Staying in the USA on a tourist visa – how long can you stay and what should you remember?

Staying in the USA on ESTA and a B2 tourist visa – the key rules

Citizens of many countries, including Poland, can enter the USA without a visa thanks to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Travel to the USA without a visa is possible provided that authorization is obtained through ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) – an electronic travel authorization that must be obtained before departure.

ESTA and the B2 tourist visa – key differences

ESTA is not a visa, but a preliminary electronic authorization that allows travel to the USA for tourism, transit, or business purposes. The maximum tourist stay in the USA under ESTA is 90 days.

A B2 tourist visa is required when ESTA is not available or when the planned stay exceeds 90 days. It allows a longer and more flexible stay.

Important note: ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States. The final decision is always made by the immigration officer at the border (CBP – Customs and Border Protection).

Conditions for using the Visa Waiver Program

•         Valid biometric passport (with an electronic chip)

•         No previous refusal of entry to the USA or immigration problems

•         Travel for tourism, business, or transit purposes (not for paid work)

•         Return or onward ticket

•         ESTA application submitted through the official website https://esta.usagov.pl – no later than 72 hours before departure

ESTA authorization is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, and allows multiple entries to the USA.

When is a tourist visa to the USA needed?

A B2 tourist visa is necessary in several situations. Although Poland has been part of the Visa Waiver Program since 2019, even Polish citizens may need a B2 visa in the following cases:

•         Planned stay longer than 90 days – ESTA does not allow a longer stay

•         ESTA denial – the only legal way to enter is then a consular visa

•         Previous immigration violations – overstay or other problems

•         Travel with a passport from a country not covered by the VWP (Iraq, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Cuba, and others)

•         Another purpose of travel – medical treatment, volunteering, extended stay with family

How to get a visa to the USA – step by step

•         Completing the DS-160 form online on the consular website and preparing documents confirming ties to the country of residence

•         Paying the visa fee (185 USD)

•         Scheduling an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate

During the embassy interview, the officer assesses whether the applicant has sufficient ties to the country of residence (job, family, property) showing an intention to return after the stay in the USA ends.

How long can you stay in the USA and what happens if you overstay?

Time limits

•         ESTA: maximum 90 days per entry

•         B2 visa: length of stay determined individually by the CBP officer at entry

What matters is the record in the I-94 system, not the visa expiration date or the ESTA authorization. The date in the I-94 determines the day by which you must leave the USA.

 

Consequences of unlawful stay (USA overstay)

Overstay in the USA is a serious immigration violation that can result in:

•         A 3-year entry ban – for overstay from 180 days to one year

•         A 10-year entry ban – for overstay of more than one year

•         A lifetime ban on using the Visa Waiver Program

•         Denial of any future U.S. visa

•         Deportation and detention when attempting to re-enter

Illegal stay in the USA is recorded in immigration systems and may affect the ability to apply for visas to other countries.

Travel costs and formalities before traveling to the USA

Formal costs

•         ESTA: 21 USD – valid for 2 years, allows multiple entries

•         B2 tourist visa: 185 USD (MRV fee) – payable regardless of the outcome

•         Biometric passport – required for entry under ESTA

Required documents for travel to the USA

•         Valid biometric passport (at least 6 months of validity beyond the return date)

•         ESTA authorization or a valid visa

•         Return or onward ticket

•         Proof of accommodation reservation

•         Documents confirming the purpose of travel and financial means

 

Insurance for the USA

Health insurance is absolutely essential – medical treatment costs in the United States are among the highest in the world. Even a short visit to the emergency room can cost several thousand dollars. It is worth choosing a policy with a high medical coverage limit (minimum 100,000–200,000 USD) and coverage for repatriation.

Travel costs to the USA

Round-trip flights from Poland to major U.S. cities (New York, Los Angeles, Miami) cost around 2,500–5,000 PLN in economy class, depending on the season. Accommodation, food, and local transport make up a significant part of the budget – the USA is not a cheap tourist destination.

Tourist stay in the USA – practical tips for travelers

Payments in the USA

Payment cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere. Cash is still useful in smaller establishments, markets, or when paying at parking meters. It is worth carrying a few dozen dollars in bills.

Tipping in the USA

•         Restaurants: 15–20% of the bill (before tax)

•         Taxis and Uber/Lyft: 10–15%

•         Hotel service: 1–2 USD per day for the housekeeper

Not leaving a tip in the USA is perceived as a sign of dissatisfaction with the service.

Medical care and safety

In emergencies, call 911. Always keep your insurance policy details and the phone number of your insurer’s emergency hotline with you.

The USA is a country with varying levels of safety. Before traveling, it is worth checking the current travel warnings for specific cities or states.

 

What you should know before traveling to the USA – checklist

•         Check the status of your ESTA or visa before every trip

•         Make sure your passport is valid and biometric

•         After arrival, download your I-94 record from cbp.gov/i94 and check the permitted date of stay

•         Purchase health insurance with a high coverage amount (min. 100,000 USD)

•         Plan your budget taking tips and higher prices in major cities into account

•         Popular destinations: New York, Miami, Los Angeles – remember the long distances