Poland Visa Guide for Korean Citizens | Essential Information

If you are a Korean citizen and are wondering, “Do I need a visa to enter Poland?” Let us put your mind at ease. South Korean citizens can enjoy visa-free travel to Poland. But that’s not all. Keep reading our article to learn about Poland visas for Korean citizens, entry requirements, and customs regulations.

Visa-Free Travel to Poland for South Korean Citizens

As mentioned, Poland is among the South Korean passport visa-free Countries. This exemption of Poland visas for Korean citizens allows Koreans to travel and stay for up to 90 days within 180 days. You can use this exemption for tourism activities and business travelers.

Does a Korean Passport Require Visa to Fly into Poland after 2025?

Great question. Starting in 2025, South Korean citizens will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization to enter Poland and other Schengen Area countries. But don’t worry. The ETIAS is a simple online application that enhances security and maintains the convenience of visa-free travel.

Necessary Documents for Entering Poland

When traveling from South Korea to Poland, it’s important to prepare all the required documents. Here’s what you need to know:

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. Ensure it is in good condition and has enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• You may need to show that you have sufficient financial resources to support your trip. Generally, you should have at least €50 for each day. You can show it using:
  • Bank statements showing your recent transactions and current balance
  • Credit card statements showing your available credit limit
  • Employment letters proving your regular income
  • Other financial documents, such as proof of scholarship if you are studying or sponsorship letters if someone else is funding your trip, are also required.
• While not mandatory, travel insurance is a highly recommended requirement. It should cover medical expenses, accidents, and other potential problems that might arise during your trip, with a minimum coverage amount of €30,000.
• You might need proof of accommodation. Acceptable forms of proof include:
  • Hotel reservations
  • Invitation letters from friends or family if you are staying with them
  • Rental agreements for long-term stays
• A detailed travel itinerary or a set of round-trip flight reservations. Having these can verify your travel plans and the duration of your stay. Make sure you have:
  • Flight booking confirmations
  • A planned itinerary with details about your activities and stays in Poland.
• If you have a host in Poland (family member or friend), you will need an invitation letter from your host. The required information in the letter includes:
  • The host’s address and contact information
  • Purpose and duration of your visit
  • Relationship between you and the host
• If you plan to stay longer than 90 days or for purposes other than tourism (e.g., work, study), you will need to apply for the appropriate visa.
• In some cases, proof of vaccination or medical clearance might be required. The cases include:
  • Traveling during a health pandemic or epidemic
  • Visiting for medical treatment or procedures
  • If you have traveled recently to a region with contagious diseases

You can read our article about South Korea work visa requirements to learn more in case you need to go to Korea on a business trip.

How to Get Poland Visas for Korean Citizens?

Let us tell you the steps South Korean citizens need to follow to travel to Poland without a visa for short stays. First, you need to gather the necessary documents mentioned in the section above. Then, you can travel to Poland.

Upon arrival:

1. Go to the immigration control area.
2. Hand over your valid passport to the immigration officer.
3. Be prepared to show proof of your financial resources.
4. Present your evidence of accommodation in Poland.
5. If asked, show proof of travel insurance.
6. Have your detailed travel itinerary or round-trip flight reservations ready to show if requested.
7. The immigration officer may ask you questions about your trip, such as the purpose of your visit, duration, and plans in Poland. Answer these questions clearly and honestly.
8. Once the officer checks everything, your passport will be stamped, allowing you entry into Poland.
9. Ensure you comply with Schengen Area regulations during your stay. For example, the 90/180 rule allows you to stay in Poland and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180 days. Do not exceed this period.

You can read our article about the South Korea Family Visa to learn more in case you have a family reunion.

How to Apply for an ETIAS Authorization?

As mentioned, starting in 2025, all South Korean citizens traveling to Poland and other Schengen Area countries for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days) will need to obtain an ETIAS. Let’s see how:

1. Ensure you have these documents ready:
   1. Your passport, valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.
   2. A credit or debit card to pay the ETIAS application fee.
   3. An email address to receive your ETIAS authorization and any related communication.
2. Go to the official ETIAS application website.
3. Complete the online application form. You should complete it with this information:
   1. Full name, date of birth, nationality, and other personal details
   2. Passport number, its issuance date, and expiration date
   3. Your intended travel plans, such as the first point and your planned travel dates
   4. Background information related to security, health, and travel history.
4. Ensure the accuracy of your information, and then submit your application.
5. After submitting the form, you will need to pay the ETIAS application fee using your credit or debit card. The fee is typically around €7.
6. Wait for the processing. It can take up to 24 hours for approval.
7. Upon approval, you will receive an email. It has your ETIAS authorization. Your ETIAS is electronically connected to your passport, so you do not need its physical form. However, print a copy of the confirmation email to be on the safe side.

Note: Your ETIAS authorization is valid for three years, or until your passport expires, whichever happens first. Using ETIAS, you can enter Poland and other Schengen countries multiple times, provided each stay does not exceed 90 days within 180 days.

Poland’s Customs Regulations for South Korean Travelers

Poland visas for Korean citizens have some customs regulations. Generally, there are no limits on the amount of alcohol and tobacco you can bring for personal use. However, for goods imported from outside the EU, there are specific limits:

• 200 cigarettes
• 100 cigarillos
• 50 cigars
• 250g of smoking tobacco
• 1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol
• 2 liters of fortified wine, sparkling wine, or other alcoholic beverages under 22% alcohol.
• 4 liters of still wine
• 16 liters of beer

Poland Visas for Korean Citizens: Let’s Sum Up

Thanks to the visa exemption, traveling to Poland as a South Korean citizen is straightforward and hassle-free. Just ensure you have all the necessary documents, track your stay duration, and get your ETIAS authorization from 2025 onwards. Enjoy your trip to Poland!