As of 10th Jan 2021
Who can visit Poland ?
Only following can visit or enter Poland:-
- citizens of the Republic of Poland,
- foreigners who are spouses or children of citizens of the Republic of Poland or remain under their permanent care,
- foreigners with a Pole’s Card,
- members of diplomatic missions, consular offices and representatives of international organizations and members of their families, as well as other persons crossing the border of the Republic of Poland on the basis of a diplomatic passport,
- foreigners with the right of permanent or temporary residence on the territory of the Republic of Poland,
- foreigners with the right to work in the territory of the Republic of Poland, i.e. foreigners entitled to work on the same terms as Polish citizens, with a work permit, certificate of entry in the record on seasonal work, declaration on entrusting work to a foreigner in the territory of the Republic of Poland who:
– perform work in the territory of the Republic of Poland, or
– present documents proving that employment will begin immediately after crossing the border; - foreigners who drive a means of transport for the transport of people or goods, and their journey takes place as part of professional activities consisting in transporting goods or transporting passengers,
- drivers engaged in road transport as part of international road transport or international combined transport traveling through the territory of the Republic of Poland by other means of transport than the vehicle used for road transport:
– in order to take a rest in the territory of the country of stay,
– after taking a rest abroad, as mentioned above, and after a break in the performance of work in the circumstances specified in the act on drivers’ working time. - students studying in Poland and their guardians who cross the border with students to enable this learning,
- students, participants of postgraduate studies and specialist training and other forms of education, as well as doctoral students studying in Poland,
- scientists conducting research or development work in Poland,
- citizens of European Union Member States, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Member States – parties to the agreement on the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation and their spouses and children,
- foreigners with a permanent residence permit or a long-term resident’s European Union residence permit, on the territory of other Member States of the European Union, a member state of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – parties to the agreement on the European Economic Area, the Swiss Confederation or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland North and their spouses and children, in order to travel through the territory of the Republic of Poland, to the place of residence or stay,
- foreigners traveling by plane within the meaning of art. 2 points 1 of the Act of July 3, 2002 – Aviation Law performing international flights, who are citizens of: Georgia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Tunisia, the Australian Union or have the right to reside in the territory of these countries,
- persons crossing the Polish border on the basis of a national visa for the purpose of repatriation or a visa to come to Poland as a member of the immediate family of the repatriate,
- foreigners whose arrival takes place in connection with the participation, as a competitor, member of the training staff, doctor, physiotherapist or referee, in international sports competitions organized on the territory of the Republic of Poland by an international sports federation operating in Olympic or Paralympic sports or another recognized by the International Olympic Committee or organized by an international sports organization with a continental range belonging to such a federation or a Polish sports association, as well as accredited journalists, after documenting to the Border Guard officer the fact of the competition, the date and nature of participation in an appropriate letter issued by the organizer of the competition or certified by the competent in a given sport Polish sports association.
- foreigners crossing the border of the Republic of Poland on the basis of a visa issued for the purpose of arrival for humanitarian reasons, due to the interest of the state or international obligations,
- citizens of the Republic of Belarus,
- fishermen within the meaning of art. 2 point 9 of the Act of September 11, 2019 on work on board fishing vessels (Journal of Laws item 2197) or seafarers within the meaning of Art. 2 point 3 of the Maritime Labor Act of 5 August 2015 (Journal of Laws of 2020, item 1353), hereinafter referred to as the “Maritime Labor Act”, including seafarers employed under the terms of Art. 46 or article. 108 of the Maritime Labor Act, as well as:
– seamen or fishermen going to the port, also by means of transport other than the ship, in order to take up employment on a ship, or returning to their place of residence, also by means of transport other than the ship, after termination of employment on the ship – also in transit through the territory of the Republic of Poland,
– persons performing work or providing services on ships or on offshore production and drilling platforms, based on a relationship other than a seafarer employment contract; - foreigners who obtained a visa in order to participate in the Poland. Business Harbor,
- foreign entrepreneurs and representatives of foreign business entities crossing the Polish border for business purposes, who have been notified by a diplomatic mission of a given country accredited in the Republic of Poland and obtained the consent of the minister competent for foreign affairs for such a visit,
- citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and their spouses and children.
In particularly justified cases, not included above, the commanding officer of the Border Guard post, having obtained the consent of the Commander-in-Chief of the Border Guard, may allow foreigners to enter the territory of the Republic of Poland.
Portugal Student Visa - Definitive Guide
Dated:- 12 Nov 2020
Bordering Spain and floating in the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is a fascinating country. Economic development and the quality of living in the country have attracted students from across the globe. Well, it is the Portugal student visa which can help the interested students acquire the education of their choice.
What is Portugal Student Visa?
A Portugal student visa for Indian students is also available. There are several formalities that are to be fulfilled in the process of obtaining one. The holder of a student permit is allowed to pursue a course of their choice, it could be a short term course or a long term course. The holder can also roam across the country for leisure and tourism. Working in the country on this permit is also allowed except, the work should not interfere with your studies.
How to Apply for a Portugal Study Visa from India?
In order to obtain a Portugal study visa from India, it is necessary that you meet the eligibility criteria. These are the parameters put forth by the Portuguese Embassy to help determine the candidature of the applicant. The Portugal student visa process is mainly offline. It can be understood in detail as follows:
1. Start by filling out the online Portugal student visa application.
2. Print the application form and attach recent photographs as well.
3. Collect all the required documents as per the provided checklist.
4. Submit the documents and the application form to the Portuguese Embassy.
5. Attend an interview with the Consular Officer.
6. Pay the required fee at the time of submission.
When you are filling out the Portugal student visa application, it is crucial that you carry out the complete procedure with absolute care. The information provided in the application form should match the details in the passport and other kinds of documentary proof that is being provided. If there is any kind of information that is incorrect or unverifiable, there are chances that the visa application may get rejected. There are several other causes of a visa refusal. A visa rejection can affect your future applications for getting a visa for Portugal or to any other country. It is, therefore, recommended that you acquire visa consultation to minimise the chances of a visa rejection.
Eligibility of Portugal Student Visa
Eligibility criteria are the parameters that are to be met at the time of applying for a visa. There are certain such criteria that are to be met by the applicant when obtaining a Portugal study visa. These are listed as follows:
You must have confirmed admission in Portugal
1. You must have applied to the institution or the university you are looking forward to acquiring the course.
2. Your admission must be confirmed and you must have the necessary documentary proof of the same.
3. Other valid documents, educational and others should be made available.
4. The educational documents must be verifiable.
5. You should have proof of your previous highest education degree.
You must meet the health requirements
1. You must be healthy enough to travel to Portugal.
2. You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide relevant documentary proof.
You must meet the character requirements
1. You must be visiting with education as your primary purpose.
2. You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind studying in Portugal.
3. You need to provide relevant documentary proof for the same as well in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
You must have sufficient funds
1. You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Portugal.
2. Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.
3. If you have a sponsor, evidence of their financial stability must be made available and should be sufficient to support your education.
4. The guarantor documents should also be legitimate and submitted at the time of application.
Portugal Study Visa Requirements
The documents required for obtaining a Portugal study permit may differ as per the case. Given below are the common Portugal student visa requirements that are applicable to the majority of the cases:
· A valid passport with at least 2 blank pages
· A completed Portugal student visa application form
· Recent photographs
· Proof of payment of the application fee - up to 170 EUR
· Letter of acceptance from the university/institution you have applied
· Proof of sufficient funds
· Proof of accommodation
· Travel insurance
· Confirmed flight ticket
Note: Some necessary documents are to be translated into Spanish and legalized, as per the requirement of the Consulate.
Photo Specifications for Portugal Student Visa
· Two copies must be provided
· 35mm X 45mm
· Colour: Coloured
· Head must occupy the central position
· Must be captured within the last 3 months
· Background: Solid, plain white or grey
· 80% face coverage
· Neutral expression
· Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
· Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
· Facial hair is permitted
Portugal Student Visa Validity
The validity of a Portugal study permit is up to 1 year maximum. The visa can be extended as per the course that is being acquired by the applicant. For short term courses, the validity varies from 3 months to 6 months.
Portugal Student Visa Fees (might varies at the time of applying)
The Portugal student visa cost is variable and can change as per the type of visa and the kinds of services available. It also varies according to the changes in the currency exchange rates. As a result, you are expected to check the exact amount while applying. It is to be paid to the embassy at the time of submission of the documents and the application form.
Entry | Stay Duration | Validity | Fees |
Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 6806.0 |
Multiple entry Normal | 90 days | 3 months | 6806.0 |
Portugal Student Visa Processing Time
The processing time required for the issuance of a Portugal study visa is about 60 days. There are certain factors that can change the required processing time including the workload at the embassy, the available staff at the embassy office, the validity required and other such reasons. At times, the processing time may even go up to 90 days in such cases.
After Submission
When the documents have been submitted, there are a few things that you need to note -
· If there are any other requirements to be fulfilled or if there are any mistakes in the application, the embassy or the agency must be informed.
· If there are any changes related to the application, for instance, change in marital status or birth of a child, you must inform the embassy/agency.
· You can even check the status of the application and the processing in the meantime.
· If there is a change of plans, you can withdraw the application. The visa is fee is non-refundable.
· When the form is submitted along with the fees, the visa will be mailed to you on your registered address or can be collected by yourself from the embassy or the respective Consular section.
· It is also important to take into consideration that having a visa does not guarantee you entry into the country. If there is any kind of issue found with your visa or yourself, there are chances that you may be asked to return to your native country.
How to Check Visa Status?
In order to check the status of your Portugal study visa, you can contact the embassy. Else, if you have applied through a visa agency, you can also check the status on their website or by calling them.
When you have this visa
After you have received the visa, there are a few things that you need to note. Some of the pointers are as follows:
· Before you travel
1. Note the visa expiry date as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
2. You should travel to Portugal within the validity of your visa.
3. Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
4. Issue health insurance and travel insurance from a certified company.
At the Border
1. Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
2. Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
3. Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
4. Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
When you enter Portugal
1. Ensure not to get involved in any kind of activities that are not permitted to a non-Portuguese resident. You may get into trouble otherwise.
2. You can study, work as well as tour the country on this visa.
3. The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
4. Apply for an extension within the validity of the permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an interview compulsory for Portugal student visa?
Yes, an interview is mandatory at the time of applying for a Portugal study visa. At the time of the interview, the application will also be reviewed. The decision will be made by the Consular based on the interview and the evaluation of the application.
Can I reapply if my Portugal student visa is rejected?
It is possible to reapply for a student visa to Portugal if it has been rejected. Although, the decision on the application will still depend on the reason for the rejection of the visa. For instance, if the visa was rejected because of incomplete documents, but they are complete when you have reapplied, the chances for rejection are minimal. If it is a criminal offence that has caused the rejection, there are chances that the application will get rejected again.
Is a medical test required for a Portugal student visa?
A medical test is mandatory for obtaining a Portugal study visa. You must conduct the test before travelling to Portugal and relevant documentary proof for the same must also be submitted, along with medical insurance.
Can I work in Portugal while studying?
You will be allowed to work simultaneously and study in the country if that does not affect your course. Working up to 20 hours per week is generally permitted to international students.
Is visa consultant required for Portugal student visa?
A visa consultant is not exactly required to get a Portugal student permit. The process can be carried out individually. However, it is recommended that you acquire visa consultation to minimise the cause of errors and increase the possibilities of visa acceptance.
Blog : 28th Nov 2020
Who can travel to Netherland during this Pandemic/Covid-19
Exemptions to the entry ban in the interests of the Dutch economy and society
If you are travelling from a country to which an entry ban applies, and your purpose of travel will have demonstrable value for the Dutch economy and Dutch society, you may come to the Netherlands provided certain conditions are met.
Conditions for business trips to the Netherlands
- The trip is urgent and cannot be postponed until the entry ban has been lifted.
- Your physical presence is required and there is no feasible digital alternative, or the digital alternative does not offer the required level of confidentiality.
- The trip is of vital importance for the Dutch economy.
- You must hold an invitation from a Dutch private or public sector party and your travel dates must be confirmed. The invitation must show that the following conditions have been met:
- The trip relates to significant confirmed or potential direct foreign investment in the Netherlands which, within three years, will lead to:
- the creation of at least five new jobs, or
- investment of at least €500,000 in the Netherlands.
- The trip relates to significant confirmed or potential direct foreign investment in the Netherlands which, within three years, will lead to:
- The trip relates to potential direct foreign investment in the Netherlands that will contribute to:
- strengthening Dutch innovation capacity, or
- making the Dutch economy more sustainable, or
- further digitalisation of the Dutch economy.
- The trip is of major importance to a specific organisation based in the Netherlands:
- The organisation must have at least 10 FTEs and/or an annual turnover of at least €2 million. Exceptions can be made for smaller organisations on the basis of their involvement in socially relevant ground-breaking contributions to research, innovation, sustainability or public health.
- A trip is of major importance if, for example, it is essential to the organisation’s day-to-day operations, the creation or retention of jobs, or the stability or growth of turnover.
Documents required for entry into the Netherlands
If you meet the conditions for admission to the Netherlands for business purposes, you must present the following documents at border control:
- a diplomatic note issued by a Dutch embassy stating that you fall under an exemption to the entry ban
- proof that you have a return ticket and a hotel booking
- a visa, if required.
Please note: the above applies only to business travellers from outside the EU, the Schengen area or the United Kingdom who are entering the Netherlands either directly or who are travelling to the Netherlands via another EU member state, another Schengen member state or the UK. Business travellers from within the EU, the Schengen area or the UK can travel to the Netherlands freely.
10-day self-quarantine
Business travellers must, in principle, self-quarantine for 10 days on arrival in the Netherlands. An exception is made only for activities that are necessary for carrying out the work for which they have travelled to the Netherlands (such as business appointments).
Crew members travelling with business travellers on private aircraft
Crew members of private aircraft are considered to be members of the business delegation. Please be aware that crew members must self-quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in the Netherlands (or for the duration of their stay if staying for 10 days or less).
Diplomatic note for business travellers transiting through another Schengen country
The following phrase must be added to the diplomatic note if a business traveller is travelling to the Netherlands via another Schengen country:
‘The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in [country] would like to request the immigration authorities of other Schengen states to authorise the person mentioned above to enter the Schengen area and board the transfer flight to the Netherlands.’
Dutch business travellers
This new policy means foreign business travellers can travel to the Netherlands more easily. Some countries may reciprocate for Dutch business travellers. This means that, if a certain number of business travellers from a given country are allowed to enter the Netherlands, the same number of Dutch business travellers can enter that country. However, this depends on the policy of individual countries. The Dutch government has no influence over this.
Monthly number of business travellers
A total of 500 business travellers per month can enter the Netherlands. Once this quota has been reached, any further trips must be postponed until the following month.
Registration of business travellers
Business travellers are registered on the basis of their proposed date of entry to the Netherlands, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applying for a diplomatic note
If you meet the criteria and the monthly quota has not yet been reached, you can submit an application for a diplomatic note to a Dutch embassy or consulate in your country. You can find the contact details and addresses of Dutch embassies and consulates on Netherlandsandyou.nl.
Applying for a visa
If you are a business traveller and a national of a country subject to a visa requirement then the usual visa procedure applies.
Please note: do not apply for a visa unless you can submit your application to an embassy or External Service Provider and you are actually able to travel to the Netherlands. Also check the International Air Transport Association (IATA) conditions for international travel.
Non of the above
If none of the above situations apply to you, you can only travel to the Netherlands if your purpose of travel is covered by another exemption category. Take documents with you explaining the purpose of your journey that you can show on arrival at the airport. You will then be allowed to enter the Netherlands. You fall into an exemption category if one of the following situations applies to you:
- You are a national or resident of one of the following countries: Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Monaco, Andorra, San Marino or Vatican City. Your family members may also travel to the Netherlands if they are travelling with you or are joining you in the Netherlands. Check whether they need a visa.
- You are a national of a non-EU country and have a residence card or a residence permit in accordance with Directive 2003/109/EEC (concerning long-term residents). Your family members may also travel to the Netherlands if they are travelling with you or are joining you in the Netherlands. First check whether they need a visa.
- You are a national of a non-EU country, but derive your right of residence from other EU directives or the national law of a Schengen country. Your family members may also travel to the Netherlands if they are travelling with you or are joining you in the Netherlands. Check whether they need a visa.
- You have a long-stay visa (authorisation for temporary stay or ‘MVV’).
- You have a valid residence permit for the Netherlands. Your family members may also travel to the Netherlands if they are travelling with you or are joining you in the Netherlands.
- You are a key worker or have exceptional circumstances: care worker, doctor, nurse or researcher.
- You are a cross-border commuter.
- You are a seasonal worker.
- You work in the transport sector:
- transport of goods
- container ships
- bulk carriers (e.g. transporting ore or coal)
- tankers (e.g. transporting fuels and chemicals)
- fishing boats.
- You work in the energy sector:
- on an oil or gas platform
- at a wind farm
- for an off-shore company that provides services to this sector.
- You are part of a flight crew.
- You are a seafarer in possession of a seafarer’s record book. This does not include seafarers on commercial yachts and pleasure crafts.
- You are a diplomat.
- You have a service passport and need to travel to carry out your duties.
- You are a member of the armed forces and need to travel to carry out your duties.
- You work for an international and/or humanitarian organisation.
- You have compelling reasons to visit your family. This is only possible in truly exceptional cases, such as:
a. visiting a terminally ill family member or attending a funeral. You must be a family member in the first or second degree (as defined in Dutch law).
b. coming to the Netherlands to be with your legal partner when they give birth. This applies to the father of the child only. If you are not legally married, you must have acknowledged paternity of the unborn child. You must also be able to prove that your partner is more than 34 weeks pregnant.
- You are travelling through the Netherlands to a non-EU country. You must prove that you have a connecting flight to a country outside the Schengen area. The connecting flight must depart within 48 hours of your arrival in Amsterdam. You must not leave the airport’s international transit zone in this period.
- You have been granted international protection.
- You are being admitted to the Netherlands for humanitarian reasons.
- You are a student and have a letter of notification from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) for study.
- You are a knowledge migrant and have a letter of notification from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) for a knowledge migrant.
Please note: even if you are permitted to travel to the Netherlands because you fall into an exemption category, you may also be required to self-quarantine for 10 days on arrival. This depends on the country you are travelling from.