At a press briefing President Donald Trump and Poland’s Presdient Andrzej Duda discussed a potential visa waiver for Poland citizens to enter the United States. According to the U.S. Travel Association, although the waiver has not yet been applied, Trump stated that they “hope to welcome Poland into the Visa Waiver Program, very soon —and that’s a very big deal.”
U.S. Travel has long advocated for Poland’s admission into the VWP, along with Israel and Brazil. Between 2013 and 2018, there was a 53% increase in Polish visitors to the U.S. making it one of the fastest-growing European inbound travel markets.
“That growth could swell significantly if Poland joins the VWP,” said Tori Barnes, the Executive VP of Public Affairs and Policy for U.S. Travel.
“Within three years of joining the VWP, the U.S. could expect an additional 97,000 Polish arrivals annually and $312 million in spending, which would produce nearly $720 million in economic output and support 4,200 jobs.”
Talk about a beneficial outcome!
Currently, Poland holds 7th place in the Global Passport Rank with a Mobility score of 163. Meanwhile, the U.S. is the least welcoming country in all of North America, offering visa waivers to only 43 countries.
Are things about to change for Poland and the U.S. ?
UPDATE: The visa waiver will be in effect as of November 11, 2019. Check Poland’s new Mobility Score!
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