Poland prepares significant increase in minimum funds required for foreign visitors

Proposals to raise financial barriers

The Polish Ministry of Interior and Administration has published a draft regulation providing for a significant increase in the minimum amount of funds required from foreigners to prove their financial means when crossing the border. The document appeared on the official website of the Government Centre for Legislative Activity.

Under the new proposals, the rules will be differentiated based on the duration of stay and the purpose of the visit.

New amounts for short and long visits

For those planning to stay in Poland for up to four days, the minimum amount of funds will rise from the current 300 zloty to 1,000 zloty. For trips lasting more than four days, the requirement will also become stricter: instead of the current 75 zloty per day, visitors will be required to prove they have 300 zloty for each day of their stay.

The authorities clarify that funds can be presented not only in Polish zloty but also in the equivalent of any foreign currency.

Special conditions for tourists and event participants

Separate provisions are proposed for participants in organised tourist trips, youth camps, and sporting events. Special rules will also apply to individuals who have pre-paid accommodation, are arriving at health and spa facilities, or are participating in summer work programmes (provided this is not the main purpose of the visit).

For these categories, a minimum amount of 130 zloty per day is proposed, but the total sum must not be less than 650 zloty. Currently, for such cases, it is sufficient to prove having 20 zloty per day, provided the total amount is at least 100 zloty.

The ministry explains that these funds must cover expenses not included in the cost of pre-paid accommodation or catering services.

Changes for students and researchers

New requirements will also affect foreigners arriving in Poland for study, internships, training, scientific work, or research. To cover expenses during the first two months of their stay, they will have to prove they have 2,020 zloty. The current requirement stipulates an amount of 1,270 zloty.

Justification for changes and compliance with Schengen standards

The explanatory note to the draft states that the proposed amounts should correspond to the minimum income level defined in Polish social assistance legislation as sufficient for independently meeting basic needs.

The authorities emphasise that current financial thresholds have not been changed since 2016. During this period, goods and services have become more expensive, so the previous amounts, in the opinion of the document's authors, no longer reflect actual costs.

It is also underlined that the proposed requirements aim to bring Polish rules closer to the practice of other Schengen Area states. Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania, and Estonia are cited as examples of countries with a similar price level.

If the regulation is adopted, the new rules will enter into force 30 days after their official publication.