Identity documents in Poland (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Adult Polish citizens living in Poland must hold an identity card, but there is no duty to carry it. EU citizens can enter with an identity card or passport. British citizens need a passport that meets Schengen validity rules.

RuleWhat applies
Duty to carry or show IDIdentity documentsNo general duty to carry [1]
National ID card compulsory for citizensIdentity documentsYes [2]
ID duty for foreign visitorsIdentity documents⚠ Not yet verified
EU citizens may enter with a national ID cardIdentity documentsYes [3]
Document for British citizensIdentity documentsBritish citizens need a valid passport. It must have been issued less than 10 years before arrival and expire at least 3 months after the planned departure from the Schengen area. Entry is refused without a valid travel document. [4]

Notes

  • The police page states there is no duty to carry an identity card. The police can establish identity in other ways, for example by a spoken statement checked in a database. Page dated 16 November 2020.
  • The duty to hold an identity card applies to adult Polish citizens living in Poland (gov.pl; Art. 5(2) of the 2010 Act as originally published). It does not apply to foreign visitors.
  • The Act on Foreigners (documents to hold or carry during a stay) was not readable in this round.

Sources

  1. Police (Komenda Wojewódzka Policji w Krakowie, policja.gov.pl): Czy wiesz, że ? (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. gov.pl: Dowód osobisty - informacje (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  3. European Union (EU Publications Office): Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  4. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (GOV.UK): Poland travel advice: Entry requirements (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.