ESTA or business visa for tour business = confused
I would be grateful if anyone could shed any light on if I will need a business visa or if an esta is OK for my travel to the usa.
So I run a tour operator in the uk, we are setting up a number of trips to the usa this year, ranging from 8 to 15 days in length. We advertise offering places on our trips to people within the uk, all monies taken are to our uk bank account and all of us get paid in the uk.
We accompany our guest on the trips as "tour managers", we hire local guides, drivers and suppliers in general from the countries we visit.
We make no money while in the countries, the financial side of things is dealt with before hand in the uk. The vast majority of money we do make goes into the local economy, hotels, restaurants, sights, coach rental, flights etc.
I would be grateful of any help.
Thanks Lee
Best Answer
You should probably consult an immigration lawyer.
This not straightforward and a professional opinion is a good idea.
My belief was originally that you would require a work visa to be a tour manager. You are actually performing work, looking after customers, while in the US. However the reply you quote in comments to an enquiry to the US embassy leads me to doubt that view. However I would still make use of a US immigration lawyer. The downside of working illegal in the US, even if you do it accidentally, are quite large.
You might be able to make a case that only you were capable of acting as tour manager, but that is definitely a question for a lawyer.
Incidentally it makes no difference if you go for Visa Waiver Program (sometimes called ESTA) of business visa - what you are allowed to do is the same in each case.
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Can you use an ESTA for business travel?
An ESTA can be used for a variety of business activities such as attending job interviews, business-related research activities, consulting with business associates, travelling for a scientific, educational, professional or business convention or conference, negotiating a contract or settling the affairs of an estate.Do you need a visa for a business trip?
A foreign national traveling to the United States to conduct temporary business needs a visitor visa (B-1) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Examples of temporary business include: Attending business meetings or consultations. Attending a business convention or conference.What is the difference between visit visa and business visa?
A tourist visa is issued for the purpose of visiting a country for leisure or sightseeing activities. They allow the visa holder to stay in the country for a limited period. Business visas on the other hand are issued to help travelers engage in business related activities. They too have a limited validity.Can I open a business with a tourist visa in USA?
Nonimmigrant Business Visa Options Individuals usually think the B-1 Business Visitor Visa, is the most suitable option for a person wishing to start a business in the U.S. simply because of the name.B1 / B2 is Tourist / Visitor Visa NOT Good for Working or Doing Business in USA | Don't Abuse Visa
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