Poland passport (2018)

Polish Passport (2018 Version) – Biometric Passport Guide for 2025

The Polish passport, issued in the updated 2018 biometric format, is a secure international travel document available to Polish citizens. It allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries, making it one of the strongest passports in the world.

This guide explains the 2018 version of the Paszport Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej, including its features, validity, and how to apply or renew it.

---

🪪 Overview: Polish Passport (2018 Biometric Version)

• Type: Biometric (e-passport)
• Size: Standard ICAO-compliant booklet (32 or 48 pages)
• Chip: Embedded electronic chip with photo + fingerprints
• Issued by: Polish Ministry of Interior and Administration (MSWiA)
• Languages: Polish, English, and French
• International validity: Valid for travel to all countries

---

🔍 Key Features of the 2018 Polish Passport

• Red cover with Polish eagle and “UNIA EUROPEJSKA / RZECZPOSPOLITA POLSKA”
• Biometric symbol on front cover
• Contains:
  • Holder’s full name, date of birth, place of birth
  • PESEL number (Polish personal ID number)
  • Sex, nationality, passport number
  • Signature and biometric photo
  • Electronic chip storing fingerprint and face scan (ages 12+)
• Watermarks, UV elements, and microtext for anti-fraud security

---

📅 Validity Period

Age at Issuance	Validity
Under 13 years	5 years
13 and older	10 years

🛂 Passport must be valid for at least 6 months for travel to many countries outside the EU.

---

🌍 Visa-Free Travel with a Polish Passport

As of 2025, Polish citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to countries including:

• All EU/Schengen countries
• United States (ESTA required)
• Canada (ETA required)
• UK, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Australia, and more
• 180+ countries in total

🧳 The Polish passport ranks highly in global passport indexes for freedom of movement.

---

📝 How to Apply or Renew (2025)

In Poland:

• Apply at Paszportowy Urząd Wojewódzki (voivodeship passport office) or via gov.pl
• Required documents:
  • Valid Polish ID card (dowód osobisty)
  • Previous passport (if applicable)
  • Biometric photo
  • PESEL number
  • For children: birth certificate + parental IDs

Abroad:

• Apply at a Polish consulate with same documents
• Extra processing time (4–10 weeks)

---

💶 Fees (2025)

Applicant Type	Fee (PLN)
Adults (10-year passport)	140 PLN
Children (up to 13)	30 PLN
Teens (13–18)	70 PLN
Seniors 70+	Free
Lost/stolen replacement	280 PLN
Via consulate (abroad)	€110–€135

50% discount for students, seniors (65+), disabled persons, and large families (Karta Dużej Rodziny holders).

---

🔄 Passport Renewal

• Can be renewed 6 months before expiry
• If lost/stolen, report immediately and apply for a replacement
• Biometric data must be recollected upon renewal
• Renewal abroad requires personal appearance at the consulate

---

🔐 Biometric Chip Contents

The passport’s RFID chip securely stores:

• Personal identity data
• Biometric facial image
• Two fingerprints (required for ages 12+)
• Digital signature (used by border control)

---

📈 SEO Keywords to Target

• Polish passport 2018 version
• How to get Polish passport in 2025
• Poland biometric passport features
• Paszport Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej
• Renew Polish passport abroad
• Polish passport visa-free countries 2025
• Apply for Polish passport online
• Polish passport PESEL requirement
• Polish passport application fees

---

Would you like:

• A step-by-step application guide for a specific consulate?
• A Polish-English translation version of this content?
• Guidance on dual citizenship and holding two passports?

Let me know and I’ll tailor the content for your situation.