Border crossing rules

Law

The general rules for entry into the territory of the Member States of the European Union, including the Republic of Poland, are contained in the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on the Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code).

Additional issues related to crossing the border of the Republic of Poland are included in the provisions of the Act of 12 December 2013 on foreigners (Journal of Laws of 2021, item 2354, as amended) and the Act of 14 July 2006 on entry into the territory of the Republic of Poland, stay and exit from this territory of citizens of the Member States of the European Union and their family members (Journal of Laws of 2021, item 1697).

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Regulation (EU) 2016/399 (Schengen Borders Code)

• Establishes rules for entry into the Schengen states, as well as the Member States of the European Union, which are obliged to implement the Schengen acquis in their law (Cyprus). It regulates the rules of border control at the external borders of these countries, as well as at internal borders (between the Schengen area states and the countries applying the Schengen acquis) where internal controls have not been abolished.

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Act on Foreigners

• Regulates in Articles 23 to 36 both certain general rules for crossing the borders of the Polish National Court, including requirements for documents expected from foreigners and their obligations, issues related to the procedure for refusing entry to the territory of the Republic of Poland, as well as specific issues related to crossing the border by crew members of seagoing ships, school trips from other EU Member States, entry into the territory of the Republic of Poland of a family member of a Polish citizen. In addition, Articles 37 to 49 of the Act on Foreigners regulate national regulations regarding border crossing under agreements on Local Border Traffic (MRG).

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Act on entry into, stay and exit from the territory of the Republic of Poland of citizens of the Member States of the European Union and their family members

• Article 9 and Articles 11 to 14 additionally regulate the specific rules for border crossings by nationals of member states of the European Union and their family members.

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