Poland cancels automatic renewal of visas and residence permits: how to stay in the country
The Polish government is lifting the state of epidemic threat. In particular, the automatic renewal of visas and permanent residence permits will be blocked. Find out what Ukrainians who are in the country with expired documents should do
Polish President Andrzej Duda has signed amendments to the Special Law on Assistance to Ukrainians. Now, IDPs will be able to stay in the country legally until March 4, 2024.
In particular, children studying at school or attending kindergarten in Poland can stay in the country until the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
Due to the changes, the validity periods of:
- national visas
- residence cards;
- Polish identity documents;
- documents of tolerated stay.
In addition, Ukrainians staying in Poland for more than 180 days now have to pay 75% of the cost of a place in a shelter.
From July 1, 2023, the Polish government plans to cancel the state of epidemic threat of Covid-19. This decision will cause changes in certain legislative acts of the country. In particular, the procedure for automatic extension of visas and permanent residence permits for foreigners after the expiration of their documents will be canceled.
What should Ukrainians do? How to legally stay in Poland?
Prerequisites for granting permission
Since March 2020, a rule has been in force in Poland, according to which the validity period of national visas and residence permits must be extended automatically. This decision was made in connection with the Covid-19 pandemic. Thanks to this, foreigners, including Ukrainians, had the right to stay in Poland even on the basis of an expired permit or visa.
Consequences of canceling the epidemic threat
If the decision is adopted, Ukrainians who have an extended residence permit in Poland will have until August 24, 2023, to obtain new documents for legalization or leave the country.
Ukrainians who arrived in Poland after the start of the full-scale invasion and received PESEL UKR status in the country will not be affected by these changes.
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How can I continue to legally stay in Poland?
Foreigners can legalize their residence in Poland until August 24, 2023, in three ways:
• issue a temporary residence permit;
• get a visa;
• to leave the Schengen area for 90 days and return to Poland on the basis of visa-free travel.
Currently, Poland has an opportunity to get a visa without leaving Ukraine. The procedure is carried out through an authorized person, but the visa is considered invalid until the citizen of Ukraine crosses the Polish-Ukrainian border. The passport of a Ukrainian must have a stamp of entry to Poland.
Experts note that currently there is no surge in the submission of documents for temporary residence permits in Poland.
We remind you! Many Ukrainian citizens have been forced to seek temporary protection and settle down in European countries for more than a year. Find out what Ukrainians miss the most and what they would change in European countries in our article.
Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip:
Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;
Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;
Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;
Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;
Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
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The simultaneous stay of visitors in the hotel lobby not more than one person per 10 square meters of serviceable area is allowed.
Persons can visit hotels and stay there (outside hotel room) only if they wear respirator or face mask (including homemade mask), so that the nose and mouth are covered.
Hotel guests are obliged to keep the 1.5 meters distance.
Online check-in making in advance is recommended to avoid queues at check-in to hotel.
Meals in hotels are provided through meals delivery service to rooms upon prior order or at hotel restaurants situated inside or in open areas, provided the distance of at least 1.5 meters between seats at adjacent tables.
Not more than 4 clients are allowed to stay at the table (excluding children under 14 years old). Unless these tables are separated by a special partition;
Self-serve is not allowed.