Who will not be required to prove their financial means at the Polish border in 2026: rules for Ukrainians

Foreigners entering Poland must prove their financial means. Find out which Ukrainians will be exempt from the obligation to show money at the border in 2026 and how much money those who are not exempt will need to have

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When crossing the border with Poland, foreigners, including Ukrainian citizens, may be required to prove that they have sufficient funds to stay in the country. This is a standard provision of migration law, which will remain in force in 2026. However, there are a number of exceptions when it is not necessary to prove financial solvency.

Explanations on this matter have been published on the government portal of the Republic of Poland. Below is a structured and detailed overview of who is exempt from the obligation to show money, as well as the amounts that must be available to those who do not fall under these exceptions.

Why are funds checked at the Polish border?

According to Polish law, a foreigner entering the country must prove that they have sufficient financial resources to cover the costs of living, food, and return travel.

This requirement is intended to confirm that the person will not be left without means of subsistence during their stay in Poland. That is why border guards have the right to inquire about the availability of cash or access to funds.

At the same time, the law clearly defines the categories of foreigners for whom such confirmation is not mandatory.

Who does not have to show money at the Polish border

Not all Ukrainians are required to present funds upon entry. According to information from the government portal of the Republic of Poland, the requirement to confirm financial status does not apply to the following categories of persons:

● foreigners whose expenses for staying in Poland are covered by Polish state authorities or public institutions;

● holders of a repatriation visa;

● holders of a work visa;

● persons with temporary protection status;

● holders of a type D national visa issued for the purpose of family reunification;

● persons who have a residence card;

● foreigners crossing the border for the purpose of providing charitable assistance or participating in a rescue operation.

For these categories, it is sufficient to confirm the relevant status or purpose of the trip — the presence of cash or other funds should not be checked.

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Who needs to confirm financial capacity

Ukrainians who do not belong to the above categories must be prepared to confirm the availability of a minimum amount of funds. These requirements are enshrined in the resolution of the Minister of Internal Affairs of Poland of February 23, 2015, which regulates the financial resources of foreigners entering the country.

This applies not only to tourists, but also to persons entering for short-term private or other purposes without special status.

How much money do you need to have in 2026 to enter Poland

The minimum amount depends on the length of your planned stay in Poland:

● PLN 300 — if the trip lasts up to 4 days inclusive;

● PLN 75 for each day of stay — if the trip is planned for more than 4 days.

Important: it is not necessary to have Polish zlotys. Border guards may accept cash in other currencies, but the amount must be equivalent to the established requirements.

In addition to funds for living expenses, foreigners must confirm their ability to leave Poland after the trip. To do this, you need to have a return ticket or demonstrate funds in an amount equal to the cost of such a travel document. For Ukrainian citizens, the minimum amount confirming the possibility of return is PLN 200.

It should also be remembered that when traveling abroad, foreigners are required to have medical insurance. The policy allows you to avoid significant expenses in case of illness or emergency care. Ukrainians can take out such an insurance policy online on the Visit Ukraine platform — it is a convenient way to take care of protection before crossing the border.

We remind you! On November 3, new rules for traveling to Poland were introduced. Now all travelers must undergo biometric control. Read how the EES system works, who is affected by the changes, and how to avoid queues at the border.

Photo: sprotyv.info

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