Crossing the border with Poland in 2025: all the new rules Ukrainians need to know

In August 2025, the rules for crossing the border with Poland were slightly changed, particularly with regard to proof of financial solvency. We explain what documents are required for travel to Poland and what could cause a refusal of entry to Poland in 2025

Legal advice on migration issues

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In 2025, visa-free entry requirements for Poland will include the possession of a biometric passport. Over the past year, the Polish government has made a number of changes to the border crossing procedure. And from 16 August 2025, clarifications have been made regarding financial requirements – you now need 300 zlotys for the first four days of your stay or 75 zlotys for each subsequent day (if your trip lasts longer than 4 days).

For more information on whether you need money to enter Poland and how much you need to cross the border, visit the Visit Ukraine portal.

Also, don't forget that a Green Card motor insurance policy is mandatory for entry into Poland, and you may be asked to show travel insurance from Ukraine to Poland at the border. You can purchase both types of insurance in just a few minutes on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Learn more about life in Poland:

▶ opportunities for tourism;

▶ how to get to Poland by car;

▶ specifics of employment;

▶ features of education;

▶ immigration procedure to Poland;

▶ temporary protection in Poland.

Are you planning a trip to Poland? The specialists at Visit Ukraine will help you every step of the way.

Basic rules for crossing the border with Poland in 2025

For Ukrainian citizens who have a biometric foreign passport, there is a visa-free regime that allows them to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This rule applies to trips for tourism, private or business purposes. In addition to a biometric passport, it is important to have other documents confirming the purpose of your trip and your financial capacity in order to cross the border.

Medical insurance – a mandatory requirement

Insurance for entry into Poland is a mandatory requirement in most cases, especially if you are travelling without a visa. Although border guards do not always check this document, its absence may be grounds for refusal of entry. The insurance policy must meet the following requirements:

1. Be valid in Poland and other Schengen countries.

2. Cover medical expenses in case of illness or accident for an amount of at least €30,000.

3. Cover emergency medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation.

4. Be valid for the entire period of your stay abroad.

Make sure your policy meets all the requirements – take out insurance with Visit Ukraine.

Financial capacity: how much money do you need to have?

Border guards have the right to request proof of your financial capacity. This is a necessary condition to ensure that you can cover the costs of your stay and return home.

The minimum amounts you need to have are:

– PLN 300 for stays of up to 4 days.

– PLN 75 for each day if your stay exceeds 4 days.

You can confirm your financial solvency in various ways:

1. Cash (zloty, euros, dollars).

2. Bank card with the ability to check your balance via a mobile app or terminal.

3. Bank statement (preferably recent).

It is recommended to have slightly more than the minimum required amount to avoid any misunderstandings.

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Confirmation of the purpose of your trip to Poland

In addition to a biometric passport and insurance, you may be asked to provide documents confirming the purpose of your visit to the EU.

For tourists: hotel or other accommodation reservation, travel itinerary, return tickets.

For visiting relatives/friends: official invitation from the host, indicating the address of residence.

For employees: employment contract (terms of employment, terms of assignment), invitation from the employer.

For students: certificate of enrolment from the educational institution, student ID card.

To prepare all documents correctly and avoid possible refusals, it is advisable to seek the help of Visit Ukraine's immigration lawyers, who will help you prepare all the documents.

Crossing the border by car: what do you need to know?

For those who have chosen to travel to Poland in their own car, in addition to personal documents, you must have:

1. Technical passport for the vehicle.

2. Driving licence.

3. An international insurance policy ‘Green Card’. This document is mandatory, as it covers the driver's liability for damage caused to third parties in the event of an accident.

‘Green Card’ to Poland – apply in a few steps online on the Visit Ukraine portal!

Why might entry be denied?

The reasons for denial of entry can vary, but most often they are related to an incomplete set of documents or insufficient preparation.

1. Lack of medical insurance.

2. Insufficient financial capacity.

3. Unconvincing confirmation of the purpose of the trip.

4. Violation of migration laws in the past.

Current rules for entry into the EU can be found at the link on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Tips for safe border crossing in 2025

1. Check the validity of your passport. It must be valid for at least 3 months after the date of your planned departure from the Schengen area.

2. Keep all documents in a convenient place so that you can access them quickly.

3. Follow the news and official sources regarding the situation at the border.

4. Be polite and calm when communicating with border guards.

5. By following these simple rules, you can ensure a quick and safe border crossing.

Reminder! We previously reported that the rules for crossing the border when leaving Ukraine have separate rules for certain categories of citizens.

Photo: genereted by Gemini