Flying to the US From Poland? ESTA Costs More From 16 October 2026

Since November 2019, Polish citizens have been able to visit the United States without a visa. For many families, this made trips to relatives in Chicago or New York much simpler. Instead of an embassy interview, you fill in a short online form called ESTA.

But the price has gone up again. From 16 October 2026, the official ESTA fee is 40.62 US dollars. Here is everything you need to know before you book your next flight.

What ESTA Is

ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It is not a visa. It is an online approval that lets citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, including Poland, board a flight to the US. The final decision to let you in is still made by an officer at the US border.

What You Can and Cannot Do

With ESTA you can visit family, go sightseeing, attend a conference or meet business partners. You cannot take a job, study for credit or stay longer than 90 days. The 90 days cannot be extended in normal cases, and short trips to Canada or Mexico usually do not restart the clock.

• Allowed: holidays, visiting relatives, business meetings, short training without pay.
• Not allowed: paid work, long study, staying more than 90 days.
• Not allowed: changing your status inside the US in most cases.

When You Need a Visa Instead

Some Polish citizens cannot use ESTA. This includes people who have been refused ESTA, people who overstayed in the US before, and people who have travelled to certain countries on the US list, such as Iran, Iraq, Syria or North Korea since 2011, or Cuba since 2021. Dual nationals of some countries may also be refused. In these cases, you must apply for a B1/B2 visa at the US Embassy in Warsaw or the Consulate in Krakow.

If you want to work, study or stay longer, you need the correct visa from the start. Using ESTA for the wrong purpose can lead to refusal at the border and problems with future trips.

How to Apply Safely

1. Check that your passport is electronic and valid for your whole trip.
2. Go to the official CBP ESTA website or download the official app.
3. Fill in the form honestly, including past travel and refusals.
4. Pay the official fee of 40.62 US dollars by card.
5. Apply at least 72 hours before you fly, and keep your approval number.

Watch Out for Copycat Sites

Many websites look official but charge much more than the real fee. Some charge over 100 US dollars for the same form. They often appear at the top of search results as adverts. Always check the web address before paying, and never pay a site that promises guaranteed approval.

Arriving at the US Border

An approved ESTA lets you board the plane, but the final decision is made at the airport in the US. The officer may ask why you are visiting, where you will stay and when you will leave. Answer simply and honestly. It helps to carry a return ticket, the address where you will stay, and proof that you can pay for your trip.

If you are visiting family, the officer may ask about their status in the US. If you are going for business, carry a letter that explains the meeting or event. Do not carry documents that suggest you plan to work, such as a job contract with a US company, unless you have the correct visa.

Keep a note of your ESTA approval number and check that the details match your passport exactly. A small mistake, such as a wrong digit in the passport number, can cause problems at check in. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new ESTA, even if the old one has not expired.

Before You Rely on Any Figure

The fee and rules above reflect US government information as of October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change, so check the official government website on the day you act. For questions about your own case, speak to a licensed immigration lawyer or an authorised representative. World Visa Academy is a training academy; it does not file applications or guarantee any visa or outcome.

The Honest Summary

ESTA is still the easiest way for Poles to visit the US, but it now costs 40.62 US dollars. Use only the official site, apply early, and get a proper visa if you want to work, study or stay longer.

Key takeaways

• The ESTA fee rose to 40.62 US dollars on 16 October 2026.
• Polish citizens can visit the US for up to 90 days with ESTA, for tourism or business.
• ESTA travellers do not pay the new 250 dollar Visa Integrity Fee.
• Use only the official CBP website or app to apply.