Check Your Passport Validity — Expect Month-Long Waits

7 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Check your passport validity now: Podkarpackie holiday season waits can reach a month, so apply early to avoid travel disruption.

As summer travel approaches, officials urge people to check your passport validity now. In the Podkarpackie region, processing times can stretch to a month during the high season, and that delay can disrupt trips.

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Check your passport validity

Local authorities report a steep rise in applications before holidays. Consequently, daily application numbers jump from about 170 to 250–300. Therefore, the waiting time increases from around two weeks to roughly a month. Moreover, many countries require passports to remain valid for at least six months on arrival. So travellers must act early.

Where to apply in Podkarpackie

The voivodeship offers seven passport points. They include the main Passport Branch in Rzeszów. In addition, delegations operate in Krosno, Przemyśl and Tarnobrzeg. Finally, field passport offices serve Mielec, Sanok and Stalowa Wola. Importantly, you do not need to reserve a visit in advance. However, expect queues at peak times.

Hours, documents and cost

Major branches work Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:30 to 15:30. On Tuesdays they stay open until 18:00. Local field offices keep varied hours. For example, Mielec takes applications from Tuesday to Friday. Moreover, some days they extend service into evenings on Tuesdays. Applicants must bring a valid national ID or an old passport. In addition, bring a biometric photo taken in the last six months. Also prepare proof of payment for the passport fee. If a child needs a passport, both parents must attend. In Rzeszów you can get a passport photo taken on site for 20 PLN.

Fees start at 140 PLN for adults. Children aged 12–18 pay 70 PLN. Younger children pay 30 PLN. You can pay by card at the office. Alternatively, pay at a bank or at the post office. The Rzeszów office also accepts cash at the PUW cashier.

How long will you wait

Outside the holiday season, offices usually issue passports in up to two weeks. In fact, some applicants received documents within a week in late spring. However, during peak season the wait may reach a month. The regional director, Tomasz Błażej, says staff process around 170 daily requests now. Consequently, at the peak they handle up to 300 daily requests. Therefore, filing your application early reduces the risk of delays.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland as an expat, check both passport and local documents before travel. Apply early because offices get busy in June and July. Remember, some countries demand passports valid for six months beyond arrival. Also, Polish terms you may hear: PESEL is the national ID number; ZUS handles social security; NFZ manages public healthcare. Finally, after name changes (for example marriage), a Polish passport loses legal validity after 120 days, so update documents promptly.

Polish passports last ten years for those over 12. Children under 12 get five-year documents. Moreover, a change in personal data, such as a name after marriage, shortens validity to 120 days. Consequently, check deadlines and plan ahead.

For comprehensive details, visit the regional office site. Officials stress that earlier applications ease pressure on staff. Therefore, do not leave this to the last minute.

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