Poland
Getting Your First Polish Passport From the U.S. After Confirming Citizenship
A valid Polish passport lets you cross borders and certifies both your identity and your Polish citizenship. Source: Poland in US, Passports
Before you book
Registering foreign civil-status events in Poland is mandatory if you apply for a Polish identity document or PESEL number. Source: Poland in US, Passport for an adult If you're born abroad and confirming citizenship by descent, a passport application is accepted only after a positive voivode decision confirming your Polish citizenship, and you'll need a Polish birth certificate (made by transcription) to get a PESEL number. Source: Poland in US
Where and how to apply
You can apply at any Polish consular office, but you must collect the passport at the same one. Applications must be made in person, and appointments are booked through e-konsulat. Source: Poland in US Honorary consuls don't issue passports. Source: Poland in US
What to bring
- a biometric color photo. Without a photo that meets the requirements, the consul won't accept the application.
- a valid passport or ID card confirming your identity and Polish citizenship, if one has been issued
- proof of eligibility for a reduced fee, if it applies
A consular employee fills in the electronic form at your appointment, and you confirm the data on a signature pad. If there's reasonable doubt about your identity, citizenship or other details, the consul may ask for more documents. Source: Poland in US
Fee
An adult passport costs $165, paid at the consulate when you apply, by cash, cashier's check, money order or credit/debit card. Reduced fees apply to, for example, students aged 18 to 26 and Large Family Card holders, and it's free if you're 70 or older. Source: Poland in US
How long it's valid
A passport is valid for 10 years if you're 12 or older and 5 years for children under 12. A temporary passport, valid for up to 365 days, may be issued while you wait to collect your passport, or in emergencies. Source: Poland in US
We couldn't find an official processing time for passports at U.S. consulates, so we've left it out. Remember that Poland treats you only as a Polish citizen while you're there; see Poland's dual citizenship rules.