Since Brexit, the UK has new immigration rules for EU nationals, including Polish citizens. Whether you need a visa as a Polish citizen depends on the purpose and duration of your stay in the UK. Here’s a guide to understanding visa requirements for Polish citizens visiting, working, or studying in the UK.
1. Do Polish Citizens Need a Visa to Visit the UK?
No, Polish citizens do not need a visa for short visits to the UK. Under current rules, Polish citizens can travel to the UK for tourism, business, or family visits for up to 6 months without a visa.
Visa-Free Entry Conditions:
- Stay Duration: Up to 6 months
- Permitted Activities: Tourism, visiting family and friends, attending business meetings, and participating in short courses or conferences.
- Prohibited Activities: Working or studying for more than six months.
2. When Do Polish Citizens Need a Visa for the UK?
Polish citizens need a visa for stays longer than 6 months or for certain types of work, study, or residence in the UK. Here are the main scenarios where a visa is required:
Work Visas
Polish citizens need a work visa if they plan to work in the UK. The main work visa options include:
- Skilled Worker Visa: For individuals with a job offer from a UK employer in an eligible occupation. The job must meet skill and salary requirements, and the employer must be licensed to sponsor visas.
- Temporary Work Visa: Includes options for seasonal work, charity work, creative work, and religious work.
- Global Talent Visa: For highly skilled individuals in specific sectors such as science, arts, and technology, who can apply without a job offer if they are endorsed by an approved UK body.
Study Visas
Polish students planning to study in the UK for longer than six months need a Student Visa. Requirements include a letter of acceptance from a UK educational institution and proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
Family Visas
Polish citizens moving to the UK to join a family member (such as a spouse, partner, child, or parent who is a UK citizen or settled in the UK) must apply for a Family Visa.
Settlement Visas
Polish citizens intending to live permanently in the UK, either through work or family relationships, must go through the relevant visa and residency procedures. After five years of residency under certain visa types (such as Skilled Worker Visa or Family Visa), they may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
3. How Brexit Affects Polish Citizens Traveling to the UK
Before Brexit, Polish citizens had free movement rights as part of the EU, which allowed them to live and work in the UK without a visa. Since Brexit, free movement has ended, and the UK now has specific immigration requirements for EU citizens.
Key Changes:
- No Automatic Right to Work or Study: Polish citizens now need a visa to work or study for more than six months.
- EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS): Polish citizens who were living in the UK before December 31, 2020, could apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. Those with Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status under this scheme can continue living and working in the UK without a visa.
4. Entry Requirements for Polish Citizens Traveling to the UK
Polish citizens entering the UK for a short stay need:
- Passport: Polish citizens should use a valid passport (national ID cards are no longer accepted for entry to the UK since October 2021, except for certain categories).
- Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of your planned return to Poland or onward travel may be requested.
- Purpose of Visit: You may be asked to clarify the purpose of your visit and confirm that you do not intend to work or stay longer than allowed.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Polish citizens enter the UK with just an ID card?
No, as of October 1, 2021, Polish citizens must use a valid passport to enter the UK. ID cards are no longer accepted for entry, except for those with Pre-Settled or Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
2. Do Polish citizens need a visa for a business trip to the UK?
No, Polish citizens do not need a visa for short-term business visits (up to 6 months), which include attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. However, they cannot undertake paid work without a visa.
3. Can Polish citizens work in the UK without a visa?
No, Polish citizens need a work visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, to work in the UK.
4. How long can Polish citizens stay in the UK without a visa?
Polish citizens can stay in the UK for up to 6 months without a visa for tourism, family visits, or short business trips.
5. Is there a visa for Polish citizens who want to study in the UK?
Yes, Polish students planning to study in the UK for longer than six months need a Student Visa.
6. Can Polish citizens apply for UK citizenship?
Yes, Polish citizens can apply for UK citizenship after meeting residency requirements, typically after holding Indefinite Leave to Remain for 12 months.