Crossing the Polish-Ukrainian border with a child - a study by the Association for Legal Intervention

You want to cross the Polish-Ukrainian border and YOU HAVE A PASSPORT – below is key information prepared by the Chamber’s partner: the Association for Legal Intervention:

  • If you have a biometric passport, you can cross the Polish border and stay in Poland legally for 3 months within 6 months
  • If you do not have a biometric passport, but you have a regular, current passport and a current visa, you can cross the Polish border
  • If you have an ordinary passport (non-biometric) and do not have a visa, it is necessary to submit an application for international protection (refugee status) at the Polish border crossing - this should be clearly stated during the questioning at the border.
  • IMPORTANT: If you submit such an application, as a rule, you will not be able to work for the first 6 months. While waiting for the decision, you will not be able to leave Poland. If you are not granted refugee status, you will also not be able to apply for a residence permit in Poland in connection with the work or studies you have undertaken.
  • After crossing the border with Poland, you can go to the nearest reception center

You want to cross the Polish-Ukrainian border and YOU DO NOT HAVE A PASSPORT – below is key information prepared by the Chamber’s partner: the Association for Legal Intervention:

  • it is necessary to submit an application for international protection at the Polish border crossing.
  • You should take another identity document with you and clearly state during the questioning at the border that you wish to apply for refugee status in Poland.
  • If you file such an application, as a rule, you will not be able to work for the first 6 months. While waiting for the decision, you will not be able to leave Poland. If you are not granted refugee status, you will also not be able to apply for a residence permit in Poland in connection with your work or studies.
  • You can also apply at the border crossing for a permit to enter Poland for no longer than 15 days despite the lack of a passport (Article 32, Section 1 of the Act on Foreigners). The decision in this matter will be made by the Chief Commander of the Border Guard. If you are issued a permit to enter, you will then be able to apply for a permit to stay in Poland, e.g. in connection with your work or studies. Please note! We do not yet know what Poland's policy will be regarding the issuance of such permits.
  • After crossing the border with Poland, you can go to the nearest reception center

Do you want to cross the Polish-Ukrainian border WITH A CHILD? – below is key information prepared by the Chamber’s partner: the Association for Legal Intervention:

  • If you want to cross the border with a child, take the child's passport or other identification document. If the child does not have such a document, try to take at least the child's birth certificate.
  • If a child crosses the border with a person who is not their parent, you must have the parent's consent for the child to leave Ukraine under the care of a designated person. It would be best if the consent was notarized, but if this is not possible, it is worth having at least a written authorization from the parent - template attached
  • After crossing the border with Poland, you can go to the nearest reception center

If you have any questions or need legal advice, please contact us at: biuro@interwencjaprawna.pl