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Visa Information
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General Info
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

South African citizens are required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to travel to Poland.

VISA INFORMATION

Basic Requirements

  • A valid South African passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure from the Schengen area and contain at least two blank pages).
  • Completed and signed visa application form (one per applicant).
  • Two recent passport-sized colour photographs (white background, 35×45 mm).
  • Proof of travel medical insurance covering the entire Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire stay (hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.).
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g. bank statements from the last 3 months, sponsorship letter if applicable).
  • Confirmed round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary.
  • Cover letter stating the purpose of travel and itinerary.
  • Proof of civil status (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
  • Copy of the passport page with personal data and photo.
  • Copy of an ID document to confirm residence within the consular district of your application.
  • Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable).

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Detailed day-by-day travel itinerary.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire trip (hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings, or a formal invitation from a host in the Schengen country).
  • Proof of sufficient funds: recommended amount is at least €60 per person per day of stay in the Schengen zone.

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Invitation letter from the business partner/company in the Schengen country, detailing the purpose of the visit, length of stay, and who will bear the costs.
  • Cover letter from the South African employer, confirming employment, purpose of travel, and financial responsibility (if applicable).
  • Proof of business relationship (e.g. previous correspondence, contracts, invoices, etc.).
  • Confirmed hotel reservation and travel itinerary.

  • Typically, 15 calendar days from the date of the appointment.
  • In some cases, processing may take up to 30 or 60 days depending on individual circumstances or additional documentation requests.

  • Can vary depending on the type of Visa, and the Visa application centre.
  • Adults: €90 (Average Cost).
  • Additional service fees apply if using a visa application centre (e.g. VFS Global).
  • Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.

  • Usually valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • The exact duration and number of entries (single, double, or multiple) will be specified on the visa sticker.
  • It does not guarantee entry; final permission is granted by the border control authorities upon arrival.

Embassy

Polish Embassy in Pretoria:

WEATHER

Poland has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Rain is moderate and mostly falls in summer.

  • Spring (March to May): Spring in Poland is a refreshing season with temperatures gradually warming from around 5°C in March to 15°C by May. This period sees blossoming flowers and greener landscapes, making it a lovely time for city strolls and countryside exploration. Occasional rain showers can occur, so packing layers is recommended.
  • Summer (June to August): Summers in Poland are generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C, occasionally reaching up to 30°C. It’s the best time for outdoor activities like hiking in the Tatra Mountains, enjoying lakes, or exploring vibrant festivals in cities such as Kraków and Warsaw.
  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn brings cooler weather, with temperatures dropping from about 15°C in September to around 5°C in November. The fall foliage paints forests in stunning reds and golds, perfect for scenic drives and hikes. The weather can be crisp and sometimes rainy, signalling the approach of winter.
  • Winter (December to February): Winters in Poland are cold, often dipping below freezing, with temperatures ranging between -5°C and 3°C. Snowfall is common, especially in mountainous regions, offering excellent conditions for skiing and winter sports. Cities transform into picturesque winter wonderlands, particularly around Christmas time.
  • Best Time to Travel: Late spring (May) through early autumn (September) offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and cultural events. Winter is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts and festive city experiences, though cold temperatures require warm clothing.

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