Poland to Launch New Visa System to Prevent Appointment Scams!

Poland is taking steps to stop visa appointment fraud by introducing a new IT system. This system will prevent intermediaries from booking and reselling visa slots at high prices.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the plan but has not yet announced an official launch date. However, the system is expected to be rolled out later this year.

How the New System Will Work

The goal is to ensure that only genuine applicants can book visa appointments. Key features of the new system:

• Intermediaries will no longer be able to take up appointment slots.
• Applicants must verify their identity before booking a slot.
• Additional electronic verification services will be introduced.

Although specific details are not yet available, officials suggest that biometric verification could be part of the process. This means that Polish Schengen visa applicants may need to undergo biometric screening to secure an appointment.

Pilot Implementation in High-Migration Countries

Authorities will first test the new system in select countries with high visa demand. These include: India, The Philippines and Uzbekistan.

The selection is based on migration trends and statistical data. After the trial phase, authorities will evaluate the system and expand it to other locations. Future plans include integrating the system into Poland’s existing eKonsulat platform and a new consular e-services platform.

Also Read: VFS Global Urges Schengen Visa Applicants to Apply Early, Avoid Scams

Why Poland is Tightening Visa Appointment Rules

This move follows:

• A recent visa scandal.
• Complaints from foreign nationals and Polish employers.
• Reports of visa appointment shortages, especially in the IT sector.

Many employers have struggled to book visa slots for their workers. Some were forced to pay intermediaries for appointments that should have been free.

Investigations revealed that while official systems showed no available slots, intermediaries were securing them instantly. Authorities are now taking action to prevent this unfair practice.

Also Read: Poland Updates C-Type Schengen Visa: Higher Fees & Digital Applications in 2025

What This Means for Visa Applicants

Once the system is fully implemented, visa applicants will need to:

• Undergo stricter identity verification.
• Possibly provide biometric data for appointment booking.
• Book appointments only through official channels.

While this may add an extra step, it will help ensure fair access to visa slots.

Stay Updated

If you plan to apply for a Polish visa, keep an eye on announcements from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This will help you stay informed about new requirements and system updates.