Poland introduces visa requirements for Georgia, Colombia, and Venezuela

Polish authorities have tightened entry requirements for citizens of Georgia, Colombia, and Venezuela. Under new regulations issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nationals from these countries must now obtain a visa to enter Poland for employment purposes, ending previous visa-free access for work-related travel.

The decision, announced by Undersecretary of State Maciej Duszczyk, aims to combat illegal migration, the shadow economy, and human trafficking. Officials stated that previous rules allowed for systemic issues, including illegal stays and unauthorized employment. Consular officials will now conduct detailed assessments of each visa application to evaluate potential migration risks.

The changes are implemented through two separate regulations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs mandate regarding visa requirements for entry is effective as of August 15, while a regulation from the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy prohibiting work under visa-free movement status is set to take effect on August 22, 2026. Notably, the new rules specifically target entry for employment; citizens of these nations may still visit Poland for tourism or personal visits under existing visa-free conditions.