When planning a visit to Poland or other Schengen countries, it's essential to determine the type of visa that suits your travel purposes. The visa types include the Airport Transit Schengen visa (A-Type), Schengen visa (C-Type) for stays up to 90 days, and the National visa (D-Type) for longer stays or specific circumstances like seeking asylum. Each type serves different purposes and durations, ensuring compliance with Schengen zone regulations is crucial for a smooth travel experience.

Airport Transit Schengen Visa (A-Type)

If you're traveling through an international transit area of a Schengen airport and hold a passport from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, or Sri Lanka, you'll need an Airport Transit Schengen visa (A-Type).

Schengen Visa (C-Type)

For stays in Poland or other Schengen countries lasting up to 90 days within a 180-day period, you need a Schengen visa (C-Type). This visa allows you to stay legally within the Schengen zone as long as your total stay across all Schengen countries does not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period. You can use a special calculator on the European Commission's website to track your stay duration.

You can apply for a Schengen visa in a Polish diplomatic mission under these circumstances:

- Poland is your sole destination within the Schengen zone.

- You are visiting multiple Schengen countries, with Poland being your primary destination.

- If you're uncertain about your main destination but will first enter the Schengen zone through Poland.

In exceptional cases, a Schengen LTV (Limited Territorial Validity) visa may be issued, valid only in specific Schengen states.

National Visa (D-Type)

If you plan to stay in Poland for more than 90 days, you'll need a National Visa (D-Type). This visa is also required if you're seeking asylum, repatriation, or if you are utilizing Polish Card privileges. The validity of a national visa cannot exceed one year.

This categorization helps determine which visa type is appropriate based on your travel plans and duration of stay in Poland or other Schengen countries.