Visas

Schengen Visa for OIDP2026 in Poland – Application and Documents

If you are a citizen of a country outside the Schengen Area, you will generally need a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) to attend a conference in Poland.

What is a Schengen Type C Visa?

A Type C visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to stay in Poland and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It is intended for participation in conferences, seminars, business meetings, and short professional visits.

The visa may be:

• single-entry,
• double-entry,
• multiple-entry,

depending on the consul’s decision and your travel plans.

How to Apply for a Visa?

The visa application must be submitted in person.

Registration is carried out via the e-Konsulat system (Online Registration System). The application form must be:

1. completed online,
2. printed,
3. signed,
4. submitted together with all required documents.

The application must be submitted:

• no earlier than 6 months before the planned trip,
• and generally no later than 15 days before the planned visit.

The standard processing time is up to 15 days from the date the application is deemed admissible. In special cases, this period may be extended up to 45 days. The consul may also request the applicant to attend an interview.

In some cases, mandatory visa consultations with central authorities or other Schengen states apply. Processing times for appointments may vary depending on the consular office. Therefore, applicants are strongly advised to apply well in advance to avoid delays in attending the conference.

Required Documents

A standard Schengen visa application requires:

1. A completed, printed, and signed Schengen visa application form registered via e-Konsulat.
2. One biometric color photograph (3.5 x 4.5 cm), sharp, taken against a white background, not older than 6 months, taken straight on, with the face covering 70–80% of the photo.
3. Proof of payment of the visa fee.
4. A passport:
5. • issued within the last 10 years,
   • containing at least 2 blank pages,
   • valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen Area (in case of multiple visits — beyond the last planned departure date).
5. Travel medical insurance:
6. • valid in all Schengen Member States,
   • covering the entire planned stay or transit,
   • with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000,
   • covering expenses related to emergency medical assistance, urgent hospital treatment, medical repatriation, or death.
6. Proof of residence within the relevant consular district (and for third-country nationals — a residence permit confirming legal stay in that district).
7. Proof of sufficient financial means to cover:
8. • living expenses during the stay in Poland and the Schengen Area,
   • return travel to the country of origin or residence, or transit to a third country.
8. Documents confirming the purpose of travel.
9. Documents concerning accommodation or proof of sufficient funds to cover accommodation costs.
10. Documents allowing the consul to assess that the applicant will leave the Schengen Area before the visa expires.

Upon registration, both panelists and participants will receive a document confirming their submission. At a later stage, those who have been selected will be asked to confirm their participation. At that time, we will send an official invitation letter in accordance with the visa requirements described above.

All important dates and deadlines will be announced on our website, so we kindly ask you to check it regularly for updates.

If, for any reason, additional documents are required, please contact us at: OIDP2026@um.krakow.pl. 

Where to Submit the Application?

Visa applications must be submitted:

• at a Polish diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate), or
• at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), if the Polish mission has concluded an agreement with an external service provider.

The application must be submitted in the country of origin or legal permanent residence.

Before starting the procedure, each applicant should consult the website of the relevant Polish diplomatic mission in their country and carefully review the visa information before registering the application.

Additional Information

Official visa information is available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland:
https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/visas

Contact details of Polish diplomatic missions are available at:
https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/diplomatic-protocol