The ETIAS Poland visa for U.S. citizens
Citizens of the United States will be required to present an ETIAS visa when travelling to Poland. ETIAS permit can be obtained online, by filling out the ETIAS application form online and receiving your permit via e-mail once the application is approved. This ETIAS permit will allow U.S. citizens to enter Poland for tourism, transit, work, or for medical reasons, provided that the duration of the trip is under 90 days, and the permit will be valid for multiple entries made via air, sea, or land. What is more, minors and people over 70 years of age will be able to apply for this visa free of charge.
What is ETIAS Poland visa for Americans
ETIAS permit will come into force in 2023, as part of a program of the European Commission aimed at strengthening European borders and keeping a digital track on all people entering the European Schengen Area. After some terrorist attacks that affected some European countries, this program was already approved in 2016.
How does the ETIAS Poland visa work for U.S. citizens
From 2023 American citizens must be in possession of an ETIAS visa before embarking on a trip to Poland. However, if the trip has other reasons than those provided for ETIAS, or a duration longer than 90 days, they will have to obtain a Schengen visa, at the embassy or consulate of Poland, respecting timing and requirements for the visa they are applying for.
ETIAS destination countries for U.S. citizens
From 2023 ETIAS visa will come into force for Americans in order to travel to the following countries:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
At the time being, Americans will not have to obtain ETIAS permit to travel to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania, since these are not Schengen countries yet. However, this may change in the future, so please keep updated with the visa requirements.
ETIAS permit requirements for Americans and how to apply
In order to apply for ETIAS permit, you have to be a U.S. citizen and hold a valid electronic passport issued by the United States of America. If you do not have an American passport, you will require a Schengen visa.
ETIAS visa application can be completed online, entering all the necessary information by following the required steps, and making sure all the data is entered correctly.
How much does ETIAS cost for U.S. citizens
The ETIAS visa application for U.S. citizens has a cost of 7 euros for all citizens between 18 and 70 years of age, which must be paid after completing the application form using a credit or debit card. Americans under 18 and over 70 years of age are entitled to apply for the ETIAS permit free of charge.
About Poland
Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country in central Europe.
It has a coastline on the Baltic Sea and shares a maritime border with Denmark and Sweden.
Poland is bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia.
Covering an area of 312,696 sq. km it has a population of 38.5 million people.
The official language is Polish. 16 other languages are officially recognized as a minority language, Kashubian is the most widely used of these.
The capital and largest city is Warsaw.
The major religion is Christianity, and the official currency is the zloty (PLN).
Tourism is an important part of Poland’s economy.
Experience the sandy beaches of the Pomeranian Coast, climb the Tatras mountains, or soak up the medieval atmosphere in Cracow.
Perhaps you would like to learn about the Holocaust at Auschwitz. Victims of the Holocaust are remembered at Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, now a museum.
For wide open spaces visit the Kampinos National Park, located close to Warsaw.
The Bieszczady National Park, part of the Carpathian Mountain, contains the last surviving fragments of the Great Bieszczady Forest. Home to lynx, wildcats, wolves and up to 120 brown bears, it is a great destination for a truly ‘back to the wild’ experience.
Poland at a glance
Capital: Warsaw
Timezone: UTC/GMT +1 hour
Languages: Polish 96.2%, Unspecified 3.8%
Area: 312,685 KM2
Currency: Zloty (PLN)
Population: 38,500,000
Calling Code: +48
Travel in Poland
Since joining the E.U. Poland has seen a major surge in tourist traffic. Poland has a diverse landscape for travelers to enjoy and many fascinating sights.
The stunning Wieliczka Salt Mine, located close to Cracow, is a popular tourist attraction.
This UNESCO listed site has 300 kilometers of shafts and tunnels, richly decorated with statues carved out of salt by the miners.
The tourist route takes visitors 445 feet underground, passing through amazing vaulted chambers with chandeliers and a chapel all lovingly sculpted.
The Masurian Lake District, home to over 1,000 lakes, is a favorite for fishing and boating. For lively sea-shanty festivals and other popular events go to Mikołajki and Giżycko.
Poland has some of the very best beaches in Northern Europe. Kołobrzeg is a popular resort, as is Łeba, famed for its pure white sand.
Słowiński National Park, whose famous “wandering sand dunes” can shift several feet per year, is enjoyed by many.
Białowieża National Park is a major refuge for wild European Bison. It is also home to many rarer forest-dwelling species. The trees here can reach ages up to 500 years old. You can explore the nature trails alone, hiking or on a bike, exploring with a ranger is also possible.
The US and Poland
Poland is a stalwart ally of the United States. One of America’s strongest partners in Europe in fostering security and prosperity, regionally, through all of Europe, and through the world. The United States and Poland partner closely on many important issues, from NATO capabilities and counterterrorism to economic growth and innovation.
The U.S. and Poland both belong to the following organizations
- The United Nations
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization
- Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council
- Organization for security and cooperation in Europe
- Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
- International Monetary Fund
- World Bank
- World Trade Organization
Poland is an observer to the Organization of American States. Poland is serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council until December 2019.
Direct flight times to Poland can take about nine and a half hours. There are also many European flights to Poland. Poland, as a member of the European Union, has committed to change its currency to euros, but this will not take place before 2020.
FAQ about ETIAS Poland visa
List of US diplomatic offices in Poland
The Embassy of USA in Warsaw, Poland
Address: Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31 00-540 Warsaw, Poland
Phone: +48 22 504 2000
Facts: Georgette Mosbacher – Ambassador
Consulate of USA in Krakow, Poland
Address: ul. Stolarska 9 31-043 Krakow
Phone: +48 12 424 5100
Fax: +48 12 424 5103
The Embassy of Poland in Washington, USA
Address: 2640 16th Street NW Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 499 17 00
Fax: (202) 328-6271
Email: washington.amb@msz.gov.pl
Consulate of Poland in New York, USA
Address: 233 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10016
Phone: (646) 237-2100
Fax: (646) 237-2116
Email: nowyjork.kg.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl
Consulate of Poland in Los Angeles, USA
Address: 12400 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 555 Los Angeles, California 90025
Phone: (310) 442-8500
Fax: (310) 442-8515
Email: losangeles.polishconsulate@msz.gov.pl