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🇵🇱Poland
🇬🇧United KingdomPL-GB

Poland to United Kingdom visa requirements

Polish passport holders do not need a visa for short tourist trips to the UK, but since 2 April 2025 they must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. As of 25 February 2026 carriers strictly enforce this, so the ETA is effectively mandatory. A Poland (PL) ordinary passport holder travelling to the United Kingdom for tourism does not require a traditional visa. However, the UK rolled out its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to EU nationals on 2 April 2025, and from 25 February 2026 airlines, ferries and rail operators are legally required to confirm every Polish traveller holds a valid ETA before boarding. The ETA is an online pre-travel authorisation (not a visa) that costs £20, is multi-entry, valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, and permits stays of up to 6 months per visit for tourism, business or short study. Most decisions are automatic and issued within minutes, but applicants are advised to apply at least 3 working days before travel. The UK is not part of the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply to UK entry. The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – visa-exempt, pre-travel authorisation
Maximum stay
Up to 6 months per visit
per entry
Entries
Multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
£20
consular fee only
Processing time
Usually minutes; apply at least 3 working days before travel
standard track
Validity
2 years or until passport expires, whichever is sooner
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm your passport is valid
Ensure your Polish ordinary passport is valid for the whole of your intended stay in the UK. The ETA is linked electronically to this specific passport.
· Passport· Validity check
/02
Download the UK ETA app or use the GOV.UK site
Apply through the official 'UK ETA' app (recommended) or via gov.uk. Avoid third-party agents that charge extra fees.
· Official channel· App
/03
Complete the online application
Provide your personal details, scan your passport's biometric chip, and upload a photo. Answer the suitability and security questions truthfully.
· Online· Biometric scan
/04
Pay the £20 fee
Pay the non-refundable application fee by card. Each traveller, including children, needs their own ETA.
· £20· Per person
/05
Wait for the decision
Most applicants get an automatic approval within minutes by email. Allow at least 3 working days in case additional checks are needed.
· Minutes· Email confirmation
/06
Travel to the UK
The ETA is digitally linked to your passport, so nothing needs to be printed. Carry the passport you applied with and proof of onward travel and funds if asked.
· No printout needed· Carry passport
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
Poland -> United Kingdom · Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – visa-exempt, pre-travel authorisation
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPolish ordinary passport valid for the duration of your stay
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredBiometric (e-passport) chip for scanning in the ETA app
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredA recent digital passport-style photo
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredValid debit or credit card to pay the £20 fee
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredWorking email address for the approval notification
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredApproved ETA obtained before boarding (mandatory from 25 Feb 2026)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedProof of onward or return travel
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedEvidence of accommodation or address in the UK
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedEvidence of sufficient funds for your stay
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
OptionalTravel/medical insurance for the trip
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
optional
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Official sourcesGOV.UK – Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)UK Home Office – Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) factsheet (April 2026)European Commission – EU citizens travelling to the UK will need an ETA
Application link included: GOV.UK – Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
UK ETA application fee£20Per person, including children; non-refundable
Passport (if renewal needed)VariesOnly if your Polish passport must be renewed before travel
Travel insuranceVariesOptional but recommended; not an entry requirement
Total estimate£20 — £20incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard online ETA (UK ETA app)
Minutes to 3 working days
Apply via the official app or gov.uk; most decisions are automatic within minutes. Apply at least 3 working days before travel.
Cases needing extra checks
Up to 3 working days
A minority of applications are referred for additional review and may take longer; plan ahead.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Tourism / short visit
Holiday, sightseeing and leisure trips of up to 6 months are permitted under the ETA.
High
/02
Visiting friends and family
Polish nationals visiting relatives or friends in the UK travel under the same ETA.
High
/03
Business meetings and events
Short business trips such as meetings, conferences and negotiations are allowed on an ETA.
Medium
/04
Transit through the UK
Travellers passing through the UK, including airside transit in some cases, generally need an ETA.
Medium
/05
Short study or recreational courses
Study of up to 6 months is permitted under the visitor/ETA route.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Poland to United Kingdom route verified
Confirmed via official UK government sources that Polish ordinary passport holders are visa-exempt but require a UK ETA (£20, valid 2 years, multi-entry, up to 6 months per stay). ETA rollout to EU nationals took effect 2 April 2025; strict carrier enforcement from 25 February 2026.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Polish citizens need a visa to visit the UK?—
No. Polish passport holders do not need a visa for short visits of up to 6 months. They do, however, need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) obtained online before travel.
How much does the UK ETA cost?+
How long is the UK ETA valid?+
How long does it take to get an ETA?+
Is the UK part of the Schengen area or ETIAS?+
When did the ETA become mandatory for Polish travellers?+
/11 — Passport tools

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