The information on this page was collected from public resources and does not constitute legal advice.
General information on border crossing?You can cross the border with Poland by car and on foot at these points: Uhryniv/Dolhobyszow, Krakivets/Korczowa, Hrushiv/Budomezh, Smilnytsia/Krostsenko, Shehyni/Medyka, Rava-Ruska/Hrebenne, Ustyluh/Zosin, Yahodyn/Dorohusk. |
What documents do I need to enter?You can enter Poland with any of the following documents:
If possible, you should have your original documents. However, in some cases entry is possible based on copies of the documents or electronic versions of those documents in the Dia app |
What happens after a border crossing?After arriving to Poland you can contact the nearest reception center where you will receive additional information about your stay in Poland and will have access to a temporary accommodation, hot food, drinks, and basic medical care. Addresses of reception centers can be found here Hotline for more detailed information: +48 47 721 75 75.
You can find more information at www.gov.pl In order to facilitate the rapid adaptation of forced migrants, the ADRA Polska Foundation Ukrainians fleeing the war on Polish territory can receive comprehensive professional assistance. Psychologists give advice on how to cope with stress, military trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Lawyers advise on legal issues. You can also get information about financial assistance and places of settlement at the points. The center in Warsaw is open every day, except Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
In Lublin, the integration center works at the address: Krakowskie Przedmiesฬcie, 21. In Bydgoszcz, the help center operates from Monday to Friday, except Tuesday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
|
How can I get from the border to the capital (a certain town)?You can travel by train. Women, children under 18, men over 60 and people with disabilities are eligible for a free train travel. Check for more information at www.gov.pl Additional services:
Jakdojade public transport application (Android |
How can I travel to another (specific) country?Ukrainians can continue to travel to other EU/Schengen countries for up to 90 days in 180 days. If you want to extend your stay you need to apply for a temporary protection in one of the EU countries. Available services:
|
How long can I stay?Ukrainian citizens can stay in Poland until 24 August 2023 (18 months extension) in case if they came to Poland on or after 24 February 2022. If a Ukrainian citizen legally stayed in Poland in the beginning of the war, e.g. on the basis of visa-free traffic (or Schengen visa), national visas or temporary residence permits expiring after 24 February 2022, they have a right for the same extension. However it is very recommended to apply for the PESEL (ID number) If you want to further extend your stay in Poland, you can apply for a temporary residence permit after 9 months (starting from the arrival date to Poland) but before August 24, 2023. One-time decision will be made for a period of up to 3 years. More information at www.gov.pl Poland is planning to amend the Special Law on assistance to citizens of Ukraine. According to the new rules, from 2023, all refugees must apply for a PESEL number. |
Where can an unaccompanied minor get help?If you are an unaccompanied minor, after crossing the border you will need to submit a declaration expressing a wish to apply for international protection (asylum). After that, you will be immediately placed to an educational and care facility. Within 3 days the appropriate Court will designate a legal representative for you, who will represent your interests. The legal representative will file an application for international protection acting on your behalf and in your best interest within 3 working days. County family assistance centres:
|
Are there any Covid-related requirements and if yes, what are they?Currently, there are no Covid-related requirements at the border applicable to people fleeing war in Ukraine. |
Where do I register for temporary protection?For temporary protection you need to register and apply for the PESEL (ID number) |
What are my rights while I wait to get temporary protection?You can work or study without a PESEL number. But it is very recommended to get it if you want to access social benefits. |
What documents will I receive once I get temporary protection?You will have confirmation of your PESEL number and a printout with login and password of your Profil Zaufany, an online profile, required to submit applications online. |
May I temporarily return to Ukraine? What will happen to my protection status?If you have applied for financial assistance from the Institute of Social Insurance (ZUS) and decide to leave Poland for more than 30 days, you must notify ZUS. You can do this in two ways: ZUS warns that if you leave Poland for more than 30 days without notifying ZUS, you will be obliged to return the funds charged after departure, and even with interest. More details here |
Can I move around the country and the European Union freely while under temporary protection?Ukrainians or citizens of other visa-free countries move freely within Poland and EU/Schengen countries for up to 90 days in 180 days. After obtaining temporary protection in a given Member State, you still have the right to travel within the territory of the Union for 90 days within a 180-day period, but you can only use your rights under temporary protection in the Member State that issued your residence permit. |
Can I apply for asylum while under temporary protection? What is the difference?Yes, you can apply for for asylum (international protection). The main differences from the temporary protection are the following:
Asylum
You can also apply for "family reunification" if a family member already resides legally in the EU. |
How and where can I apply for the residency?PESEL |
How long I need to wait to get the residency?PESEL |
What if I don't have the international passport?You can cross the border with the internal Ukrainian passport, but as the situation changes, please check the latest news at https://dpsu.gov.ua |
Where can I take a photo for my documents?There are numerous shops that offer such services. Look for printer shops & copy centers on Google Maps. |
Where can I translate my documents?You can translate your documents at any translation agency in your city, like this one |
How do I get Mobile phone/internet services?You can get free SIM cards at the refugee centers, border checkpoints or any of the stores of the following providers: A new player has appeared in the market of mobile operators in Poland. It offers free calls in Poland and unlimited SMS and internet. The new operator is Fonia Telecom Sp. z o. o. This company provides wireless communications, computer programming, and electronic equipment wholesale and retail services. How to use the services of the new operator? All residents of Poland, including Ukrainians, can become subscribers and use free communication services. To do this, take the following steps:
Free services are provided for consent to view advertisements and discount coupons. Another condition is the constant active state of the application and the presence of a SIM card in the phone. Activation of the offer โ 49 zlotys. |
Do you have a legal question that you canโt find an answer for in our FAQs?
Please write to us so we can provide you with legal support. Our pro-bono legal partners will try to respond to your legal request to the best of their ability and knowledge. Please note that due to a high volume of requests, you will receive an answer in a few days after submitting the request at the earliest. Thank you for your patience.