Schengen visa (type C) - formalities and documentation

Schengen visa (type C) - how to obtain it step by step?

Schengen visa type C allows a short-term stay in Poland and the Schengen Area of up to 90 days within 180 days. To obtain it, you must apply in person at a Polish consulate or at a Visa Application Reception Point (PPVA). Applications sent by e-mail, fax or mail are not accepted.

Where to apply? PPVA - facilities and contact

PPVAs operate in Ukraine's largest cities: Vinnitsa, Kyiv, Lutsk, Lviv, Odesa, Kharkiv and in their branches (Chernivtsi, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Ivano-Frankivsk, Rivne, Ternopil). Each branch has an assigned region, its own address, e-mail and hotline number.

Required documents for a Schengen type C visa

• Form from e-consulate (signed and printed)
• 1 biometric photo (3.5 × 4.5 cm, taken within the last 6 months)
• Passport valid min. 3 months after planned return (with 2 free pages), + copy of photo page
• Health insurance covering at least €30,000
• Document confirming residence in the district (e.g., registration)
• Proof of funds (e.g., bank statement, invitation, traveler's checks)
• Destination document (e.g., hotel reservation, itinerary)

Schengen visa categories and additional requirements

Depending on the destination, specific documents should be included. Below are examples:

• Tourist visa - hotel reservation, e-voucher, itinerary
• Guest visa - invitation (official or private) + documents confirming the relationship
• Business Visa - invitation from the company + business documents
• Student or education visa - certificate of admission or training program
• Visa for cultural event, conference or sports - organizer's invitation
• Medical Visa - certificate from the facility + funds
• For children and minors - Notarized parental consent + identification documents

Visa fees, waiting time, receipt of documents

• Standard fee: 35 EUR (Ukraine), 80 EUR (other countries)
• Expedited fee: EUR 70
• Decision within 15 days (maximum 45)
• The visa fee is non-refundable
• Collection of the passport - in person at the PPVA or consulate
• In case of refusal: cancellation within 14 days (cost EUR 80)
• After renewed refusal - complaint to the WSA in Warsaw (30 days)

Addresses and hours of operation of selected facilities

Facility	Issuing passports	PPVA	Accepting applications
Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kyiv	12:00-12:30	8:30-16:30	8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Mon-Fri)
Polish Consulate in Vinnitsa	11:00-15:45	14:30-16:30	8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Mon-Fri)
Polish Consulate in Lviv	13:30-16:00	–	9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Mon-Fri)
Polish Consulate in Odesa	15:00-16:00	–	9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Mon-Fri)
Polish Consulate in Lutsk	9:00-13:00	–	9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Mon-Fri)

Legal basis

• Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009 - Visa Code
• Law of December 12, 2013 on foreigners
• Law of June 25, 2015. - Consular Law

More information: bip.warszawa.wsa.gov.pl

Planning a short stay in Poland? Take care of the required documents, buy insurance and apply for a Schengen visa - safely, according to the rules.