Visa or ESTA to the US? When and who needs it?

Are you planning a trip to the United States? Whether it’s your first trip or your next trip, the topic of visas and ESTA is key. In this article you will find all the information you need, learn who needs a visa and who needs an ESTA, how to go through the application process, and the basic differences between a visa and an ESTA.

The Visa Waiver Program, of which Poland is a member, has resulted in more and more Poles choosing to travel to the US, mainly for tourism. Previously, all citizens had to apply for a visa, which was more complicated and costly than using ESTA.

Fortunately, nowadays the United States is almost at your fingertips! However, it is important to remember that a visa to the US for Polish citizens is still required in many cases. In this article, we explain who still needs a visa and who can use ESTA, as well as the process of applying for these documents.

Everything written simply and accessibly with the most important links. Still, do you have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

What is ESTA and who is it for?

What is ESTA and the Visa Waiver Program?

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel authorization system that allows citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries to travel to the US without applying for a visa. This applies to tourist, business and transit stays of up to 90 days.

Who can benefit from ESTA?

The Visa Waiver program covers citizens of more than 40 countries, including Poland. If you have a Polish passport, all you need to do is apply through ESTA, as long as your trip meets the relevant criteria.

What’s more, you can apply for the whole family, which is convenient for those traveling with children. The cost of the application is $21 per person, regardless of whether it is submitted individually or in groups.

When is ESTA not enough?

• If you plan to work or study in the US.
• If your stay exceeds 90 days.
• If you have previously been denied entry to the US.

When can an ESTA application be denied?

There are many reasons why an application may be rejected:

• Incorrect or incomplete data in the application.
• Prior overstay in the US.
• Stay in restricted countries such as Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen after January 1, 2021.
• Violations of immigration laws during previous visits.
• Ties to individuals or organizations that raise concerns with immigration authorities.

You can find more details on ESTA’s official website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/.

What is a visa to the U.S. and who needs one?

Types of visas to the US

A visa is a document issued by a U.S. consulate or embassy that entitles you to enter the country. The most common types of tourist visas are:

• B-1 visa – for business travelers.
• B-2 visa – for tourists, family visitors or those undergoing medical treatment.

Who needs a visa to visit the U.S.?

A visa to the U.S. for Polish citizens is mandatory for those who:

• They are not eligible for the ESTA program.
• They plan a longer stay (more than 90 days).
• They want to work, study or live in the US.

For more information, visit the U.S. Embassy website: https://pl.usembassy.gov/visas/.

Visa or ESTA – basic differences

This question of what to choose is one that I’m sure a good portion of you are asking yourselves. The key differences between a visa and ESTA can be found in the table below:

Criterion	ESTA	Visa
Cost	$21	185 USD
Validity time	2 years	Depends on the type of visa
Destination	Tourism, business	Tourism, work, study
Length of stay	Up to 90 days	Longer, depending on visa
Application process	Completely online	Visit to the consulate/embassy

When to choose an ESTA and when to choose a visa?

• Choose ESTA if your stay will not exceed 90 days and you meet the conditions of the Visa Waiver program.
• Choose a visa if you plan a longer stay, want to work, study or have other specific needs.

How to submit an ESTA application?

1. Visit the official website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/.
2. Fill out the online form with your personal information, passport information and destination.
3. Pay the application (the cost is $21 in 2025).
4. Await approval – most often the decision is made within a dozen to several dozen minutes.

How long is ESTA valid?

ESTA is valid for 2 years or until expiration, passport replacement. You can travel to the US multiple times during this period, as long as your total stay does not exceed 90 days.

What documents are required for ESTA?

The ESTA is an example of an electronic visa that allows for short stays in the US. For the application you need:

• A valid passport with a biometric chip (e-passport).
• A debit or credit card to pay the fee ($21).
• Contact information and address of the place where you plan to stay in the U.S. (e.g. hotel).
• Up-to-date information about the planned trip, such as arrival and departure dates.

How to apply for a visa to the United States?

1. Completion of form DS-160 – available online at the US State Department website.
2. Processing fee – for a tourist visa is $185 in 2025.
3. Making an appointment – visiting an embassy or consulate for an interview.
4. Visa interview – during the interview you may be asked about your destination, professional and financial situation.
5. Decision and receipt of passport – the waiting time for a visa is from a few days to a few weeks.

How long is a tourist visa and a business visa to the U.S. valid?

Tourist visa (B-2) and business visa (B-1) can be valid from a few months to as long as 10 years, depending on the consul’s decision. However, the validity of your visa does not mean that you can stay in the U.S. for the entire period. The length of stay is determined by the immigration officer upon entry, usually a maximum of 6 months at a time.

What documents are required for a traditional visa? Visa application

For a traditional visa application, you need:

• A completed DS-160 form.
• A valid passport with at least one free page.
• Photos in compliance with visa requirements.
• Proof of payment of the visa fee.
• Documents supporting the destination, such as hotel reservations, airline tickets or invitations.
• Additional documents depending on the type of visa (e.g., employment certificates, bank statements, letters from the employer).

The most common questions about the visa and ESTA

1. How long is the wait for a visa to the U.S.? The waiting time for a visa depends on the location of the embassy or consulate. It usually ranges from a few days to a few weeks, but can be longer during the peak season.
2. How long is a visa to the U.S. valid? The validity of a visa depends on its type. A B-1/B-2 U.S. tourist visa can be valid from a few months to 10 years, with a limitation on the maximum duration of a single stay.
3. How long is ESTA valid? ESTA is valid for 2 years or until the expiration of the passport. You can travel to the US multiple times during this period, as long as your total stay does not exceed 90 days.
4. Can I work in the U.S. on a tourist visa? No, a tourist visa does not allow you to undertake work.
5. Can an ESTA be rejected? Yes, for example, due to errors in the application or previous immigration problems.
6. What if the ESTA expires during my stay? You must leave the U.S. before ESTA expires.
7. Is a U.S. visa valid when I change my name? In theory, yes, the visa to the US remains valid, but you must travel with documents confirming the name change (such as a marriage certificate) and the passport (or two) for which the visa was issued. The State Department, however, recommends applying for a new visa, and traveling with two passports and a marriage certificate can be problematic, however.
8. Does the child also have to fill out a visa application and attend the appointment? Yes, every child, regardless of age, must have their own visa if they are not eligible for the ESTA program. In some cases, children under a certain age may be exempt from the requirement to appear in person, but this is at the discretion of the embassy or consulate.
9. What is an E-1 visa and an E-2 visa and what are the differences? The E-1 visa is a commercial visa, intended for citizens of countries that have signed trade agreements with the US. It allows trade activities between the US and the applicant’s home country. The E-2 visa, on the other hand, is an investor visa that allows citizens of countries with investment agreements with the US to do business in the country. The main difference is in the purpose: the E-1 visa is for trade, while the E-2 visa is for investment. In both cases, immediate family can be brought in, and spouses can apply for a work permit.

Visa and ESTA costs

Before traveling to the United States, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the costs associated with obtaining a visa or ESTA. Here are the details on the subject:

• ESTA: $21
• Tourist visa: $185
• Additional costs: visa photo fees, passport shipping.

Tips for travelers to the U.S. and travel authorization

Before you travel to the United States, it’s a good idea to prepare properly to avoid unpleasant surprises at the border. Below you will find key tips to help you get through the immigration process without any problems:

• Have your passport, ESTA confirmation or visa with you.
• Be prepared to answer questions from the immigration officer at the airport (he or she may ask about your destination, where you got the funds to travel, where you work, etc.).
• Secure yourself with additional documents: hotel reservations, return tickets, travel insurance.

Updates and changes to visa regulations and ESTA

Visa and ESTA regulations are subject to change, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regularly updates ESTA and visa rules. We recommend regularly checking official government websites, such as https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ and https://pl.usembassy.gov/visas/.

Customs officer’s decision – the final stage of the journey

Even with a valid visa or approved ESTA, the final decision on admission to the US rests with the immigration officer at the border. You may be asked about your destination, planned place of stay or financial means. It’s a good idea to be prepared for additional questions and to carry documents supporting the purpose of your visit, such as hotel reservations or return tickets.

If an official determines that your trip does not meet certain criteria, he or she may deny you entry into the country.

Rest assured, on our many trips around the US, customs officials have never yet asked us a suspicious amount of questions about whether we had any problems when crossing the border. Everything is done similarly to other borders around the world.

Summary

Travel to the US requires adequate preparation in terms of paperwork. If you qualify for the Visa Waiver, ESTA may be sufficient. Otherwise, it will be necessary to obtain a US visa. Remember to apply in advance and only use official websites.