flash news: #visas
The first effects of the plan announced in mid-September by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to terminate contracts with visa agencies due to irregularities in visa processes are already visible.
During the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, rules were brought in that allowed Ukrainians, Belarusians, Moldovans, Georgians and Armenians to apply for visas through the postal system or by proxy. This option has now been significantly restricted.
Withdrawal of a draft regulation regarding countries in which foreigners may apply for visas issued by the minister for foreign affairs.
Work is underway in the European Parliament on introducing electronic documents in the EU visa system, to replace stickers for Schengen visas.
It is also planned to create a uniform online platform for filing visa applications, without the need for the applicant to appear in person at the consulate.
On 15 April, 2022, the Act on Foreigners was amended to enable national visas to be granted to foreigners residing in Poland (article 79a of the Act on Foreigners).
Meanwhile, a long-awaited regulation issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on issuing national visas to foreigners residing in the Republic of Poland was issued on 30 August, 2022. Under this regulation, citizens of Belarus and Ukraine residing in Poland can apply to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for a national visa.