Temporary Polish travel document for a foreigner
A temporary Polish travel document can be issued if a previous non-Polish passport has been lost, destroyed or has expired. If any of these cases apply, you will be able to apply for it when you have a humanitarian residence permit and it is indefinite, and you are unable to obtain a new travel document.
The issuance of a Polish travel document does not exempt you from the obligation to obtain a new travel document from your country of origin. A temporary Polish travel document only entitles you to leave the territory of Poland.
If you need to return to Poland, you must apply for a new travel document from your country of origin or alternatively, for a temporary Polish travel document at a Polish consulate within the jurisdiction of your place of legal residence.
Important information about identity documents
- A valid Polish identity document only confirms the identity of a foreigner while residing in the territory of the Republic of Poland – it does not confirm legal residency or citizenship.
- A Polish identity document does not entitle a foreigner to reenter the borders of the Republic of Poland.
- A Polish identity document does not legalize a foreigner’s stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland – only a Polish visa, temporary residence permit, permanent residence permit or a residence permit for long-term




