TRAVEL TO THE USA
For travel to the US, you will need to apply for a visa or visa waiver, depending on the reason for travel, length of stay, and the type of documentation you hold. Certain countries are exempt from needing a visa to travel here but will need to apply for a visa waiver or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). If you are from a country that is not part of the visa waiver program, you will need to apply for a travel visa known as a B2 visitor visa.
* Please note that both the ESTA and B2 visitor visa are for leisure and travel only, and are not suitable to work in the USA.
US ESTA
Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be entitled to apply for an ESTA (visa waiver) in order to enter the United States. If your ESTA is approved, this will be valid for 2 years, as long as the passport you applied with is still valid. You will be allowed to stay in the United States for up to 90 days. This cannot be extended while you are visiting on holiday and must leave by the time 90 days is up.
To find out more information about a US ESTA (visa waiver programme) you can read more here.
B2 VISITOR VISA
The B2 travel visa is for any person who is not part of the visa waiver program and wishes to travel to the United States for travel and tourism. It is also for any person wanting to visit for travel or tourism for longer than 90 days (maximum 6 months) where an ESTA would not be suitable.
To find out more information about a B2 Visitor visa, you can read more here.
More about Travel Authorisations to the U.S.
Do I need a U.S. ESTA if entering by sea?
Do I need a U.S. ESTA if crossing the border by land?
Do I need a U.S. ESTA or a visa?
The U.S. ESTA Website is Experiencing Problems
What is the Experience of Traveling on a U.S. ESTA?
