🇺🇸 United States visa requirements

US passport holders don't need a visa for most countries. For everyone else, entering the United States requires a visa or specific entry authorization. Don't assume you can just show up.

Who Can Enter the US Visa-Free (Mostly)

Citizens of EU countries, the UK, Australia, Canada, and South Korea can typically enter the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This isn't automatic, though. You need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online before you travel. It costs $21 and is usually approved within minutes, but it's wise to apply at least 72 hours before your flight.

Many other countries also have visa-free arrangements for short stays, often for 90 days. Check the official US Department of State website for your specific nationality. If your country isn't on the VWP list, or if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, or if you have certain criminal convictions or previous visa denials, you'll likely need to apply for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visa at a US embassy or consulate. This process can take weeks or even months and involves an interview.

How Long Can You Actually Stay?

The standard tourist stay granted at the US border is typically 6 months, even if you're from a VWP country. Border officials have the final say. They might grant you less time, often 90 days if you're arriving from a VWP country or if they have any doubts about your intentions to leave. If you overstay your visa or the authorized period, the penalties are severe. You could be banned from re-entering the US for 3 years or even 10 years, depending on how long you overstayed. There isn't usually a daily fine, but the ban from re-entry is the real punishment.

Exiting the US is also important. Make sure you get an exit stamp in your passport. While not always strictly enforced, it helps prove you left on time. Some nationalities arriving on VWP are granted only 90 days automatically, regardless of what the officer says. If you're unsure, ask for clarification before you pass through immigration.

Can You Work Remotely on a Tourist Stamp?

Officially, no. Working while on a tourist visa or VWP admission is prohibited. The US immigration system is designed so that if you intend to work, you need a specific work visa. However, the reality on the ground is a bit murkier. Many digital nomads do work remotely on tourist visas, using their laptops in cafes or co-working spaces. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are primarily concerned with whether you are seeking local employment that would take jobs away from US citizens.

They are less likely to scrutinize someone who appears to be a tourist with a laptop. That said, it's a grey area. If questioned at immigration, be clear that you are visiting for tourism and will not be seeking employment within the United States. Avoid bringing client contracts or anything that suggests you're setting up shop locally. The risk is that an officer could deny you entry or shorten your stay if they suspect you're violating the terms of your admission.

What's New for US Entry

The US has been slowly rolling out its eVisa program for certain countries, aiming to streamline the application process for some visa types. This is in addition to the ESTA for VWP countries. Keep an eye on the State Department’s website for updates on which nationalities and visa types are included or being added. Fees for visas and ESTA can change, so always check the official sources for the most current pricing. For example, the ESTA fee increased to $21 in 2022. Program expansions or suspensions are also possible, especially in response to global events, so double-check requirements before booking flights.