Country guide
Poland
Visa
Visa required
Vaccinations
None required
Schengen area
Yes
Currency
Zloty (PLN)
Time zones
UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa) Daylight savings from last Sunday March to last Sunday October: UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 48
Best time to go
May - September
Drinking water
Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink.
Visa guide
Visa requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
Poland is a member of the Schengen Agreement.
- If you intend to visit only Poland, you must apply at the Embassy of Poland/ Visa Application Centre.
- If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate that is your main destination / longest stay.
- If you intend to visit several countries but are spending an equal number of days in each, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your first point of entry.
REQUIREMENTS:
See General Schengen Requirements
In addition:
NOTE: All original documents (passports, certificates, official letters, etc.) must be accompanied by copies thereof.
- Visa application form must be submitted in person.
- Visa application form completed via the e-konsulat system, printed and signed.
- If you have more than one valid passport, you should include it with your visa application.
- The visa may be collected by a courier or representative, who should present an authorization letter which has been signed by the passport holder.
Issuing authorities
Embassy of the Republic of Poland
14 Amos Street, Colbyn, 0083, Pretoria
Tel: +27 (0)12 430 2621 / 31 / 32
E-mail: pretoria.consul@msz.gov.pl
Website: www.gov.pl/web/southafrica/embassy
Monday: 14:00- 17:00
Tuesday - Friday: 09:00-12:00
All Consular visits must be made by appointment via the e-Konsulat system online: www.e-konsulat.gov.pl.
- New appointment dates are made available every Monday evening after 19:00.
- Please ensure that EACH CASE is registered INDIVIDUALLY.
- Collections of documents (passports, visas or documents) may be done anytime during the above-mentioned times without an appointment.
Visa processing time
Apply at least 2-3 weeks before the intended visit. Not more than 6 months before the visit.
Visa validity
Stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period
Visa cost
ZAR 1832. Please refer to Embassy for updated fees based on exchange rate.
All consular fees must be paid in cash. Visa Fees are non-refundable.
SA representative
SA Embassy
54 Koszykowa,Trade Center, 6th Floor Warsaw 00675, Poland
Tel: +4822 622-1031/ 1005
E-mail: warsaw.dha@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/warsaw/
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio
Public holidays
2026: Jan 1, 6; Apr 5-6; May 1, 3, 24; Jun 4; Aug 15; Nov 1, 11; Dec 24-26