Polish nationals have joined those of thirty-eight other countries who may enter the U.S. without a visa for business or pleasure, for up to 90 days.  In order to take advantage of the opportunity travelers must have an e-passport, one with a with a chip embedded that will normally have a symbol so indicating on the front.   In addition, Poland is a member of the “six-month club” – nationals need only have a passport valid for their intended period of stay, and not any longer.

Just as important, VWP travelers must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) via a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) web-based system.  The ESTA, generally valid for two years, determines eligibility for the VWP; travelers must apply online and may update their records electronically.

However, having an approved ESTA does not guarantee the traveler admission to the U.S. once he or she has arrived at the port of entry.  Customs and Border Protection (CBP) still has the authority to conduct additional review and/or deny admission.  For that reason, anyone who has, for example, been denied a B visa in the past, or who has any reason to expect scrutiny from CBP agents should still apply for a visa.    Anyone who is denied ESTA approval, or who is planning to travel on non-VWP approved transportation (such as a private plane) must also apply for a visa.

Finally, those who enter the U.S. on the VWP may not extend stay or change status in the U.S. – they must depart on or before the date their authorized period of stay expires, normally stamped in their passports at the time of entry.