TRANSIT THROUGH POLAND

As from 1 August 2006 Poland applies the following decisions:

·       Decision No 895/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2006 introducing a simplified regime for the control of persons at the external borders based on the unilateral recognition by the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia of certain documents as equivalent to their national visas for the purposes of transit through their territories,

·       Decision No 896/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2006 establishing a simplified regime for the control of persons at the external borders based on the  unilateral recognition by the Member States of certain residence permits issued by Switzerland and Liechtenstein for the purpose of transit through their territory.

As a consequence foreigners, irrespective of the nationality, are exempted from Polish transit visas if they hold valid visas, and residence permits issued by the following States:

·       Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

Foreigners, irrespective of the nationality, are also exempted from Polish transit visas if they hold residence permits issued by:

·       Switzerland and Lichtenstein.

With regard to citizens of Belarus and Ukraine this arrangement includes holders of valid visas and residence permits issued by Great Britain and Ireland if they travel by air.

The duration of the transit through the territory of Poland shall not exceed five days and shall be covered by the period of validity of visa or residence permits.