ESTA for Polish Citizens
At the beginning of October 2019, Poland was officially nominated for participation in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and since 11 November 2019, Polish citizens have been also able to travel to the USA with an ESTA.
Visa Waiver for Poland
What has long been possible for Germany and most other European countries became a reality for Polish citizens as well: Visa free entry into the USA through an ESTA, the electronic entry permit for the United States.
For a long time, Poland had tried to be included in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the USA without a US visa for up to 90 days if they meet the requirements.
At the beginning of October 2019, the White House announced that Poland would be granted this visa waiver, thus enabling Polish citizens with biometric passports to enter the country without a visa for business or tourism trips of up to 90 days.
Requirements for VWP membership
In order to qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, the refusal rate of US visa applications from citizens of the potential ESTA country must be less than 3%. The accounting period for this requirement ends on September 30 of each year, so the decision can only be made after this date.
This year's calculation by the US Embassy has shown that Poland meets all necessary bilateral security agreements and also a visa refusal rate of less than 3%. Poland has thus qualified for participation in the popular Visa Waiver Program and has been nominated for membership.
What changes with ESTA?
With ESTA, Polish citizens can also benefit from a much cheaper and easier entry into the USA.
Here you will find an overview of the most important differences between an ESTA and a US visa:
|
|
ESTA |
US VISA |
|
Application |
Via online form |
Complete application form + |
|
Approval |
In max. 72 hrs. |
15 - 30 days |
|
Fees |
49,90 € |
from 150 € |
|
Duration of travel |
90 days |
180 days |
|
Suitable for |
Tourists Business travelers |
College students |
When will Poland be approved for ESTA?
Since 11 November 2019, Polish citizens can apply for ESTA for entry to the USA!
After US Secretary of State Pompeo nominated Poland for participation in the Visa Waiver Program, Poland's membership in the VWP was completed in an administrative process by the US government. For this purpose, the US Department of Homeland Security finally reviewed and approved Poland's status as a member of the VWP.
Polish citizens no longer need to apply for a B2 tourist visa or B1 business visa business visa for travel to the USA if they meet the ESTA requirements.
ESTA fees for Poland
In May 2022, the US government decided to increase the cost of an ESTA from $ 14 to $ 21. These ESTA fees also apply to Poland.
However, if you want to be on the safe side, we will be happy to assist you with your application! The USA experts at esta-application.com check every application for accuracy before it is sent to the US authorities in order to avoid unnecessary rejection.
For this service, we charge a one-time fee starting at € 49,90, which already includes the fees of the US authorities.
When do Polish citizens need a US visa?
Polish citizens must continue to apply for a US visa if they...
- ... want to travel to the US for more than 90 days
- ... want to work in the USA
- ... want to study in the USA
- ... want to emigrate to the USA
- ... have not been granted ESTA approval
ESTA despite valid US visa?
Polish citizens who still have a valid B1 or B2 visa are not obliged to apply for an ESTA after Poland's final admission to the Visa Waiver Program. Valid visas can still be used to enter the USA.
We'll keep you up to date!
You don't want to miss the start of visa-free US entry for Poland? No problem! All you have to do is subscribe to our ESTA Newsletter and we will inform you immediately!
