Travel to the United States still raises many questions: is ESTA enough, how much does a “standard” US visa cost, how long is the wait for a consular interview? The guide below brings together the current – June 2025 – entry rules, fees and tips on how to complete the application correctly and avoid the most common refusals. The guide covers every stage of obtaining the necessary documents and visa procedures, so you will learn how the process of getting a US visa works step by step.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and the visa requirement
Since 11 November 2019, Polish nationals have been able to travel to the USA for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a traditional visa, using the Visa Waiver Program. Under the visa‑free travel program, similar facilitations are also available to citizens of other countries, such as the United Kingdom or South Korea.
The condition is a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). It currently costs 21 USD, but Congress is considering an increase to 40 USD which – according to draft bills – may enter into force as early as 2025.
When is ESTA not enough?
a planned stay of more than 90 days
taking up paid employment or a paid internship
studies (category F or M)
exchange programs (J)
moving permanently (immigrant visa)
In such situations, a standard US visa is required, issued after an interview at the embassy or consulate. In these cases, applicants need a visa and must apply for it by submitting the appropriate application and preparing the required supporting documents.
Types of US visas and their purpose
Nonimmigrant visas
B1/B2 – tourism, business, family visits (when ESTA does not apply)
F / M – academic or vocational studies
J – exchange programs and au pair
H-1B / L / O – temporary employment, intra‑company transfers, specialist occupations; in particular, the H‑1B visa allows temporary employment in the United States, which requires meeting specific conditions and obtaining the relevant approvals from the immigration authorities
Immigrant visas
Intended for those applying for an immigrant visa who wish to live permanently in the USA (family sponsorship, DV lottery, EB‑5 investment). The procedure is longer, requires petition approval at USCIS and, at the end, a consular interview.
Current visa fees
185 USD – B1/B2, F, M, J categories (increase effective 17 June 2023)(travel.state.gov)
205 USD – work visas H, L, O, P, Q, R
The fee is non‑refundable: if you do not appear for your interview or your application is refused, a new attempt means a new payment. Application processing fees are required regardless of the outcome of the procedure.
Visa application process step by step
1. Completing the DS-160 form
You complete the online form in English only, without Polish diacritics. Once submitted, you print the page with the barcode.
It is worth noting that the ESTA application can also be completed in Polish, which greatly simplifies the process for Polish citizens.
2. Paying the MRV fee
Payment in zloty to the designated account; it usually takes 24 hours to be credited.
The MRV fee can also be paid by credit card.
3. Scheduling the appointment
In the CGI Federal system, you select the location (Warsaw or Kraków). In June 2025 the average wait time for B1/B2 in Warsaw is about 10 days – data from Global Visa Wait Times.
4. Preparing your documents
Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned return date), DS‑160 confirmation and MRV fee receipt, 5×5 cm photo, and, if applicable, evidence of ties to Poland (employment contract, property deed).
5. Consular interview
It usually lasts 2–5 minutes. The consular officer asks about the purpose of your trip, source of funds and your intention to return. Answer briefly and in line with your application.
6. Return of passport
After a positive decision, your passport with the visa is returned by courier or to a collection point within 3–5 working days.
Most common reasons for refusal
Section 214(b) – insufficient strong ties to Poland
Provide evidence of stable employment, assets or family remaining in the country.
Inconsistencies in the DS-160
Even a typo can be treated as providing false information – check your application before submitting.
Photo not meeting the requirements
It must have been taken within the last 6 months, without glasses, on a white background.
ESTA – practical tips
Apply at least 72 hours before your flight, ideally 14 days in advance.
The authorization is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
Each stay may not exceed 90 days, even if you travel to Mexico or Canada and back within that time.
Travel insurance – why is it a must‑have?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in the USA, and a bill from an emergency room can exceed 5,000 USD. Choose a policy with a medical expense limit of at least 100,000 USD, including personal liability and medical repatriation to Poland.
Temporary passport – can you apply for a visa?
A temporary passport is a solution for those who, for various reasons, cannot wait for a standard travel document to be issued. If you are planning a trip to the United States and only have a temporary passport, you must check with the US consulate before starting the visa process whether such a document is accepted. For the Visa Waiver Program, i.e. travel based on ESTA authorization, a temporary passport may be used only if it has an integrated electronic chip (a so‑called biometric passport). Without this feature, you will not be able to use the Visa Waiver Program and will have to apply for a traditional visa. Please remember that not all temporary passports meet the requirements set by the United States, so before submitting an application for a visa or ESTA you should carefully verify whether your document will be accepted by the US consulate. In case of doubt, it is advisable to contact the consulate directly or check the latest guidance on the official embassy website.
Pre‑departure checklist
Check your passport expiry date (at least 6 months beyond the planned return date).
Print your ESTA confirmation or visa.
Prepare your hotel bookings and return ticket – they may be checked on arrival.
Note down the phone number of the nearest Polish consulate.
What should you know about the United States before travelling?
When planning a trip to the United States, you should bear in mind that the country is known for strict regulations on entry and stay. Polish citizens can use the Visa Waiver Program, but before departure they must obtain ESTA authorization, which allows a stay of up to 90 days in the USA. The authorization process is quick and carried out online, but you must ensure that all information in the application matches your passport. If you are planning a longer stay, work or studies, you must apply for an appropriate visa – ESTA authorization alone does not guarantee entry to the United States in such cases.
Before travelling, ensure that your passport is valid and check that it meets the requirements set by the US authorities. It is also advisable to purchase travel insurance that will cover medical expenses in the event of sudden illness or an accident – in the United States medical care is very expensive, and appropriate insurance can protect you from high bills. Prepare all the necessary documents that may be required at the border, such as confirmation of hotel reservations, a return ticket or travel insurance. Please remember that the final decision on admission to the United States is made by the immigration officer during border control. It is therefore important to be familiar with the current regulations and be prepared for possible questions about the purpose of your trip, length of stay and available financial means. This will help ensure that your trip to the United States goes smoothly and without unpleasant surprises.
Summary
Whether you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program or need a traditional US visa, the key is to complete all forms accurately, gather solid supporting documents and respect all deadlines. With this guide you know the current fees, processing times and typical consular “pitfalls” – and that is the best way to avoid stress and travel to the USA without surprises.