Poland cancels visa-free rules for some countries, government explains
Photo: Poland will abolish visa-free travel for a number of countries (Getty Images)
The Polish government plans to soon submit a request under the Schengen Agreement to revoke visa-free entry for several countries, RMF24 reports.
"We will most likely submit a request under the Schengen Agreement asking to suspend the visa-free regime for several countries," Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Czesław Mroczek said.
According to Mroczek, the specific list of countries subject to the new restrictions is currently being kept secret. However, according to the report, the restrictions will apply to those countries whose citizens regularly break the law in Poland.
Mroczek cited Colombia as an example. In August 2024, Warsaw required citizens of this Latin American country to obtain work visas for employment-related trips. At the same time, visa-free entry for tourists was not canceled.
Changes in Poland's migration policy
Earlier this month, the Polish right-wing party PiS submitted a draft law to the Sejm that proposes tightening the rules for obtaining a Polish passport for foreigners. The reason cited was "migration threats," in particular the increase in crimes among foreigners.
According to the draft law, foreigners would be offered citizenship only after 10 years of legal residence in Poland, instead of the current three.
Furthermore, starting June 1, new regulations will come into effect in Poland, tightening the rules for foreign citizens' access to the Polish labor market, universities, and the visa system.
