Located in southern Poland, Krakow is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Poland and one of the most interesting cities to visit when visiting Europe. Many people planning their trip to Krakow wonder what documents are needed to visit Krakow. Do you need a passport to visit Krakow in Poland? Do you need a visa to visit Krakow? We give you a hint on what documents you need to travel to Krakow in Poland. Do you need a passport when travelling from the UK? Do you need a passport from the USA?
Do you need a passport to visit Krakow?
Over the years, Krakow has gradually become the most popular tourist destination in this part of Europe. The most popular tourist city in Poland tempts travellers from all over the world mostly to Krakow Airport. Is it necessary to have a valid passport when going to Krakow? In most cases – yes. Citizens of most countries in the world can enter Poland, where Krakow is located, only with a valid travel document, i.e. a passport.
Do I need a passport when travelling to Krakow from the UK? Yes. Do I need a passport when coming from the USA? Yes.
UK citizens with dual citizenship (British and Polish) travelling to Krakow from the UK must show Polish documents (ID or passport) on entry and exit. Sometimes you may be able to show British documents on entry, but only Polish documents on exit. Otherwise you have to cross the border and return home by bus or car.
Who does not need a passport to travel to Krakow? Citizens of European Union countries do not need a passport as a travel document. You can travel within the European Union with an identity card and a passport is not needed.
Do you need a visa to visit Poland?
Citizens of most first-world countries do not need a visa to visit Poland for travel. Citizens of the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Ireland or the United Arab Emirates do not need a visa to visit Krakow.
Krakow in Poland is located in a country that is a member of the Schengen Area. In the case of travel to Krakow by citizens of countries which require a visa to enter the Schengen Area, such a visa will be needed. Visas are required from countries such as Bolivia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Egypt, Uganda and Zimbabwe, but also South Africa and Kuwait.
You can find precise and detailed information on each country on the website of your own Ministry of Foreign Affairs or on a special page dedicated to travel to foreign destinations.
Documents for Krakow
Do I need a passport to travel to Krakow? In most cases, a valid passport is the travel document to Krakow in Poland. People who are citizens of European Union countries do not need a passport to Krakow. The same is true for visas. Citizens of the European Union, as well as many other countries of the world, do not need a visa to enter the Schengen countries.
If your country is one of the countries that require a Schengen visa, you will only be able to travel to Krakow with a valid visa for entry into the Schengen countries.
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About the Author: Hi, It's Daily Krakow written by a lifelong Krakow resident with 40 years of experience exploring this beautiful city. I’m not part of the tourism industry and I dont make money on tourists that's why I can be honest. My deep local knowledge allows me to share honest, practical tips to help you avoid tourist traps and discover the real Krakow. Whether it’s hidden gems, local customs, or practical advice, I’m here to make your visit unforgettable.
