Europe-third largest source market for inbound travel to the United States
Travel Biz News —
Poland has become the 39th market to be designated for inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), effective Nov. 11, 2019.
Citizens and nationals of Poland are now eligible to visit the United States for tourism and business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a U.S. visa.
Under the VWP, they can apply online for authorization to travel to the United States through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Authorizations are valid for multiple entries over a two-year period.
“The inclusion of Poland into the Visa Waiver Program,” said Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin K. McAleenan in making the announcement, “is a testament to the special relationship that exists between our two countries, and the ongoing friendship and close cooperation on our joint security priorities.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) administers the VWP, in consultation with the State Department.
“The designation of Poland into the Visa Waiver Program reinforces our approach to marketing the USA throughout the whole of Europe,” said Christopher L. Thompson, Brand USA’s president and CEO. “To that end at Brand USA Travel Week, we recruited and hosted Polish buyers to meet with the outstanding group of U.S. suppliers who attended the inaugural event.”
As a single entity, Europe is the third-largest source market for inbound travel to the United States and the top overseas market. In 2018, the United States welcomed 15.4 million European travelers. Canada (21.5 million) and Mexico (18.5 million) continue to be the top-two international inbound travel markets, according to the Brand USA.
Each participant in the Visa Waiver Program has a comprehensive security partnership with the United States, which addresses counter terrorism, law enforcement, immigration enforcement, document security, and border management. The program is designed to encourage travel, while increasing security.
Participants in the VWP also allow U.S. citizens and nationals to travel to their countries for pleasure or business, for up to 90 days, without a visa. Source- thebrandusa.com
Nov. 2019
Photo: Statue of Liberty , New York / NPS
