Schengen’s New Biometric Entry-Exit System Goes Live: What Polish Employers and Travelers Need to Know
UK Updates Travel Warning on Belarus as Tensions Keep Poland’s Eastern Border Tight
Navigation Aid Shutdown at Warsaw Chopin Airport Triggers Reroutes and Minor Delays
Latest News
Polish Embassy in Riyadh Closed on 2 November, Delaying Visa Services for Gulf Business Travellers
The Polish Embassy in Riyadh did not process visas or legalisations on 2 November due to All Saints’ Day, pushing appointments and passport collections back by at least 24 hours. Gulf firms sending staff to Poland should reschedule slots or use alternate consulates.
Severe Rain Alerts in Lower Silesia and Opole Disrupt Regional Road and Rail Links Through 2 November
First-degree rain warnings on 2 November slowed rail and road traffic across Lower Silesia and Opole, adding delays for holiday and business travellers alike. Companies should embed weather contingencies in domestic mobility plans as extreme rainfall events become more common.
Poland Suspends Official Deadlines for Residence-Permit Decisions Until March 2026
As of 1 November 2025, voivodeship offices are no longer bound by statutory deadlines to issue residence-permit decisions; the countdown is suspended until 4 March 2026. Applications are still accepted and processed, but foreigners cannot file inactivity complaints or claim compensation during the pause. Corporations should expect longer lead-times for new hires and renewals.
Free Shelter Ends for Most Ukrainian Refugees; New Rules Take Effect 1 November
Poland has ended blanket free accommodation for Ukrainian refugees. As of 1 November 2025, only children on welfare, pensioners and people with disabilities may stay in state shelters without charge; all others must pay or move out. Employers should be ready to assist Ukrainian staff with private housing, and families must meet new documentation requirements.
Entry/Exit System First Big Test: Poland Handles All Saints’ Traffic with New Biometric Gates
Poland’s biometric Entry/Exit System handled its first major surge of non-EU passengers over the 1 November long weekend with few hiccups. Clearance at eGates averaged under a minute, though first-time users need extra time for biometric enrolment. The new system automatically tracks Schengen days, offering more certainty for business travellers.
Warsaw Signals Re-Opening of Bobrowniki and Kuźnica Crossings with Belarus
Poland plans to reopen its Bobrowniki and Kuźnica border posts with Belarus in the second half of November, pending security talks with Lithuania. The trial re-opening would restore key truck routes but will come with strict controls and could be reversed quickly if tensions flare.
Road Works at Dorohusk Crossing Threaten Long Border Queues in Early November
Resurfacing at the Dorohusk checkpoint will keep at least one lane closed until 5 November, with inbound works lasting longer. The bottleneck could push truck wait-times past 15 hours and spill congestion onto the A2/A4 corridors. Companies moving goods or staff between Poland and Ukraine should consider alternative crossings.