US ESTA – Visa Waiver Program
Depending on which country you are a citizen of, you may be exempt from needing a travel visa to the US and may be eligible to apply for an online visa waiver known as an ESTA. Once approved, an ESTA is valid for 2 years, and you can enter multiple times. However, it is limited to only 90 days per stay, and you must exit the US on or before 90 days of stay.
An ESTA is only suitable for travel and leisure purposes and is not suitable for work purposes. It can be used for business travel if you are not being paid by a US company and live and work outside of the US, but are only intending to travel to the US for short-term business reasons. For anyone who is part of the visa waiver program and has been denied an ESTA or another type of visa before, or for someone who has a criminal record or some other form of unapproved activity by the US Government, it is advised to apply for a B2 visa.
FAQ
Why does an ESTA get denied?
What are the ESTA requirements?
What are the different ESTA status types?
Difference between ESTA and a visa?
What are the questions on the ESTA form?