The 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships will be held in Toruń, Poland, from March 20-22, 2026. Poland is a member of the Schengen Area, which simplifies travel within Europe but requires a specific visa for many nationalities.

Here is a step-by-step guide to securing your visa with relevant deadlines.

Step 1: Secure Your Tickets

Ticket sales are a crucial part of the visa application for non-EU visitors. Without a confirmed ticket, it isn’t easy to prove the purpose of your visit.

1. Monitor the Official Website: The official website for the event is https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-indoor-championships/kujawypomorze26. As of now, ticket sales for spectators have not been announced.
2. Sign Up for Updates: The best way to stay informed is to sign up for email updates or a newsletter on the official World Athletics website.
3. Anticipate the Process: Based on similar events, ticket sales will likely start in late 2025 or early 2026. They might begin with a lottery-style draw for high-demand events, followed by a general on-sale date.

Deadline: There is no specific ticket deadline yet, but be prepared to act quickly once sales begin.

Step 2: Arrange Your Visa or Travel Authorization

This is the most critical step and must be started well in advance.

1. Determine Your Visa Needs:
   • Visa-Free Travel: If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country (e.g., the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan), you can travel to Poland for up to 90 days within 180 days without a visa.
   • Schengen Visa Required: If your nationality is not on the visa-exempt list, you will need to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa.
   • Upcoming ETIAS System: The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is an electronic travel authorization that will be required for visa-exempt travelers. It is expected to launch in late 2026, which means it may or may not be in effect by the time of the championships. Keep an eye on official EU announcements regarding ETIAS.
2. Gather Required Documents: For a short-stay Schengen visa, you will need a comprehensive set of documents, all of which should be in English or Polish. This includes:
   • A completed visa application form.
   • A valid passport (valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area, with at least two blank pages).
   • Recent passport-sized photos.
   • Confirmed round-trip flight reservations.
   • Confirmed hotel reservations in Toruń.
   • Proof of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements).
   • Proof of the purpose of your trip (your tickets for the championships, once they are available).
   • Travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, valid for the entire Schengen Area.
3. Schedule a Visa Appointment:
   • You must submit your application in person at a Polish embassy, consulate, or a visa application center (like VFS Global).
   • Deadline: You can apply no earlier than six months before your intended travel date. The latest you should apply is 15 calendar days before your trip, but it’s strongly recommended to apply at least 3-4 months in advance to account for processing times and potential delays.
4. Attend Your Interview:
   • At the appointment, you will submit all your documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photo).
   • Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and your ties to your home country.

Disclaimer: This process is a general guide. All information, including specific dates and requirements, can change. Always consult the official websites of the Polish embassy or consulate in your country, as well as the World Athletics organization, for the most accurate and up-to-date information.