting into the arrivals hall. The process is usually clear and well-signposted in English.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Poland follows European Union customs regulations. There are standard allowances for goods you can bring in for personal use without paying duty.
Prohibited Items
- Counterfeit goods - illegal
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - illegal
- Certain weapons and ammunition without special permits - restricted
- Protected species of plants and animals (CITES) without documentation - illegal
Restricted Items
- Medications - bring only a reasonable quantity for personal use, preferably in original packaging with a prescription
- Plants, fruits, vegetables, and animal products - are subject to strict phytosanitary rules to prevent disease
Health Requirements
There are no specific vaccination certificates required for entry into Poland for general travelers, but it's wise to be up-to-date on routine vaccines.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, flu)
- Hepatitis An and B, depending on activities planned
Health Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check the current entry rules on the official government website before you travel. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check the current entry rules on the official government website before you travel.
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Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children, including infants, must have their own passport. If a child is traveling with only one parent, with other relatives, or alone, Polish border guards may ask for a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Carry a copy of the child's birth certificate too. It helps. Keep documents accessible.
Dogs, cats, and ferrets can enter from other EU countries with a valid EU pet passport showing a microchip and rabies vaccination. For pets from outside the EU, stricter rules apply, including a rabies antibody test. Always check the latest animal health requirements with the Polish Veterinary Inspectorate well before travel.
If you wish to stay in Cracow for longer than the standard 90-day visa-free period, you generally need to apply for a national long-stay visa or a temporary residence permit from a Polish Voivodeship Office while in Poland. This process is complex. It requires specific justification (like work, study, or family reunification). Start early. Do not wait until your initial 90 days expire.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.
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