This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UK visa from Poland in 2026, including the new ETA requirement for Polish citizens, updated fees in Euros, work visa options, and visa requirements for non-EU residents. Poland has one of the largest diaspora communities in the UK, with approximately 700,000 Polish-born residents making it one of the most significant immigrant groups. Whether you're a Polish citizen needing an ETA for a short visit, seeking a UK work visa, or a non-EU national residing in Poland requiring a visitor visa, this guide provides the latest requirements, application process, and expert tips.
The ties between Poland and Britain are forged in shared sacrifice and mutual respect—Polish pilots flew alongside the RAF during the Battle of Britain, with the 303 Squadron becoming the highest-scoring Hurricane unit during the battle. The Polish Government-in-Exile operated from London throughout World War II, and thousands of Polish soldiers who fought for Allied victory chose to remain in Britain. After Poland joined the EU in 2004, migration accelerated dramatically, creating vibrant Polish communities across the UK from London to Edinburgh. Today, Polish is the second most spoken language in England and Wales after English.
UK Visa from Poland: Overview & Requirements 2026
The UK visa requirements from Poland changed significantly after Brexit ended freedom of movement on 31 December 2020. Polish citizens can no longer live and work freely in the UK but remain visa-free for short visits of up to 6 months. However, from April 2, 2025, Polish citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. Non-EU nationals residing in Poland, including the large Ukrainian and Belarusian communities, must apply for a Standard Visitor visa for any UK trip.
Do Polish Citizens Need a Visa for the UK?
Polish citizens do not need a visa for short visits to the UK (up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, or business meetings). However, from April 2, 2025, all Polish citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The ETA costs €19, is valid for 2 years, and can be obtained via the UK ETA app. For work, study, or stays longer than 6 months, Polish citizens must apply for the appropriate visa.
Since Brexit, Polish citizens have lost their automatic right to work in the UK. While travel to the UK from Poland for tourism remains visa-free (with an ETA), anyone wishing to work, study long-term, or settle in the UK must now apply through the points-based immigration system, just like citizens from non-EU countries.
UK ETA Requirements for Polish Citizens
- ETA Fee: €19 (£16) per person
- Validity: 2 years or until passport expires (whichever is sooner)
- Stay Duration: Up to 6 months per visit
- Multiple Entries: Yes, unlimited visits within validity period
- Processing Time: Usually within 3 working days (often minutes)
- Application: Via UK ETA app (recommended) or gov.uk website
- Requirement: Each traveller needs own ETA (including babies and children)
For more information about the ETA system and exemptions, see our comprehensive guide on the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
UK Visa from Poland Cost 2026 (in Euros)
UK visa from Poland cost in 2026 starts at €152 for a 6-month Standard Visitor visa (for non-EU nationals). Polish citizens only pay €19 for an ETA—not a visa. Work visa fees range from €364 (Health and Care) to €1,821 (Skilled Worker over 3 years). All fees are paid in Euros and are non-refundable.
The UK visa fees are set by the Home Office and converted to Euros for applicants in Poland and other Eurozone countries. The fees below are current as of January 2026:
Visit Visa Fees from Poland
Work, Study & Family Visa Fees from Poland
UK Work Visa for Polish Citizens
Polish citizens need a work visa to work in the UK since Brexit. The main route is the Skilled Worker visa (€922-€1,821), requiring sponsorship from a UK employer and a minimum salary of £41,700 (from July 2025). Polish citizens can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics—no VAC visit needed. Alternative routes include the Health and Care Worker visa (€364) and Youth Mobility Scheme (ages 18-35).
Since Brexit ended freedom of movement on 31 December 2020, Polish citizens cannot work in the UK without a work visa. This represents a significant change for the approximately 700,000 Polish-born residents in the UK, many of whom arrived after Poland joined the EU in 2004. However, Polish citizens benefit from being able to submit biometrics via smartphone app rather than visiting a Visa Application Centre.
Do Polish Citizens Need a Visa to Work in the UK?
Yes, since Brexit, Polish citizens need a work visa to be employed in the UK. The days of simply moving to the UK and finding work are over. The main work visa routes available to Polish citizens are:
- Skilled Worker Visa: Main route for employment, requires UK employer sponsorship
- Health and Care Worker Visa: Discounted fees for NHS and care sector roles
- Youth Mobility Scheme: Ages 18-35, 2-year work permission, no sponsorship needed
- Global Talent Visa: For leaders in academia, research, arts, or digital technology
- Graduate Visa: For those completing UK degrees (2 years post-study work)
Skilled Worker Visa from Poland
The Skilled Worker visa is the main route for Polish nationals seeking employment in the UK. You need a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence.
- Visa Fee: €922 (up to 3 years) or €1,821 (over 3 years)
- Minimum Salary: £41,700 per year (general threshold from July 2025)
- IHS: £1,035/year (exempt for Health and Care Worker visa)
- Sponsor Required: Yes, employer must have valid sponsor licence
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Settlement: Eligible for ILR after 5 years
Moving to UK from Poland: What Are Your Options?
If you're considering moving from Poland to the UK permanently, you'll need to qualify under one of the visa routes that leads to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). The main options are:
UK Tourist Visa from Poland
Polish citizens do not need a tourist visa—they only need an ETA (€19) for tourism visits up to 6 months. Non-EU residents in Poland (Ukrainian, Belarusian, Indian passport holders) need a Standard Visitor visa (€152) for any UK tourist visit. Apply via the UK ETA app (Polish citizens) or VFS Global Warsaw (non-EU nationals).
Travel to UK from Poland for tourism remains straightforward for Polish passport holders—simply apply for an ETA before your trip. The ETA allows you to visit for tourism, see family and friends, attend business meetings, or take short courses of up to 30 days.
What Can Polish Visitors Do in the UK?
With an ETA, Polish citizens can undertake the following permitted activities:
- Tourism: Sightseeing, attending events, visiting attractions
- Family Visits: Visiting relatives and friends, attending family events
- Business: Meetings, conferences, negotiations (no paid work)
- Short Study: Courses up to 30 days (or 6 months recreational)
- Medical Treatment: Private medical appointments and procedures
- Transit: Passing through the UK to another destination
UK Visa from Poland for Non-EU Citizens
Non-EU citizens residing in Poland (Ukrainians, Belarusians, Indians, etc.) pay €152 for a 6-month UK Standard Visitor visa in 2026. Your Polish residence permit does not grant visa-free access to the UK. Applications must be made through VFS Global in Warsaw, and typically take 3 weeks to process. Your Polish Karta Pobytu can strengthen your application by demonstrating ties outside the UK.
Poland hosts significant communities of Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Indian nationals, many of whom wish to visit the UK. Since the 2022 refugee crisis, Poland has welcomed over 1 million Ukrainians, and many now seek to visit family or travel to the UK. Regardless of your residence status in Poland, non-EU nationals must apply for a UK visa.
UK Visa from Poland for Indian Citizens
Indian passport holders residing in Poland must apply for a Standard Visitor visa for any UK trip. The requirements include:
- Valid Indian Passport: Must be valid for duration of UK stay
- Polish Residence Permit: Karta Pobytu proving legal residence in Poland
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements showing sufficient funds
- Employment Proof: Letter from Polish employer confirming employment and leave
- Travel Itinerary: Flight bookings, hotel reservations, or sponsor's invitation letter
- Ties to Poland: Evidence you will return (employment, property, family)
UK Visa for Ukrainians in Poland
Ukrainian nationals residing in Poland, including those with temporary protection status, must apply for a UK visa to visit. While the UK has separate schemes for Ukrainians (such as the Ukraine Family Scheme and Homes for Ukraine), standard visitor visas are still required for tourism. The application process is the same as for other non-EU nationals, through VFS Global Warsaw.
How to Apply for UK Visa from Poland
The UK visa application from Poland process differs depending on whether you're a Polish citizen or a non-EU national residing in Poland.
For Polish Citizens (ETA or Visa Applications)
For ETA: Download the UK ETA app (available in Polish as "Aplikacja UK ETA") and complete the application in minutes. No appointment needed.
For Work/Study/Family Visas: Polish citizens can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to submit biometrics from home—no Visa Application Centre visit required. Complete your online application at gov.uk, pay the fee, then use the app to scan your passport and take a selfie.
For Non-EU Nationals in Poland
UK visa applications from non-EU nationals in Poland are processed through VFS Global in Warsaw. You must complete the online application form, pay the fee, and then book an appointment to provide your biometrics.
- Step 1: Complete online application at gov.uk
- Step 2: Pay the visa fee online (in Euros)
- Step 3 (Polish): Use UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics
- Step 3 (Non-EU): Book biometrics at VFS Global Warsaw
- Step 4: Submit supporting documents online or at VAC
- Step 5: Wait for decision (3 weeks standard, 5 days priority)
- Step 6: Receive eVisa or collect passport with vignette
Warsaw Visa Application Centre (VFS Global)
The UK Visa Application Centre in Warsaw is operated by VFS Global and is located at Business Garden Business Center, Żwirki i Wigury 16a, 2nd Floor, 02-092 Warsaw. Non-EU nationals in Poland must attend this centre to provide biometrics for UK visa applications. Book appointments through the VFS Global Poland website.
VFS Global operates the UK Visa Application Centre in Warsaw for non-EU nationals. Polish citizens applying for work, study, or family visas can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app instead and do not need to visit the VAC.
VFS Global Warsaw Address & Contact
UK Visa Processing Time from Poland
Standard UK visa processing time from Poland is approximately 3 weeks for visitor visas and other non-settlement applications. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take up to 12 weeks. Priority service (€599) reduces visitor visa processing to 5 working days. Super Priority (€1,199) aims for next working day decisions, subject to availability.
For detailed information on UK visa processing times after biometrics, including what happens if there are delays, see our comprehensive guide. If your application is taking longer than expected, our guide on UK visa delays explains your options including priority visa services.
Poland-UK Relations: Historical Context
The relationship between Poland and the United Kingdom runs deep, forged through shared history and mutual sacrifice. Key milestones include:
- World War II Alliance: Polish 303 Squadron became the highest-scoring Hurricane unit in the Battle of Britain
- Government-in-Exile: Polish government operated from London throughout WWII (1940-1990)
- EU Accession 2004: Poland joined EU, triggering significant migration to UK
- Peak Migration: By 2017, approximately 1 million Polish-born residents in UK
- Brexit Impact: Freedom of movement ended 31 December 2020
- Current Community: Approximately 700,000 Polish-born residents remain in UK
- Polish citizens need an ETA (€19) for visits — apply via UK ETA app, enforced from 25 February 2026
- Polish citizens need work visas since Brexit — Skilled Worker visa from €922
- Polish citizens can use UK Immigration: ID Check app for visa biometrics — no VAC visit needed
- Non-EU residents in Poland pay €152 for 6-month Standard Visitor visa
- Warsaw VAC: Business Garden, Żwirki i Wigury 16a (for non-EU nationals)
- Standard processing: 3 weeks; Priority: 5 days (+€599)
For the latest official information on UK entry requirements, visit the gov.uk visa checker or the Standard Visitor visa guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Polish citizens need a visa to visit the UK in 2026?
Polish citizens do not need a visa for short visits up to 6 months. However, they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, which costs €19 and is valid for 2 years. Apply using the UK ETA app on your smartphone. The ETA requirement has been in effect since 2 April 2025, and is strictly enforced from 25 February 2026—without an approved ETA, Polish citizens cannot board transport to the UK.
Do Polish citizens need a visa to work in the UK?
Yes, since Brexit, Polish citizens need a work visa to be employed in the UK. The main route is the Skilled Worker visa (€922-€1,821), which requires sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid licence and meeting the £41,700 minimum salary threshold (from July 2025). Polish citizens aged 18-35 may also qualify for the Youth Mobility Scheme. The ETA only permits tourism and business meetings—not paid employment.
How much does a UK visa from Poland cost?
Polish citizens pay €19 for an ETA (not a visa) for tourism visits. Non-EU nationals in Poland pay €152 for a 6-month Standard Visitor visa. Work visa fees range from €364 (Health and Care Worker) to €1,821 (Skilled Worker over 3 years). Student visas cost €628, and spouse visas cost €2,323. All fees are paid in Euros and are non-refundable.
How long can Polish citizens stay in the UK?
Polish citizens with an ETA can stay up to 6 months (180 days) per visit for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. There is no annual limit on the number of visits, but frequent or lengthy stays may raise questions about genuine visitor status. For longer stays, work, or settlement, Polish citizens must apply for the appropriate visa.
Can Polish citizens use the UK Immigration: ID Check app?
Yes, Polish citizens (and other EU/EEA/Swiss nationals) applying for UK work, study, or family visas can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to submit their biometrics from home. This means no visit to a Visa Application Centre is required. Simply scan your passport chip using your smartphone's NFC capability and take a selfie to complete the identity verification process.
Where is the UK Visa Application Centre in Warsaw?
The UK Visa Application Centre in Warsaw is operated by VFS Global and is located at Business Garden Business Center, Żwirki i Wigury 16a, 2nd Floor, 02-092 Warsaw (near Okęcie Airport in the Mokotów district). Non-EU nationals must visit this centre to provide biometrics. Book appointments through the VFS Global Poland website.
How long does UK visa processing take from Poland?
Standard UK visa processing from Poland takes approximately 3 weeks for visitor and other non-settlement visas. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take up to 12 weeks. Priority service (€599 extra) reduces visitor visa processing to 5 working days. Super Priority service (€1,199 extra) aims for next working day decisions, subject to availability. ETAs are typically processed within 3 working days, often within minutes.
Can Ukrainians in Poland get a UK visa?
Yes, Ukrainian nationals residing in Poland can apply for UK visas through VFS Global Warsaw. The Standard Visitor visa costs €152 for 6 months. Your Polish residence status (including temporary protection) does not grant visa-free access to the UK. The UK also has specific schemes for Ukrainians (Ukraine Family Scheme, Homes for Ukraine) with different requirements. Apply with your Ukrainian passport and Polish residence documentation.