Family Emergencies

Travel to the United States when an immediate relative is gravely ill or deceased

Persons wishing to travel to the United States in connection with the grave illness or death of an immediate relative residing in the United States may apply for a visa without an appointment. They can come without appointment to the Embassy in Warsaw Monday through Friday 8:00am - 16.30 pm or, as appropriate, to the U.S. Consulate in Krakow Monday through Friday 8:30am – 15:00 pm except Polish and American holidays. Applicants will need to present all required documents. 

In addition, a statement from a U.S. doctor or hospital on official or hospital letterhead regarding the life-threatening nature of the medical condition of the close relative, or the death certificate and letter from a funeral home must be faxed directly to the Nonimmigrant Visa Section where the applicant is applying.  At the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, the fax number is 011-48-22-504-2532.  At the U.S. Consulate in Krakow, the fax number is 011-48-12-424-5103.  Before coming to the Embassy in Warsaw or the U.S. Consulate in Krakow, applicants should confirm receipt of the fax by calling 011-48-22-504-2000 in Warsaw or 011-48-12-424-5107 in Krakow, as applicable.

Only immediate relatives - a wife, husband, mother, father, children, brother, or sister - may apply for visas in this situation without an appointment.  Please note that a letter from a doctor or hospital in the United States does not guarantee the issuance of a visa.  All applicants must prove that they are qualified for visas.