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How to Pay the U.S. Visa Fee in Poland
Poland uses the USTravelDocs system. Interviews are held at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw and the Consulate General in Kraków.
Do you actually need a visa?
Poland is in the Visa Waiver Program, so many Polish citizens travelling for tourism or business for 90 days or less use ESTA instead of a visa — no DS-160, no interview, and a much smaller fee. You still need a visa, and therefore this page, if you are studying (F/M), working (H, L, O and others), on an exchange programme (J), staying beyond 90 days, or if you have ever been refused a U.S. visa or are otherwise ineligible for ESTA.
If ESTA covers your trip, stop here — paying the visa fee would be an avoidable expense.
Payment methods in Poland
| Method | Currency | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | | Cash at any bank | PLN | In person, local currency | | Online card payment | PLN | Debit or credit, in local currency | | Elavon US card payment | USD | Online debit or credit billed in dollars | | Electronic funds transfer (EFT) | PLN | Bank transfer per the instructions in your profile |
Fees are listed in U.S. dollars, but the system states that payment must be made in local currency — the Elavon route is the exception that bills in USD.
Fee amounts
- $185 — B visitor, F and M student, J exchange, C transit, D crew, I media
- $205 — H, L, O, P, Q, R petition-based work visas
- $315 — E treaty trader and investor
- $265 — K fiancé(e)
Step-by-step
- Submit your DS-160 and keep the barcode confirmation page.
- Create your profile on the USTravelDocs site for Poland.
- Select the correct visa class before paying.
- Pay by bank cash, card in PLN, Elavon in USD, or EFT.
- Keep the receipt or reference number.
- Wait for the payment to register, then book your interview in Warsaw or Kraków.
Card payments generally register faster than cash or transfer. You cannot book until the payment posts.
Questions commonly searched in Poland
Do Polish citizens need a U.S. visa?
Not for tourism or business trips of 90 days or less — Poland is in the Visa Waiver Program, so ESTA applies. A visa is needed for study, work, exchange programmes, longer stays, and anyone not eligible for ESTA.
How much is the U.S. visa fee in złoty?
The fee is set in USD — $185 for most visitor and student categories — and the PLN amount follows the consular exchange rate on the day rather than your bank's.
Can I pay the U.S. visa fee online in Poland?
Yes, by card in złoty, by Elavon card in USD, or by electronic funds transfer. Cash at a bank is the in-person alternative.
Can I interview in Kraków instead of Warsaw?
Both posts conduct nonimmigrant visa interviews. Availability differs between them, so check both when booking.