Poland joins Visa Waiver Program

The Department of Homeland Security has admitted Poland to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Starting Nov. 11, citizens and nationals of Poland will be able to apply to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.

The 39th VWP member, Poland is the first country to join since 2014, when Chile was admitted. The U.S. Travel Association predicts that Poland's admission will generate an additional $702 million in travel spending and 4,300 American jobs in the first three years.

"Whenever a country has entered the VWP, the U.S. has always seen a significant increase in visitation from that country -- and keep in mind those travelers are then thoroughly vetted under the program's robust security protocols," stated U.S. Travel CEO Roger Dow. "The VWP's ability to increase both American prosperity and American security -- not to mention bolstering our relationships with our most important geopolitical allies -- makes it a shining example of innovative, win-win policymaking."

VWP member nations must meet certain security requirements, such as the vetting of individuals prior to their travel to the U.S. U.S. Travel advocates that other strong candidates for entry, such as Israel and Brazil, be admitted to the VWP, as well.