An update posted on UNHCR’s help site for Poland on 8 July reminds Ukrainian refugees registered under the PESEL-UKR scheme that those who initially verified their identity only by declaration must file a valid biometric travel document at their local municipal office (urząd gminy) no later than 31 August 2026. The requirement stems from the amended Special Act on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine, which from March 2026 tightens identity verification before extending rights to 4 March 2027. Families with children are specifically urged to act, as many minors were added to parents’ passports without individual documents. Failure to update paperwork does not immediately invalidate legal stay, but may block access to social benefits and the Diia.pl digital ID used for border crossings. Employers of Ukrainian staff should therefore encourage affected workers to obtain passports or Ukrainian ID cards in time, to avoid payroll interruptions and travel issues after the summer. Municipal offices expect a surge of applications in August; some cities, including Warsaw and Kraków, have opened extra evening slots. Appointments can be booked through the *e-Obywatel* portal or in person. Consular sections of Ukraine’s Embassy have also extended opening hours to handle urgent passport renewals.
Source: UNHCR Poland
