When Ukrainians need a visa to Poland in 2025: current requirements and rules

Citizens of Ukraine continue to cross the Polish border. Find out under what conditions Ukrainians will need a visa to enter Poland in 2025, how the ETIAS system works, and what is required for a long-term stay

Legal advice for Ukrainians

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In 2025, the rules for Ukrainians to enter Poland underwent certain changes due to both domestic policy and pan-European initiatives. Below, we will consider the main aspects of when Ukrainians need a visa to enter Poland, as well as the innovations that should be taken into account.

💡Are you sure that your documents for a Polish visa in 2025 are prepared without errors?

Contact our visa lawyers to be sure of the result and not to waste extra time searching for information and re-submitting documents!

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Visa-free regime and short-term travel

Ukrainian citizens with biometric passports are entitled to visa-free entry to Poland and other Schengen countries for short-term travel - up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This rule remains in force in 2025.

However, it is important to remember that the visa-free regime does not give the right to employment or long-term stay. For such purposes, it is necessary to obtain an appropriate visa or residence permit.

ETIAS system

In mid-2025, the European Union plans to implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This system will require citizens of countries that have a visa-free regime with the EU to obtain prior electronic authorization for entry.

For Ukrainians, this means that before traveling to Poland and other Schengen countries, they will need to fill out an online application and pay a small fee.

The ETIAS authorization will be valid for three years or until the expiration of the passport. This innovation does not cancel the visa-free regime, but is an additional security measure.

Steps to obtain ETIAS:

1. Filling out an online application - Travelers must fill out an electronic form on the official ETIAS website, providing basic information: name, surname, date of birth, passport details and details of the upcoming trip.

2. Payment of thefee - The cost of obtaining an ETIAS permit will be approximately 7 euros. Payment is made online using a bank card.

3. Waiting for a decision - In most cases, the application is processed automatically within a few minutes, but if additional verification is required, the procedure can take up to 96 hours.

4. Obtaining the permit - Once approved, the ETIAS electronic permit is sent to the applicant's email. It will be automatically linked to the traveler's passport.

5. Check at the border - When crossing the border, Polish border guards will check for a valid ETIAS permit, so it is important to make sure that the passport has not expired yet.

If you are in doubt about which visa category to choose, or if you are worried about the deadlines and compliance of all documents, please contact our specialists for advice. They will help you understand the nuances of the law and provide you with individualized support at every stage of document preparation.

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Long-term residence and employment

For Ukrainians who plan to stay in Poland for more than 90 days or intend to find employment, it is necessary to obtain an appropriate national visa or residence permit.

In 2025, Poland introduced a new legalization mechanism for Ukrainian citizens who arrived after the start of the full-scale invasion. They can apply for a special residence card CUKR, which allows them to officially live and work in the country.

Migration policy of Poland

In October 2024, Poland adopted a migration strategy for 2025-2030, which provides for changes in the provision of international asylum, entry and employment conditions.

Among the innovations are the possibility of temporary suspension of the right to asylum, a “citizenship test” and mandatory integration programs for obtaining citizenship or permanent residence. These changes may affect Ukrainians planning a long-term stay in Poland.

Thus, in 2025, Ukrainians may continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Poland for short-term trips. However, with the introduction of the ETIAS system, it will be necessary to obtain an electronic permit before traveling. Longer-term stays or employment will require an appropriate visa or residence permit, in particular the new CUKR residence card.

By applying for a visa with the support of professional lawyers, you get:

🔹 Time saving: our lawyers carefully prepare the package of documents, saving you from additional hassle.

🔹 Guarantee of relevance: we follow the updates in Polish and Ukrainian legislation, so your documents will be drawn up in accordance with the latest requirements.

🔹 Individual approach: we analyze your situation to offer the most effective solutions.

Do not put off important matters for later - order a legal consultation and get confidence in the timely and successful visa application!

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We remind you! For Ukrainian students in Poland, the rules of eighth-grade exams have changed slightly. Now students will have more time to complete tasks in each subject.

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