Poland Tightens Visa-Free Airport Transit Rules for Russian Citizens: What You Need to Know

Traveling across Europe is becoming more complex due to changing visa regulations, especially when it comes to crossing through Poland. For many Russian citizens, Poland serves as a crucial transit hub en route to other European destinations. In this article, we take a detailed look at Poland’s visa requirements, transit conditions, and the visa application process for Russian nationals. We also offer practical tips to help you plan your trip successfully.

Planning transit through Poland requires a thoughtful approach, especially in light of current visa rules. If you’re a Russian citizen without a Schengen visa, the consequences of a mistake can be serious. We aim to provide you with the necessary information to make your European journey smoother and stress-free.

If you are a Russian citizen and plan to transit through Poland on your way to a non-Schengen country, you will most likely need a transit visa. However, if you already hold a valid Schengen visa, you are allowed to enter and transit through Poland without applying for an additional visa.

In some cases, you may not need a visa if your layover is entirely within a Polish airport, provided that:

• Your layover is no longer than 24 hours
• You do not leave the airport’s international transit area

⚠️ We strongly recommend checking the rules for your specific case in advance, as they may vary by airline or airport.

To successfully obtain a transit visa, Russian citizens must prepare a specific set of documents. Make sure to include:

• A completed visa application form
• A valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned date of exit)
• Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000
• Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements or cash)
• Hotel bookings or travel documents proving the purpose of your trip

Poland currently has limitations on entry for Russian citizens for various reasons, especially for tourism or cultural purposes. However, there are exceptions. Students, employees with official contracts, and individuals with humanitarian reasons may still be eligible for visas.

If you already have a valid Schengen visa issued by another country, you can use it for transit through Poland. This simplifies the process and eliminates the need to apply for an additional visa.

When entering Poland, it’s important to carry sufficient funds. While requirements vary, we recommend having about €60–100 per day of stay in cash or accessible funds.

Many Russian travelers have successfully used Poland as a transit point, thanks to holding valid Schengen visas and following all rules. For example, a student from Russia was able to pass through Warsaw smoothly using a visa issued by Spain.

Failing to meet transit requirements can lead to serious consequences. You could be detained at the border or denied entry entirely. There’s also a risk of fines and future restrictions on entering the Schengen Zone.
For this reason, we strongly advise all travelers to carefully follow visa requirements and verify every detail of their trip in advance.

Thorough preparation and a solid understanding of Poland’s transit rules will help Russian travelers use the country as a reliable gateway to the rest of Europe. By following our recommendations, you can avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy your journey.
We hope this guide helps you better navigate the complex visa landscape and prepare for safe, well-planned travel.
If you're planning to travel through Poland or want to stay longer — don’t take chances.
We assist with Schengen visas, transit documents, and also guide clients through the “Karta Polaka” (Polish Card) process — from document preparation to approval.
Let us assess your case, explore your options, and help you through each step of the journey.
Reach out here: https://t.me/visa_dan — we’ll handle the paperwork, track deadlines, and guide you toward a successful result.