Poland officially began its participation in the U.S. Visa Waive (VWP) on November 11, 2019. Now, Polish nationals can spend up to 90 days in the United States without first obtaining a visa. Overall, Poland’s entry into the program will benefit tourists and business travelers from Poland, as well as give a boost to the U.S. tourism industry.

The VWP first began in 1986 as an exercise in public diplomacy designed to facilitate tourism and reciprocal freedom of travel among the United States and its allies. Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, it has also become a source of intelligence for counter-terrorism operations. Participating countries agree to share any available information on criminals and suspected terrorists with the U.S. government.

With the inclusion of Poland, the VWP now encompasses 39 countries, most of which are in Europe. Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania have not yet been admitted to the program, even though U.S. tourists and short-term business travelers don’t need visas to enter those countries.