Poland entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to travel to Poland for tourism or business. Apply at the Polish embassy or consulate in your country of residence before you travel. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply at the Polish consulate in Sri Lanka | You need a Schengen visa before travel. Apply at the Polish embassy or consulate in Colombo — processing takes 15 calendar days. Submit your application no more than 6 months before your trip.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure from Schengen | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned exit from the Schengen area. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least 2 blank pages. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for Schengen entry | Immigration officers at Warsaw Chopin Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave the Schengen area within your visa's validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay, or a notarized invitation letter from a Polish host. Border officers may ask to see it during passport control. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have bank statements or a sponsor letter showing at least 100 PLN per day of your stay (about $25 USD). Cash, credit cards, or traveler's cheques all count. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing can take longer
Visa processing can take up to 45 days if your application requires additional checks. Apply at least 4 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
Schengen visa covers multiple countries
A Polish Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (e.g., Germany, France, Italy) for up to 90 days. But you must enter Poland first or spend the most time there.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed application form, travel insurance, flight booking, accommodation proof, and bank statements.
2
Submit your application
Visit the Polish embassy or a visa application centre (like VFS Global) in your country of residence. Submit your application in person. You'll also give biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the Schengen visa fee. As of 2026, the standard fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, and free for children under 6. Fees are non-refundable.
4
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 15 calendar days. It can take longer if your application needs additional checks. Apply at least 4 weeks before your trip.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa dates and conditions carefully.
6
Travel to Poland
At the border, present your passport with the visa. You may be asked for your return ticket and proof of accommodation. Have them ready.
Download Poland Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1-2 years)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism. Must apply at Polish consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1-2 years)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires additional documentation.
work visa
Work visa (Type D)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For employment in Poland. Requires a job offer and work permit from employer. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Student visa (Type D)
Up to 1 year, renewable based on studies
€80 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a Polish institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
business visa
Business visa (Type D)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For entrepreneurs or investors. Requires business registration and investment proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application center. | Varies by location (approx. $30-40 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Poland
Transit visa required
Sri Lanka passport holders need an airport transit visa to change flights in Poland, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa for the UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia
Transit hubsWarsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) · Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK) · Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport (GDN)
Health & vaccines for Poland
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas. Use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions sufficient. Tap water is safe to drink.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Warsaw
Mazowieckie Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki)
Plac Bankowy 3/5, 00-950 Warsaw
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits. Appointments recommended.
Krakow
Małopolskie Voivodeship Office
ul. Basztowa 22, 31-156 Krakow
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa and residence matters in southern Poland.
Practical information for LK travellers
Country basics
CapitalWarsaw
LanguagePolish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 6 months.
Money
CurrencyPolish Zloty (PLN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.75 PLN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,EType C, E — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink. Some prefer bottled for taste.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Poland
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Poland — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Sri Lankan passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling. There is no visa on arrival for Poland.
A standard Schengen visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The exact duration is printed on the visa sticker.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. Additional service fees may apply if you apply through a visa centre like VFS Global.
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days if additional documents are required. Apply at least 4 weeks before your intended travel date.
Yes, you apply at the Polish embassy in Colombo or through an authorised visa application centre. If you live in another country, apply at the Polish embassy in that country.
No. Schengen visas are not extendable for tourism. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from the Schengen area.
You can appeal the decision within 30 days. The appeal must be submitted to the same embassy or consulate that rejected your application. There is no guarantee of approval.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.