Poland formally designated as a Visa Waiver Program Country Starting November 11, 2019

On November 5, 2019, the DHS published a final rule in the Federal Register designating Poland as a country eligible to participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Starting on November 11, 2019, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is available for applications by Polish citizens.

Under the Visa Waiver Program, citizens and nationals of designated countries are able to apply online through ESTA for authorization to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a U.S. visa. These authorizations are valid for two years. Polish citizens with B1/B2 visas should continue to use their visa for travel to the United States. While DHS began accepting applications on November 11th for Polish citizens, the Department reminds first-time ESTA applicants that it may take up to 72 hours for processing.

See DHS's press release on Poland's designation as a Visa Waiver Program country.