Tourist Visa to the USA 2026 — Step by Step

Poles have not needed a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days since November 2019 — ESTA authorization (Visa Waiver Program) is sufficient. A B1/B2 visa is only required in selected cases.

ESTA or B1/B2 Visa — What to Choose?

ESTA — Sufficient in 90% of Cases

• Stay up to 90 days (tourism, business, transit)
• Requires a biometric passport (e-passport with a chip)
• Cost: 21 USD
• Validity: 2 years or until the passport expires
• Application online, decision usually within 72 hours (often immediate)

B1/B2 Visa — When Necessary

• Stay longer than 90 days
• Previous ESTA denial or historical issues (e.g., prior overstays)
• Lack of a biometric passport
• Purpose not covered by ESTA (e.g., long-term medical treatment)

ESTA Procedure (Recommended Path)

1. Go to esta.cbp.dhs.gov — ONLY the official site, no intermediaries
2. Fill out the online form (questions about passport, travel, health)
3. Pay 21 USD by card
4. Wait for a response — usually within a few hours (max 72h)
5. Print or save the confirmation
6. Flight to the USA possible within 72 hours of the decision

B1/B2 Visa Procedure — Step by Step

1. DS-160 — fill out the online form at ceac.state.gov, save the barcode number
2. MRV Fee 185 USD (until May 29, 2026; then 205 USD)
3. Schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw or the consulate in Krakow
4. Attendance with passport, DS-160 confirmation, photo, supporting documents (invitation, reservation, proof of ties to Poland)
5. Interview with the consul (3-5 minutes)
6. Decision — immediate, passport with visa sent by courier within 7-14 days

What to Bring to the Interview

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned stay
• Printed DS-160 confirmation with barcode
• Printed MRV fee confirmation
• Current 5x5 cm photo (white background)
• Proof of ties to Poland: employment contract, university certificate, property deed
• Travel plan: reservations, invitations, insurance
• Bank statements showing ability to cover costs

Most Common Reasons for Denial

• 214(b) — insufficient ties to the country (most common reason); lack of job, family, assets in Poland
• Inconsistencies between DS-160 and statements during the interview
• Previous illegal stays in the USA
• Incomplete financial documentation

What to Do After Denial

A denial is not definitive. You can submit another application after changing circumstances — e.g., after finding a job, getting married, having a child, purchasing property. Each new application requires a new MRV fee and a new DS-160.

Visa Integrity Fee — Starting October 2025

A new fee of 250 USD has been introduced, charged upon visa issuance (non-refundable in case of denial). Together with the MRV, this currently totals 435 USD for the B1/B2 visa.