Polish Travel Document for a Foreigner

A travel document for a foreigner (sometimes referred to as a “Polish travel document for a foreigner”) is a special document issued by Polish authorities for individuals who do not have — or cannot obtain — a valid travel document from their country of origin.

Who Can Apply for a Polish Travel Document?

To obtain a travel document for a foreigner, two main conditions usually need to be met simultaneously:

1. The foreigner has lost their previous travel document, it has been destroyed, expired, or it is not possible to obtain a new one from their country of origin.
2. The foreigner has a specific legal residence status in Poland, for example:
   
   • permanent residence permit,
   • EU long-term resident permit,
   • subsidiary protection,
   • permit for stay granted for humanitarian reasons.
     

Since January 1, 2023, a new regulation also allows Belarusian citizens with a temporary residence permit granted for humanitarian reasons (Article 186(1)(9) of the Act on Foreigners) to apply for this document.

Features and validity

• The document is issued for 1 year from the date of issuance.
• It allows multiple border crossings during its validity period.
• Holding this document does not exempt the foreigner from the obligation to try to obtain a regular travel document from their country of origin.
  

Types of travel documents for foreigners

The temporary document does not grant the same rights as the standard one — it is typically used only for leaving Poland or returning under specific circumstances.

How to apply (step by step)

Step 1: Prepare all required documents

The application should include:

• A completed application form for issuing or replacing the document,
• Two recent biometric photographs (35×45 mm, color, taken within the last 6 months, on a light background),
• A travel document or another ID confirming the foreigner’s identity and nationality (original and copy),
• A copy of the residence card (if applicable),
• Documents confirming the circumstances described in the application (e.g. proof that a new travel document cannot be obtained from the home country),
• Proof of payment of the administrative fee.
  

If any documents are missing, the office may request the applicant to provide them within at least 7 days.

Step 2: Submit the application

Applications are usually submitted in person at the voivodeship office (Urząd Wojewódzki) competent for the applicant’s place of residence.
In some cases, it may be possible to submit by post — check the specific rules on your local office’s website.

The application may also be submitted by an authorized representative if the law allows it.
For minors, parents or legal guardians apply on their behalf.

Step 3: Collect the document

The document must be collected in person — the office generally requires the presence of the person to whom the document applies.
For minors aged 6 and above, the child’s presence is often required during collection.
When collecting, you must present a valid ID or the previous travel document (if applicable).

Fees and penalties

The cost of issuing or replacing the document may vary depending on the situation. Approximate fees:

• 350 PLN — standard fee for issuing or replacing a travel document for a foreigner,
• 700 PLN — for the first loss or destruction due to the holder’s fault,
• 1,050 PLN — for subsequent losses or destruction,
• 50 PLN — for issuing a temporary travel document (valid up to 7 days).
  

In some cases, a 50% fee reduction is possible (e.g. for foreigners in difficult financial situations or minors under 16).

Replacing the document – when and how?

A foreigner must replace their travel document if:

• personal data (e.g. surname) has changed,
• appearance has changed, making identification difficult,
• the document has been damaged,
• when the document has been lost.
  

The replacement must be done within 14 days from the date the reason for replacement occurred.

FAQ