Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Issued to nationals from certain countries not covered by "transit privileges", transiting through international zones of airports without entering the national territory. Requires proof of onward travel to a non-Schengen destination.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
6 months
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
The consular authorities decide on the visa's validity period based on the documents provided by the applicant and it does not depend directly on the applicant's circumstances. Airport transit visas are usually issued with a validity of up to 6 months.
1 day
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
Permitted to stay in the airport's international transit area for up to 24 hours.
Not applicable
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
The stay cannot be extended.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
The applicant specifies the required number of entries on a visa application. However, consulates make decisions that may vary depending on the provided documentary evidence and other factors.
from 15 days to 1 month
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Decisions on visa applications are made within 15 calendar days of the date of submission. This period may be extended up to 30 days during high workload times, for individual cases, especially when additional verification of the application is needed or consultations with authorities from other Schengen member states are required.
€90 (~$104) - for adults
€45 (~$52) - for children 6-12 years old
free - for children under 6 years old
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
An ATV is mandatory for citizens traveling through Polish airports who do not plan to leave the transit zones, as well as for nationals of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka. The following individuals are exempt from the requirement to apply for an "A" type visa: - Holders of a diplomatic passport - Immediate family members of an EU citizen - Individuals holding a type "C" or "D" visa or a residence permit issued by an EU Member State - Individuals holding a residence permit listed in Annex V of the EU Visa Code, issued by Andorra, Canada, Japan, San Marino, or the United States - Individuals holding a valid visa for a European Economic Area (EEA) Member State, Canada, Japan, or the United States, or those returning from these countries after having used such a visa. The Schengen visa fee is waived for applicants belonging to one of the following categories: school pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training; researchers traveling to Poland for scientific research, spouses of EU citizens (with required documents), dependent children of EU citizens under 21, dependent parents of EU citizens, representatives of non-profit organizations under 25 attending events (e.g., seminars, sports, cultural, or educational events) organized by registered non-profit organizations. As a rule, citizens of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine pay EUR 35 for a Schengen visa regardless of where they reside or submit their application. Consular fee is the official charge for processing a visa application by an embassy or consulate of the country and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, the cost of permits or other documents, postal or courier delivery, and others.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Issued less than 10 years ago, with a validity period exceeding the duration of the visa by at least three months and with at least two blank pages.
Photograph
Must be recent (taken within the last 6 months), in color, clear, and sized 35x45mm. The face should occupy 70-80% of the image, printed on high-quality, matte paper with a plain, light background. Hair must not cover the eyes or eyebrows. Headwear is not permitted unless worn for religious or medical reasons, and the full face must remain visible.
Visa application form
Official Schengen visa application form, completely filled and signed by the applicant.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Confirmation of entry into the destination country
Flight reservation, ticket or itinerary to the final destination country (outside the Schengen area).
Proof of travel
Means of transport proof (ex. flight, train,bus tickets) from appilcant`s home country to destination country via Poland. Proof of travel itinerary including dates and details of arrival and departure from Poland.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; residence permit or other document confirming the right to legally reside in the country of residence, if it differs from the one stated in the applicant's passport.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship certificate evidencing parental or guardianship rights; certified power of attorney or permission from parents or legal guardians for minors traveling abroad.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of one or more member states.
Strong ties to the country of origin and compelling reasons to return there, ensuring compliance with the terms and duration of stay.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
А
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Airport transit (ATV)
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Transit visa
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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support@terrana.orgEligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Passenger, traveler
Last updated 2026-03-17