Travel documents: Passport, Visa or ID Card?

Before you set off on your journey, make sure you have all the required travel documents. Check the latest entry requirements and regulations for your destination country.

Check entry requirements

We make planning your trip easier. Simply enter your destination to check the latest visa, customs and health requirements in seconds. Using the Sherpa tool, you can also apply for an eVisa or electronic travel authorisation (such as ESTA or eTA) quickly and securely.

Get ready for your trip

Before you travel, make sure you have the documents required to enter your destination country.

Hand holding travel documents against a background of Polish monuments

Passports and visas by region

Entry requirements vary depending on your destination. Find your region and check which travel documents you need.

European Union and the Schengen Area

Entry requirements depend on your nationality. Polish citizens travelling within the European Union and the Schengen Area can generally cross borders using a national identity card. Passengers of other nationalities should check the applicable passport and visa requirements for their destination.

Europe outside the Schengen Area

For European destinations outside the Schengen Area, (such as Albania, Cyprus, Montenegro and Türkiye), a valid passport is generally required. Polish citizens do not usually need a visa for most of these destinations, but travellers of other nationalities should verify the latest entry requirements. Check the details that apply to your journey.

Countries requiring a Visa, ESTA or eTA

Travelling to long-haul destinations may involve additional requirements such as a visa, ESTA or eTA. Check which documents you need before departure.

Transit visa: Connecting flights in Poland

Do I need a transit visa?

An airport transit visa (Type A) is generally not required if you remain within the airport transit area. However, it is required for citizens of the following countries:

Afghanistan, Armenia, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Cuba, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka.

Important: Passengers travelling from outside the Schengen Area who hold a national visa (Type D) must ensure that they meet the entry requirements for Poland and the Schengen Area. In some cases, transit through Poland to other Schengen countries may not be possible. Please check the applicable visa requirements carefully before purchasing your ticket.

Can I leave the airport during a connection?

You may leave the transit area if you meet one of the following conditions:

You are a citizen of an EU or Schengen Area country.
You are a citizen of a country exempt from visa requirements. Check in Sherpa whether you need a visa.
You hold a Schengen visa (Type C) or a national visa (Type D).

Please note that an airport transit visa (Type A) does not permit you to leave the airport transit area. For detailed and up-to-date information, please refer to the website of the Polish Border Guard.

Frequently asked questions about travel documents

This depends on the requirements of your destination country. For most destinations outside Europe, your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond the end of your planned stay. However, some countries may allow a shorter validity period. To avoid any issues at the border, we always recommend checking the latest passport requirements for your specific itinerary using Sherpa or official government websites.
Your identity document must remain valid for the entire duration of your journey, including the day of your planned return. Before departure, make sure that your document does not expire during your trip. If you are travelling outside the European Union or the Schengen Area, check in Sherpa whether your destination accepts a national identity card as a valid travel document.
Yes. If you are a citizen of a European Union Member State or a Schengen Area country, you can generally travel within this area using a valid national identity card. Travellers of other nationalities must carry a valid passport.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the travel documents you hold. The most up-to-date information is always available on official government websites, through embassies and consulates, or from your country's foreign affairs authorities. You can also use Sherpa to check the latest requirements and, where applicable, submit an application for an eVisa.

Assistance and medical documents when travelling

Travelling with a Medical Certificate

Find out when you need to submit a medical information form.

Accessible travel

Find out when and how to let us know that you require special assistance during your journey.