From Poland to America via HAPAG in the 1890s

Does anyone know what the process was for a person to emigrate from the German or Russian side of Poland, pre-wwI, through Hamburg, to America?

Did they have to apply for permission first? From Whom?

Were there age limits for unmarried women (or an age limit for a woman married at the age of 16 or 17?)

How far in advance did they have to book the ticket / Contract?

Were their booking agents in larger towns in the country?

Were rail systems efficient enough then to be able to plan a trip to the port with any reasonable expectation of when you would arrive?

I am interested in the process that was involved.

thanks.

Interesting question. I'd assume everything went through the PRL offices (most likely had to be accepted by someone in embassy in Warsaw or Krakow). I don't think there were any limits - if you knew the right person who wanted you in the US, you got it.