Problems with applying for Polish passport as a dual national

Good morning, I am British citizen who has just recently had my Polish citizenship confirmed. I want to apply for my Polish passport. But there is a problem, I have been told that because I was married and then divorced, over 20 years ago, and I don't have any contact with my ex husband. (And I absolutely don't want any contact with him), I can't apply for a passport because he needs to sign something to confirm the divorce, or something like that.
What do I do in this situation? It's so unfair. Surely, there must be many people in this situation?
Also, i have been reading that if you travel to Poland and want to leave, the border control have actually stopped people from leaving, because they don't have a Polish passport. So now I am worried that if I travel to Poland, I could be detained. As a dual national, living in the UK, can I apply for a Polish identity card? Could that be used for travelling instead?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

I don't recall anyone posting on these forums about gaining Polish citizenship ....
Note being a British citizen doesn't provide any help with issues relating to other nationalities - and the UK will stop accepting EU ID cards for entry by the end of 2025 as I understand. Maybe it's best you consult a professional adviser who deals with Polish nationality issues?

alterhase58 wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 25, 2025 2:53 pm

Also, i have been reading that if you travel to Poland and want to leave, the border control have actually stopped people from leaving, because they don't have a Polish passport.

I know that it's a possibility - you have to use a Polish ID entering or leaving Poland. I don't know whether it's actually enforced.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advic ... quirements

If you are a British-Polish dual national, you must enter and exit Poland using a Polish passport or Polish national identity card. There are regular cases of Polish border guards allowing dual nationals to enter on their British passport, but refusing exit on the British passport.

I'm unsure as to whether you can apply for a Polish ID card abroad without a passport - it could be required as a prerequisite. Consult the embassy, I suppose?
But if you do get Polish ID card, you should be fine.

Reddit (which is not the best source) says you can't get an ID card abroad.

but to my knowledge ID cards can only be applied for and picked up within the country's borders.

You're better off figuring out the issues with your passport it seems, and not going to Poland unless you're ready to spend a good while there (waiting for the documents).

If you have a British passport why will you be stopped from leaving Poland. You could use the visa waiver?. Secondly, your Polish certificate of citizenship confirms you are a Polish citizen. I believe you have to travel to Poland and apply for national I.D card before you apply for passport at the embassy. Most eastern EU, you just need your certificate of citizenship and marriage/divorce certificate if applicable to get the I.D card. Probably the embassy was looking for your I.D card and divorce certificate.

You don't need to fear being forced to stay in Poland. You came in with British passport, you can leave with it. Since you are already a confirmed Polish citizen I don't see any reason that you will be denied passport or ID for that matter. A quick search reveal that you will need:

Polish Citizenship Confirmation - I think you have this already.

Polish birth certificate

PESEL - like social security number, if you live in Poland. But if you apply abroad, the consulate will give you one.

Polish marriage certificate (if applicable)

Passport photo

It is also possible to get your passport from the consulate and not necessarily go to Poland.

As someone pointed out, they probably would ask for divorce proof, if you were divorced but that seems to be optional.