The Ministry of Interior and Administration of Poland has prepared a draft decree that provides for a significant increase in the minimum amount of money required for foreigners to stay in the country. The document has already been published on the official website of the Government Legislation Centre and is aimed at revising current regulations, which have not changed over the past ten years, since 2016.
New Financial Limits for Short-Term Trips
According to the proposed amendments, citizens of other countries planning to stay in Poland for up to four days must have at least 1,000 zlotys with them. Currently, the minimum threshold for such a short period is 300 zlotys, and for each subsequent day of stay, another 75 zlotys must be provided. The new rules will affect various categories of arrivals, including tourists, private individuals, and athletes arriving in the republic for various purposes.
Changes for Students, Researchers, and Program Participants
Separate requirements have been developed for foreigners who have already paid for accommodation, are going to a sanatorium, or are participating in summer employment programs. For them, it is proposed to set the bar at a level of at least 130 zlotys per day, but the total amount must be at least 650 zlotys instead of the previous 20 zlotys per day and 100 zlotys in total. For individuals arriving for study, scientific research, or internships, the minimum amount for the first two months will increase from 1,270 to 2,020 zlotys.
Reasons for Revising Standards and Prospects for Implementation
The authorities explain the need to adjust financial requirements by inflationary processes and rising prices for goods and services in recent years. The proposed amounts are intended to realistically cover the basic needs of foreigners, such as food and accommodation that were not paid for in advance, and correspond to the current subsistence minimum. At present, the initiative has the status of a draft decree and has not yet entered into legal force, but if finally adopted, the new rules will come into operation a month after official publication.
