Visa-free travel to U.S. for Poles from November 11

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Polish President said at a conference in the Presidential Palace in Warsaw that the U.S. Ambassador Georgette Mosbacher had informed him that on Wednesday in Washington an official statement would be issued regarding Poland's designation to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and the official date from when Poles would be allowed to travel to the United States without visas.

"Polish citizens will be able to travel to the United States without visas for up to 90 days as tourists or in business from November 11, that is literally in a few days," President Duda announced.

Duda added that he hoped this would be very good news for the Polish people.

According to the president, the fact that Poles will be able to travel visa-free to the USA from November 11 has a symbollic value. "I believe this is good news that joyfully takes us into the next, 2020 year," he stressed.

"I would like thank U.S. President Donald Trump who had promised last year that Poland would be accepted into the visa-free travel program before the end of his first term. I would also like to sincerely thank Madam Ambassador for her dedication and very serious approach to this issue, and finally, I want to thank all my fellow countrymen who were involved in the process," President Duda said.

"I'd like congratulate Poles - 38 million in Poland and 10 million in the United States," said Ambassador Mosbacher.

U.S. Homeland Security issued the expected statement on its website.

"Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin K. McAleenan, in coordination with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, designated Poland into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Starting November 11, 2019, citizens and nationals of Poland will be able to apply to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a U.S. visa," the statement reads.

Autor: gf / Źródło: TVN24 News in English, PAP, Homeland Security