Skip to main content

Poland has become a member of the ESTA Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Introduction

Since November 11, 2019, Poland has been officially a member of the USA's Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This means that Polish citizens now have the opportunity to travel to the USA for business or pleasure without a visa for up to 90 days. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the ESTA, what it means, and how to apply for it.

What is the ESTA, and why is it important?

Definition and meaning

The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to enter the USA. Polish citizens need to participate in the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA allows you to enter the USA without a visa for up to 90 days for business or leisure travel.

Why the ESTA is essential for travelling to the USA

For Polish citizens, the ESTA is a convenient and time-saving alternative to applying for a visa. It enables quick and easy entry into the USA if the conditions are met.

How do I apply for an ESTA for the USA?

A step-by-step guide to applying for an ESTA

  1. Visit the ESTA website 
    Visit the ESTA website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov or https://esta-united.co.uk) ) or start the application directly.
  2. Fill in the form 
    Fill out the online form with your details and travel details.
  3. Paying the fee 
    The processing fee is 21 USD (39 £ at www.esta-united.co.uk) and can be paid online.
  4. Receive authorization 
    After verification, you will receive your authorization by email. Keep this safe, as you must present it when you enter the USA.

Important information for Polish citizens

Validity and conditions

An approved ESTA is valid for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can enter the USA several times, with each stay lasting up to 90 days.

What to do in case of rejection?

If your ESTA application is rejected, you must apply for a regular visa at the US embassy. This requires additional documents and possibly a personal interview.

 

Eligibility criteria for travelers under the VWP

  1. Entry for business or pleasure for up to 90 days.
  2. Be a citizen of a VWP country.
  3. Presentation of a machine-readable electronic passport.
  4. Fill out the required immigration forms.
  5. Arrival with an authorized air or sea carrier.
  6. Not pose a threat to US security.
  7. No violation of US immigration laws in the past.
  8. Possession of a return or onward ticket.
  9. Have no inadmissible reasons for entry.
  10. Electronic transmission of passenger information by the air or sea carrier.
  11. No stay in certain countries (e.g. Iraq, Syria) after March 1, 2011.
  12. Waiver of the right to review or appeal an entry decision, except for asylum applications.
  13. Approval of the trip via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Further legal and regulatory information:

  • The document also describes the administrative procedures and legal requirements necessary to amend the regulation.
  • It is concluded that these changes will not have a significant economic impact on small companies.
  • The rule is not classified as a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866.

 

Frequently asked questions about ESTA for Polish citizens.

What happens if my ESTA application is rejected?

If your ESTA application is denied, you cannot apply for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Instead, you must apply for a regular visitor visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, which requires additional documentation and possibly an in-person interview.

Do I need to apply for an ESTA with a valid US visa?

No, you do not need an ESTA if you already have a valid US visa. You can enter the USA with your visa as long as it is valid for the purpose and duration of your trip.

Can I enter the USA with an expired ESTA?

No, you must have a valid ESTA to enter the USA. If your ESTA has expired, you must apply for a new one and receive approval before you travel.

What should I do if my passport details change after my ESTA approval?

You must submit a new ESTA application if your passport details change (e.g., due to a new passport). Your old ESTA will become invalid as soon as your passport details change.

Can I work or study in the USA with an ESTA?

No, the ESTA only allows travel for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. You are not allowed to work or study while you are in the USA with an ESTA. You will need an appropriate visa for this.

Do I need an ESTA for a stopover in the USA?

Polish citizens also need a valid ESTA for a transit or stopover in the USA.

Can I extend my ESTA?

An ESTA cannot be extended. You must submit a new application after the expiry date.

How long does it take to process an ESTA application?

Most applications are approved within minutes, but applying at least 72 hours before departure is recommended.

For more information please visit https://www.esta-united.co.uk/faq 

 

Conclusion: Poland is now a VWP member

Poland's inclusion in the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) is a significant step that offers Polish citizens many advantages. Since 11 November 2019, Polish citizens with an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) can travel to the USA for up to 90 days without a visa, whether for business or pleasure. It is a considerable relief as it eliminates the time-consuming visa application process.

ESTA Key facts:

Number of ESTAs issued: Around 23 million ESTA applications are submitted worldwide every year. With Poland's inclusion in the VWP, we anticipate a significant increase in travel opportunities for Polish citizens, with around 300,000 additional applications expected to be submitted from Poland each year. This indicates the growing interest and potential for Polish-US travel.

Travel behaviour of Polish citizens: Around 500,000 Polish citizens travel to the USA annually, and most of these travellers will now use the ESTA.

Validity of the ESTA: An approved ESTA is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Within this period, multiple entries to the USA are permitted, with each stay at most 90 days.

The introduction of the ESTA for Polish citizens not only promotes tourism and business travel, but also plays a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations between Poland and the USA. By facilitating easier and more frequent travel, the ESTA is a testament to our two nations' close ties and mutual respect, and a source of pride for all Polish citizens.