As we approach the summer solstice, it’s a time of celebration, growth and abundance, light, and healing. The natural world, and its rhythms, reminds us to connect, hope and dream.
Travel inspires our creative side. It opens us up to new beginnings. Summer represents the peak time for global exploration with many travelers seeking the open spaces, vibrant cities and opportunity to visit with loved ones in the US.
Close to 80 million visitors arrived in the US, returning to pre-pandemic levels. Amongst short-stay visitors, the majority (70% of visitors) came to the US for leisure travel while business travelers represented 30%. The most popular spots included New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.
All non-US citizens and permanent residents need a travel visa, typically called “nonimmigrant visas.” These temporary visas allow travel to and visitation in the US for specific purposes for temporary stays with a clear departure date. In this feature, we highlight two primary options for travelers to the US for leisure or business.
Visa Waiver Program
For visitors seeking shorter stays (up to 90 days max), many citizens of participating countries will qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) which allows for short visits without a visa.
Administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, the VWP permits citizens of 41 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa.
Tourism Activities:
- Vacation (holiday)
- Visiting friends or relatives
- Medical treatments
- Social events
- Participate in special events (eg. musical, sporting), excluding paid participation
- Enroll in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (eg. cooking class while on vacation)
Business Activities:
- Consult with business associates
- Negotiate a contract
- Settle an estate
- Attend a conference (eg. science, education, professional)
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify, one must meet all the criteria listed:
- Citizen of a participating Visa Waiver Program country
- Do not have a Visitor Visa (B1, B2, B1/B2)
- Planning to stay in the US for 90 days or less
- Traveling to the US for business or tourism purposes
- Possess an e-passport
Electronic System for Travel Authorization Program
Before traveling to the US, Visa Waiver Program participants must enroll in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization Program (ESTA). Apply online through a secure website run by the Department of Homeland Security and CBP.
To apply:
- Valid passport from a participating Visa Waiver Program country
- Valid email address
- Home address and phone number
- Phone number and email of an emergency contact
There is a fee to apply for the ESTA online, which can be paid with a credit card or PayPal. If your ESTA is not approved, only a processing fee will be charged. It’s recommended that you apply for the ESTA as soon as you have plans to come to the US.
Visitor Visas
Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1 visa), for tourism (B-2 visa), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2 visa).
Visitor visas allow visitors the ability and flexibility with up to a 6 month stay with the possibility of an extension within the US for qualifying cases. The B-1/B-2 visa is a multiple-entry visa providing visa holders the option to enter the US more than once, depending on specific use cases and at the discretion of the CBP who review the visitor’s case each time they enter.
B-1 Visa:
- Consult with business associates
- Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
- Settle an estate
- Negotiate a contract
B-2 Visa:
- Vacation (holiday)
- Visiting friends or relatives
- Medical treatments
- Social events
- Participate in special events (eg. musical, sporting), excluding paid participation
- Enroll in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (eg. cooking class while on vacation)
Individuals can apply online, there is a fee associated based on your home country and wait times for processing vary by country. Please note, the B-1 and B-2 visas are intended for temporary, occasional visits to the US for the purposes of tourism, business, and/or medical treatment. It is not for visitors seeking living long-term in the US or for those planning to spend the majority of their time in the country.
The AVA Global team can help you plan for upcoming travel to the US for either leisure or business. Book a consultation today to ensure a smooth tourist visa application process.
