"The Visa Is Not Intended For Tourism."

15.07.2025, 16:50
9,518

A Belarusian man was deported from Poland for a "non-target" trip to the Czech Republic.

Alexander is 25 years old and comes from a Belarusian regional center. In May 2025, he decided to spend a weekend in Prague, but Polish border guards took him off the bus, deported him and banned him from entering the Schengen zone for six months. The reason was misuse of a work visa. He shared his story with MOST.

The first time there were no problems

Alexander made his work visa through intermediaries - at the invitation of a company with which he had never cooperated.

- This was my second visa made through "helpers". The first time I didn't work either. I just lived in Poland and sometimes traveled to Europe. I never once received information that I could not go somewhere.

This time the man decided to visit Prague. He left Warsaw by bus Riga - Prague.

Not far from the Czech border Polish border guards entered the bus and began to check his documents. They asked Alexander for a labor contract or a work invitation, neither of which he had with him.

- When they left with my passport, I managed to find the invitation in my phone, but it was too late. I was asked to get off the bus. They said, "You have violated the purpose of your stay. The visa is not intended for tourism."

They asked if I had money for the return trip

The Belarusian was given several documents, including a decision on forced return. According to it, Alexander was obliged to leave Poland within 30 days. In addition, he was banned from entering Schengen countries for 6 months.

The man says that the border guards behaved politely, calmly explained that in six months he would be able to return. But if he uses the visa inappropriately again, the next time it could end with a five-year ban on entry.

In addition, the Border Guard Service officers clarified whether the man had money for the return trip. If there was no money, he would have been deported under escort. But Alexander was able to return to Belarus on his own.

Now he doesn't know when and how he can get a visa again:

- I regret that I didn't get a job during all this time. I could have started the process of getting a visa card - then I would not have been sent back. But as it was, I just lived and thought I could get away with it. It didn't.

Why it happened

National work visa (type D) is issued only for the purpose of performing work for a specific employer specified in the invitation. If a person enters on such a visa, but does not start work and does not take any steps (for example, does not apply for a residence permit), it is considered as a violation of migration law. The consequences are visa revocation, deportation and ban on entry to the Schengen area.

When leaving Poland for other Schengen countries, Polish border guards may check documents. If there is no confirmed purpose of stay, deportation is possible, even if you have a visa.

What to do to avoid such situations:

- get a job immediately after entering Poland on a work visa;

- always carry a copy of the invitation or employment contract;

- start the process of obtaining a residence permit if you plan to stay for a long time;

- do not use a work visa for tourism.

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