Why have visas and the ETA become so important?
After Brexit, the borders of the United Kingdom began functioning under entirely different rules than those of the Schengen Area. Polish citizens can still visit the UK for short stays without a traditional visa, but from 2 April 2025, everyone who previously entered “with a passport only” must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – a digital permit similar to the American ESTA. The ETA is not a visa; it does not grant the right to work or stay longer than six months, but it serves as a mandatory security and immigration filter (gov.uk
).
Following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, the rules of entry for Polish citizens changed — a valid identity document (passport or ID card) is required, along with either a visa or the new ETA depending on the purpose and length of stay. Entry to the UK using an ID card is possible only for holders of status under the EU Settlement Scheme; other Polish citizens must apply for a visa or an ETA. The UK requires travel documents to be valid for a sufficient period, and certain travelers may need to meet additional visa requirements.
When do I need only an ETA, and when do I need a full visa?
ETA (for short-term “visa-free” visits):
- Tourism, visiting family or friends, short business trips (e.g. trade fairs) up to 6 months.
- Short-term studies, language courses, or training up to 6 months.
- Air transit requiring leaving the airside zone.
The ETA does not replace a visa where other documentation or a non-tourist purpose applies. Border officers may assess whether the traveler meets entry conditions; non-compliance or false declarations may lead to refusal of entry.
Visa (required in other cases):
- Paid work, volunteering over 30 days, or freelance assignments.
- Full-time studies (Student Visa) or courses longer than six months.
- Family reunification, marriage, settlement.
- Long-term tourist stays over 180 days (e.g. 2-, 5-, or 10-year visas).
- Travel to UK Overseas Territories (e.g. Bermuda, British Virgin Islands) – each has its own rules.
There are several visa types, including tourist visas allowing multiple entries during validity. Applying for a visa requires booking an appointment at a visa centre and submitting a complete application package.
Holders of pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as citizens of the UK and Ireland, do not need either a visa or ETA (homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk
).
ETA – Step by step
- Account – download the “UK ETA” app or visit gov.uk/eta
. - Data – scan your passport, take a selfie, and answer short security questions.
- Fee – until 8 April 2025: £10; from 9 April 2025: £16 (gov.uk
). - Decision – most applications are approved within minutes; maximum 72 hours.
- Validity – two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
The ETA is electronically linked to a specific passport and stored digitally — no printout required.
Visa categories and fees in 2025
Short-term visits and tourist visas:
- Visitor Visa (6 months) – £127 (increased from £115 on 9 April 2025).
- Long-term versions (2, 5, 10 years) – £494, £873, and £1,090 respectively.
Studies:
- Student Visa – £524 (applications from outside the UK) + Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) £1,035 per year, payable upfront.
- Short-term Student Visa (English Language, 6–11 months) – £240 + IHS £776.
Work:
- Skilled Worker Visa – £827 (contract ≤ 3 years), £1,636 (longer), plus IHS £1,035/year and Certificate of Sponsorship (£525, paid by employer).
- Health & Care Visa – lower fee (£672) and exempt from IHS.
- Global Talent / High Potential Individual / Start-up – from £240 to £716, depending on the route.
Required documents
- Passport valid at least 6 months beyond planned departure.
- Digital photo or in-app facial scan.
- Proof of funds:
- Students: £1,334/month in London or £1,023 outside.
- Workers: employer must confirm pay above the minimum threshold.
- Proof of purpose: Letter of Acceptance (study), Certificate of Sponsorship (work), or invitation letter (conference).
- TB test – required only for stays over 6 months for applicants from high-risk countries (Poland is exempt).
- Insurance – not mandatory for ETA, but NHS treatment is chargeable for tourists. For long-term visas, the IHS covers NHS access but not medical repatriation.
How to apply for a UK visa – step by step
- Register on gov.uk
and choose the visa category. - Fill the form – personal details, travel history, education, employment, finances.
- Book an appointment at TLScontact (Warsaw or Kraków) to submit biometrics and documents.
- Pay online – debit or credit card.
- Biometrics – fingerprints and photo taken at the appointment.
- Upload documents – via online portal or at the centre.
- Processing time:
- Visitor: ~3 weeks
- Student/Worker: 3–8 weeks
- Priority: 5 days; Super Priority: 24h (extra fee)
- Decision: visa vignette in passport or digital e-Visa.
Visa processing time – how long does it take?
The average processing time is 3–8 weeks, but it may extend up to 3 months during busy periods (e.g. summer or academic intake). Early application is strongly advised. Priority services can shorten waiting time to 5 days, or 24 hours for Super Priority (at an extra cost). Accuracy and completeness of documents significantly affect processing speed.
What if your visa is refused?
A refusal doesn’t necessarily end your plans. You may appeal within 28 days of receiving the decision. Review the refusal reasons carefully — usually incomplete documentation, unclear travel purpose, or insufficient funds. Legal assistance is recommended for building a strong case and submitting additional evidence.
Health insurance and IHS
Short stays under ETA or Visitor Visa do not include free NHS access. Even basic emergency care can cost hundreds of pounds.
Minimum recommended insurance: €50,000 medical coverage and £300,000 liability.
Long-term visas require paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, which grants access to NHS services (excluding repatriation or private treatment).
Travelling with children
Each child must have their own valid passport. If a child’s surname differs from the accompanying adult, bring a birth certificate or other proof of relationship. When a minor travels without one or both parents, a written consent letter (preferably in English) is recommended.
Airlines may require a separate seat for each child – check before booking.
Travelling by car
Ensure your car insurance covers the UK — ideally carry a Green Card.
Confirm the vehicle meets UK technical requirements.
Remember that driving is on the left-hand side. Pay attention at roundabouts and when overtaking.
Observe customs rules regarding goods and luggage to avoid delays at the border.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Wrong purpose of visit – tourists cannot work, even remotely, for a UK company.
- No clear travel plan – border officers often ask about accommodation and funds.
- Expiring passport – must cover entire stay + 6 months.
- Missing or incorrect documents – may lead to refusal.
- Improper photo – must be well-lit with a neutral background.
- False declarations or undisclosed offences – almost always lead to rejection.
UK Overseas Territories
Each territory (e.g. Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Falklands, Montserrat, Gibraltar) sets its own entry rules.
Polish citizens typically need a visa for stays over 90 days; for shorter visits, a local “Visitor Visa” may suffice.
Always check local regulations before travel.
Settled and pre-settled status – travel rights
Holders of pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme:
- Can enter the UK without a visa or ETA.
- Have the right to work, study, and use the NHS.
- Can leave the UK for up to 2 years (pre-settled) or 5 years (settled) without losing status.
From visa to citizenship
Those planning long-term residence may apply for British citizenship after obtaining settled status, fulfilling residence requirements, demonstrating English proficiency, and passing good character checks.
Citizenship grants full rights — work, study, travel, and access to UK public services.
What will change in 2026 and beyond?
The Home Office announced the full digitalisation of immigration statuses by the end of 2025 — plastic BRP cards will be replaced with online status verification, and borders will automatically read digital permissions.
ETA and IHS fees will be reviewed annually and indexed to inflation (legislation.gov.uk
).
Summary – quick checklist
- Stay up to 6 months? → Only ETA (£10–£16) required.
- Work, study, or long-term stay? → Apply for the right visa.
- Biometrics → Book your appointment in TLS Warsaw or Kraków.
- Insurance → Always have it; NHS is paid for tourists.
- Documents → Keep all files (PDF/JPG) safely in the cloud for border checks.
Knowing the new rules will help you avoid border stress and enjoy your trip across England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Once your ETA or visa is approved — pack your bags and enjoy the journey! Safe travels!
Czy chcesz, żebym przygotował ten tekst od razu w HTML formacie (tak jak w polskim Content hidden value), żebyś mógł go wkleić bezpośrednio do pola „Content” w zakładce English w panelu Notberg?