Poland is rolling out a new IT system to prevent fraud in the visa appointment process, aiming to stop intermediaries from booking and reselling slots at inflated prices. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the system’s development but has not announced an official launch date. However, it is expected to go live later this year.
The move comes after numerous complaints from foreign nationals and Polish employers, particularly in the IT sector, where visa shortages have created hiring difficulties. Investigations found that while official systems showed no available slots, intermediaries were able to secure appointments instantly—forcing applicants to pay high fees for appointments that should have been free.
The enhanced system will verify applicants’ identities before booking appointments, reducing unauthorized access. It is also expected to introduce biometric screening, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, ensuring that only genuine applicants can secure visa slots.
To test its effectiveness, the system will first be introduced in countries with high visa demand. The trial phase will allow Polish authorities to evaluate the system and make improvements before integrating it into the eKonsulat platform and launching a new consular e-services system.
Impact on Visa Applicants
Once implemented, visa applicants will need to:
- Verify their identity before booking appointments.
- Undergo biometric screening (if required).
- Book only through official government platforms, eliminating intermediaries.
While the new process may add extra steps, it is designed to ensure fair access to visa appointments and prevent fraudulent practices. Applicants are advised to follow updates from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to stay informed about upcoming changes.
