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Visa Information
Weather
General Info
Travel Tips
Festivals
Country Map

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

South African citizens need a visa to enter Poland because South Africa does not have a visa-free agreement with Poland or the Schengen Area. There are different types of visas available, depending on how long you plan to stay in Poland.

VISA INFORMATION

Completed Application Form

  • Fill out the “Common Schengen Application Form” in capital letters and sign it.
  • Available for free download from consular websites or at consular offices.

  • Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your last day in the Schengen area.
  • Issued within the last 10 years.
  • Must have two blank pages for the visa.
  • Note: Temporary South African passports are generally not accepted by most Schengen states. Confirm their acceptability beforehand.

Provide two recent colour passport-sized photographs.

If not a South African citizen, provide a residence permit valid for at least 3 months after your last day in the Schengen area.

Obtain any required visa for your final country of destination before applying for a Schengen visa, if applicable.

Provide proof of payment for the visa fee.

Submit a round-trip reservation or itinerary showing entry and exit from the Schengen state, including dates and flight numbers.

Some consulates may require the original ticket upon visa collection (verify with the relevant consulate).

Show evidence of sufficient financial means for your stay (e.g., a bank statement from the past three months).

The required amount varies by country—confirm with the consulate. Cash is not accepted as proof.

Provide a one-page document confirming Schengen Travel Medical Insurance coverage with a minimum of Euro 30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation, valid in all Schengen countries.

Include a confirmed hotel reservation (hotel vouchers are not sufficient).

If staying with a relative or friend, provide an invitation letter from the host, a copy of their passport or ID, and possibly authentication by relevant authorities.

For prepaid tours, provide details and proof of payment to the tour operator.

Submit an official business letter from a company in the Schengen area and a letter from your employer stating the purpose of the visit.

For conferences, provide proof of registration and payment.

Provide an unabridged birth certificate.

If traveling alone, include certified parental consent from both parents.

If traveling with one parent, include notarized consent from the other parent.

If only one parent has guardianship, present relevant court documents.

Some consulates may require both parents to sign in their presence.

The consular office may request additional documents such as proof of employment or student status, or a personal interview.

Apply at least 15 calendar days before your intended visit but no earlier than 3 months before the start of your visit.

Short Stay Visa: Allows up to 90 days in a 6-month period.

Long Stay Visa: For stays exceeding 90 days, issued by member states based on national legislation.

All Visa Types (Transit and Short Stay): 60 Euros, payable in Rand.

Children Aged 6-12: 35 Euros, payable in Rand.

  • Note: Contact the relevant Embassy or Consulate for the current Euro/Rand exchange rate and payment methods.

Important Note: Austria, France, Germany, and the Netherlands do not accept South African Temporary

  • Address: 14 Amos Str., Colbyn
  • Email: secretary.pretoria@msz.gov.pl
  • Consular Section Email: pretoria.consul@msz.gov.pl
  • Phone: +27 12 430 2632
  • Website: Polish Embassy Pretoria

WEATHER

Poland has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.

  • Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. A pleasant time to visit with blossoming trees and flowers.
  • Summer (June to August): Warm temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, occasionally hotter in July and August. Peak tourist season.
  • Autumn (September to November): Cool temperatures from 10°C to 20°C, with beautiful fall foliage.
  • Winter (December to February): Cold temperatures between -5°C and 5°C. Snow is common, especially in mountainous areas.

Best Time to Travel: Late Spring (May) and early autumn (September) for mild weather and fewer tourists.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Poland
Capital City: Warsaw
International Airports: Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW)
Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK)
Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN)
Area: 312,696 square kilometres
Population: 38 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET; UTC+1)
Central European Summer Time (CEST; UTC+2 during daylight saving time)
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Minorities include Orthodox Christians, Protestants, and other religions
Language: Polish
Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN)
Exchange Rate: Variable; approximately 1 USD = 4.30 PLN (check current rates for accuracy)
Credit Card Payment Availability: Widely accepted, especially in urban areas
ATM Accessibility: Readily available
Dialling Code: +48

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz
Plug types C and E
Water: Safe to drink
Business Hours: Typically, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday
Banking Hours: Usually 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday
Photography Restrictions: Few restrictions; avoid photos in sensitive areas such as military installations and private properties without permission.
Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. Rounding up the bill or a tip of 10% in restaurants is customary.
Vaccination Requirements: Standard vaccinations as per home country’s health recommendations.
No specific vaccinations required for Poland.
Dress Code Restrictions: Generally casual to smart casual
Dress appropriately for weather and cultural or formal occasions.
Peculiar Customs to Observe: Pierogi Culture: Dumplings are a staple of Polish cuisine.
Christmas Eve (Wigilia): A traditional meal with twelve dishes, highlighting family and cultural traditions.
Name Days: Celebrated similarly to birthdays, with well-wishes and small gifts for those named after the saint of the day.

FESTIVALS

  • Opera Rara Festival (Kraków): A celebration of opera featuring performances, workshops, and discussions about the art form, attracting both local and international talent.
  • Off Camera (Kraków): An international festival dedicated to independent cinema, showcasing a variety of films from around the world, including screenings, workshops, and discussions with filmmakers.
  • Jewish Culture Festival (Kraków): One of the largest Jewish culture festivals in the world, featuring concerts, workshops, lectures, and exhibitions celebrating Jewish heritage and culture.
  • Open’er Festival (Gdynia): A major music festival held in early July, known for its diverse lineup featuring both international and Polish artists across various genres.
  • Summer Jazz Festival (Warsaw): A vibrant celebration of jazz music with performances from renowned musicians, jam sessions, and workshops held in various venues throughout the city.
  • Warsaw Uprising Anniversary (August 1st): Commemorative events and ceremonies held across Warsaw to honour the bravery of those who participated in the 1944 uprising against Nazi occupation.
  • Gdańsk St. Dominic’s Fair (Gdańsk): An annual summer fair that features market stalls with crafts, art, and food, along with live performances, attracting visitors from all over.
  • Street Theatre Festival (Kraków): A dynamic festival featuring street performances from various theatre groups, showcasing innovative and entertaining acts in the heart of the city.
  • Cameraimage (Toruń): A prestigious international festival dedicated to the art of cinematography, featuring screenings, workshops, and discussions with industry professionals.
  • Kraków Christmas Market: A magical festive market held in the city centre, featuring beautifully decorated stalls selling crafts, ornaments, and traditional Polish foods, as well as live performances and seasonal events.

MAP

“Just about every single person who visits me in Poland tells me that everything here is better than they thought it would be – especially the food.”

– Anne Applebaum