Applications For Children
Children under the age of 14 do not have to appear in person for a visa interview.
If one of their parents has a valid U.S. visa, and if the family currently resides in Poland, the child's application and all Required Documents can be delivered to the Embassy in Warsaw or the U.S. Consulate in Krakow.
The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw accepts these documents at the Information Window on Piekna Street Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 12:00 noon.
The U.S. Consulate in Krakow accepts these documents inside the Consulate Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 12:00 noon. The documents can also be sent to the Embassy in Warsaw or the U.S. Consulate in Krakow by DHL Courier Service. A copy of a parent's visa must be included with the application. In cases where the parent's surname is different from the child's, a copy of the birth certificate or adoption decree should be included.
The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw and the U.S. Consulate in Krakow reserve the right to request a personal interview of parents.
In cases where neither parent has a visa, a parent will have to apply in person on behalf of the child. He/she can make the appointment by following the procedures outlined in the How to Apply section of this site.
Child Travelers
Due to the increasing incidents of child abductions and abuse, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that if the child is accompanied by only one parent or a guardian, the adult should have a note from the other parent or both parents. CBP recommends the note should be written in English, notarized and stating: “I acknowledge that my husband/wife/other person is traveling with my son/daughter out of the country and has my permission to do so”.
The parents can also consider providing power of attorney to the temporary guardian in case of any unforeseen medical emergency while in the U.S. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., would be useful.