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English: USA Embassy in Warsaw Poland. View from Aleje Ujazdowskie. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The US Embassy has put out the following content to help all those in the Central European part of the world, in particular tailored to Poland, get to grips with the innovations in force from now on in the US Visa system.

Know Before You Go: 10 Tips for Applying for a U.S. Visa

Traveling, especially overseas, can be a complicated undertaking in this day and age.  Whether for business or vacation, planning a trip can be downright stressful.  If traveling to the United States is on the horizon for you, take one unnecessary worry off your plate and make certain you know the required steps to apply for a U.S. visa in a timely manner.

With the recent implementation of an integrated appointment and information service, the U.S. visa application process in Poland is now more convenient and streamlined than ever.  Here is what you need to know before you go:

1.    Complete the online application form. Applicants around the world are using a standardized visa application form, which is available at
https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
.  On the form, you will be asked to submit general biographic data, information on your travel history and plans, and any previous visa applications.  You will also be requested to upload a digital photo that meets specific digital requirements.

2.    Check to see if you require an interview with a consular officer. Some applicants may be eligible to apply for a visa by mail.  Applicants who received a visa after December 10, 2007, travelers under the age of 14 or over the age of 80, and foreign government officials and international government representatives should check the U.S. Embassy Warsaw website to determine if they meet the criteria for an interview waiver.

3.    Register online.  Register online at www.ustraveldocs.com/pl in order to later schedule your visa interview at the location of your choice, the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw or the U.S. Consulate General in Krakow. After registering online, you will be prompted to print a payment form required by Bank Pocztowy in order to pay the visa fee (see step 4). You will also be required to select the TNT location where you will pick up your passport with a visa once it has been approved and printed.

4.    Pay the visa fee. In most cases visa applicants must pay a non-refundable, non-transferable application fee, whether a visa is issued or not. The type of visa for which you apply determines the visa application fee.  You can pay at any one of the Bank Pocztowy branch locations listed on www.ustraveldocs.com/pl.  After accepting your payment, the bank will give you a receipt.  Please keep this receipt, since you will need the receipt number to schedule an interview with a consular officer.

5.    Schedule an interview. You can schedule an appointment with a consular officer the next business day after you pay the visa fee, either via www.ustraveldocs.com/pl or by calling the information and scheduling line at: +48 22 307 1361 in Poland +1 (703) 988-7101 in the United States. There is no fee for these calls though your regular calling charges may apply. The average wait time for an appointment is two business days.

6.    Prepare the required documents. You must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date that you intend to depart from the United States. If you have any valid U.S. visas, including ones in an expired passport, please bring them to the interview.

7.    Your Interview. Appointment times are available in 30-minute intervals and most applicants spend no more than an hour at the embassy, from the security screening to end of the interview. Consular staff will verify that you have the correct documents before you begin your interview. The spacious and comfortable waiting room offers an array of travel brochures while waiting for your interview.  Interviews typically last about four minutes.

8.    Collect your passport and visa. If you qualify for a visa, you will leave your passport with the officer for visa printing. Once your passport is processed, it will be available for pick-up, usually between three and five business days after your interview, at the TNT location that you selected when you registered online. TNT will hold your passport for pick-up for up to 14 days. There are no extra fees associated with this service.

9.    If circumstances require, choose expedited passport pick-up. Sometimes even the most organized travelers cannot anticipate a change in plans or an unforeseen emergency. For this reason, there are two TNT branch locations that offer expedited passport pick-up: TNT Express Warsaw Ul. Annopol and TNT Express Krakow Ul. Rzemieślnicza. At these locations, you can pick up your passport sooner, usually within two business days following your interview.

10.          Pack your bags and enjoy your trip!  Now that you have completed the visa application process, enjoy your trip. Whether you are headed to the United States for business or pleasure, we hope your stay is productive and enjoyable.

For detailed visa application procedures, please visit www.usatraveldocs.com/pl or call +48 22 307 1361 in Poland +1 (703) 988-7101 in the United States. The telephone information service is open 0800 to 2000 Monday – Friday for the number in Poland and is toll free for callers in Poland. The U.S. number is available 0700 to 1500, Eastern Standard Time.

Branka Bell and Elżbieta Iwaszko, U.S. Embassy Warsaw.

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