Changes in the issuing of 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.

Some of the consulates where direct visa appointments have so far not been possible have already launched or announced the launch of bookings through the e-konsulat system. Examples include the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in New Delhi and the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Mumbai, as well as the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Ankara and the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Istanbul, where the possibility of booking visa appointments – at specific times – is to be opened from 2 October 2023.

This means an opportunity to book visa appointments at consulates where, for many months, this has been largely impossible due to illegal practices. On the other hand, however, in view of the limited staff capacity of individual consulates compared to specialised visa centres, there is a risk that the number of available visa appointments will not meet the demand from foreigners in this regard. This, in turn, will result in a limited real possibility to book appointments, as they will be free for only a short while (until they are taken on “a first-come, first-served” basis).