🇺🇸 United States visa for EU citizens

The US doesn't have a digital nomad visa. Full stop. If you're from most European countries, Australia, or the UK, you can get 90 days visa-free. Everyone else needs to check.

Who can walk in visa-free?

For remote workers, the US is tricky. Most people from Western Europe, the UK, Australia, and Canada can enter visa-free for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You'll need an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before you fly. It costs $21 and lasts two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Don't skip this; you won't get on the plane.

Citizens of certain other countries, like South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, also get 90 days visa-free but might need to apply for ESTA or a visa depending on specific agreements. Most other nationalities require a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa obtained in advance from a US embassy or consulate. This process can take weeks or months and involves interviews and significant paperwork. Forget just showing up if your country isn't on the VWP list.

How long can you really stay?

The standard tourist stay is 90 days. This is often presented as non-extendable, especially for VWP travellers. Some border officers might grant less, say 30 or 60 days, and this is usually noted on your entry stamp. Some countries do not put an exit stamp in your passport, which can cause issues if you re-enter another country that requires proof of departure from the US. It's not common for the US, but be aware.

Overstaying is a serious business. For VWP travellers, even a single day can lead to a ban from re-entry for 10 years. For those with a B-1/B-2 visa, overstaying can result in immediate visa cancellation and a ban. While specific fines aren't typically levied on departure for short overstays, the consequences for future travel are severe. The US immigration system is notoriously strict on this.

Can you actually work remotely on a tourist stamp?

Officially, no. The US tourist visa (B-2) and the VWP entry are for tourism, visiting family, or short business trips like attending meetings. Working remotely for a foreign company while physically in the US on a tourist visa is a grey area that authorities generally don't actively police, but it's not permitted. You are not supposed to be generating income within the US, even if that income is paid by an employer outside the country.

Border officials often ask about your purpose of visit. If you mention working, even remotely, they might deny entry or issue a visa requiring a different purpose. The risk is that if you're caught, you could face deportation, fines, and future entry bans. Most nomads working on tourist visas hope to fly under the radar, but it's important to understand the official stance and the potential consequences.

What's new with US travel rules?

The US has been slowly rolling out the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for countries that previously required a visa. This is part of an ongoing expansion of the Visa Waiver Program. For example, Croatia joined the VWP in late 2021, requiring ESTA instead of a visa for short stays. Expect more countries to be added over time.

There haven't been major fee changes for ESTA recently; it remains $21. However, visa application fees for the B-1/B-2 can fluctuate annually, currently standing at $185 for most applicants†. The US Department of State website is the definitive source for visa information and any updates on programme expansions or suspensions, which can happen with little notice depending on geopolitical situations. Always check official sources before making plans.