Supported by
Do you have Polish and Cypriot citizenship? Bring your Polish passport to Poland.
A growing number of Poles living in Cyprus and their children hold dual citizenship – Polish and Cypriot. Before traveling to Poland, however, it's worth remembering an important rule: Polish citizens should cross the Polish border using a Polish document.
If you have dual citizenship, it's best to bring both passports. This will help avoid unnecessary problems while traveling.
The rest of the article is below
What document should I use to enter Poland?
According to the regulations, a Polish citizen who also holds the citizenship of another country is treated exclusively as a Polish citizen by the Polish authorities.
This means that when entering and leaving Poland, you should use a valid Polish passport or Polish ID card if your travel takes place within the borders where such a document is sufficient.
In practice, this means that presenting only a Cypriot passport may lead to problems at border control.
What do the regulations say?
The Polish Citizenship Act states that:
"A Polish citizen who simultaneously holds the citizenship of another country has the same rights and obligations towards the Republic of Poland as a person who holds only Polish citizenship."
The regulations also indicate that a Polish citizen cannot invoke rights resulting from a second citizenship against Polish authorities.
It is for this reason that during an inspection carried out by Polish services, it is of paramount importance to have a valid Polish document.
The position of the Border Guard is clear
The issue of travel by dual citizens has already been the subject of complaints filed with the Commissioner for Human Rights. Despite this, the Border Guard's position remains unchanged.
As the Commander-in-Chief of the Border Guard emphasizes:
"A Polish citizen who holds another citizenship, regardless of his place of residence, is treated by the Polish authorities exclusively as a Polish citizen under Polish law."
Therefore, people with Polish and Cypriot citizenship should always carry a valid Polish document when traveling to Poland.
It is best to travel with two passports
The safest solution is to take both your Polish and Cypriot passports with you.
You will use the Polish document when contacting Polish authorities, while the Cypriot passport may be needed when dealing with matters in Cyprus or when contacting local institutions.
If your Polish passport has expired or is about to expire, it's worth applying for a new one well in advance. Polish citizens living in Cyprus can apply for a passport at the Polish Consulate in Nicosia.
Frequently asked questions
Can I enter Poland with a Cypriot passport if I have dual citizenship?
Polish regulations stipulate that a Polish citizen should use a Polish document in dealings with Polish authorities.
Is it worth taking both passports?
Yes. This is the safest solution and allows you to avoid problems while traveling.
Where in Cyprus can I get a Polish passport?
At the Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Nicosia.
