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Reviewed 11 August 2026 · US business & tourism travel

B-1/B-2 visitor visa and ESTA: who needs what

Your passport and travel history determine whether you may use the Visa Waiver Program with ESTA or normally need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. B-1 covers defined temporary business activities; B-2 covers tourism and other permitted personal visits. Neither route authorizes ordinary employment in the United States.

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Planning to work? A visitor visa or ESTA is not a substitute for work authorization. Use the US visa guide and the USA jobs catalog to identify a route that matches the actual purpose of travel.
Illustrative overview of visa and work-authorization information for B-1/B-2 visitor visa and ESTA: who needs what.
Illustrative image for this visa and work-authorization information page; it does not depict an actual employer, worksite or government document.

Official rules come first. Visa and ESTA eligibility can depend on passport type, travel history, dual nationality, purpose of travel and individual admissibility. Verify the final requirements with the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Customs and Border Protection before paying or booking travel.

Which route applies to your citizenship?

European Union citizenship by itself is not a US entry category. The decisive question is whether the passport is from a current Visa Waiver Program country and whether the traveler meets all VWP requirements.

Most EU Visa Waiver Program citizens

Citizens of participating EU countries can normally use ESTA for permitted tourism or business visits of 90 days or less, provided all VWP requirements are met.

ESTA normally Up to 90 days

Current participating EU states include Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

EU citizens outside the current VWP list

Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania are not on the current State Department VWP country list. Their citizens generally need the appropriate US visa for visitor travel unless another specific exemption applies.

B visa normally Check individual case

United Kingdom

Qualifying British citizens are included in the VWP. State Department rules specify that the traveler must have the unrestricted right of permanent abode in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man.

ESTA if eligible British citizen conditions

Australia, New Zealand and other VWP countries

Australia and New Zealand participate in the VWP, as do countries such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Israel, Chile, Qatar, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland.

ESTA if eligible Business / tourism

Canadian and Bermudian citizens

Canadian citizens generally do not need a nonimmigrant visa for ordinary tourism or business travel. Bermudian citizens also have a separate visa-exemption framework, subject to specific conditions and exceptions.

Special exemption Not standard ESTA logic

Citizens of non-VWP countries

Travelers holding passports from countries outside the Visa Waiver Program generally need a B-1, B-2 or combined B-1/B-2 visa for temporary business or tourism.

B visa normally DS-160 process

When a VWP passport may still require a visa

Having a passport from a VWP country is not enough on its own. Current federal rules exclude some travelers from VWP use based on travel history or dual nationality.

Travel-history restrictions

  • Presence in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after 1 March 2011 can remove VWP eligibility, subject to limited exceptions.
  • Presence in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021 can also remove VWP eligibility, subject to limited exceptions.

Dual-nationality restrictions and other cases

  • Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria are not eligible to travel under the VWP.
  • A visa is also needed when the planned stay exceeds 90 days or when VWP requirements are otherwise not met.

B-1, B-2 and ESTA: practical comparison

ESTA is a travel authorization for eligible Visa Waiver Program travelers. It is not a visa. The permitted business and tourism purposes under the VWP track visitor-category activities, subject to VWP restrictions.

Route Typical use Government fee Ordinary employment? Key limit
ESTA / VWP Permitted business or tourism for eligible VWP travelers $40.27 No Up to 90 days; VWP eligibility required
B-1 Defined temporary business activities such as consultations, conferences and contract negotiations $185 application fee No ordinary employment Activity must fit B-1 rules
B-2 Tourism, vacation, visits to friends or relatives, medical treatment and other permitted personal visits $185 application fee No Temporary visitor purpose
B-1/B-2 Combined visitor visa covering eligible business and tourism purposes $185 application fee No ordinary employment Admission decision remains with CBP

What B-1 can cover — and what it does not cover

The State Department’s current B-1 fact sheet distinguishes legitimate temporary business activity from skilled or unskilled labor performed as employment in the United States.

Common B-1 business activities

  • Consulting with business associates.
  • Attending scientific, educational, professional or business conventions, conferences or seminars.
  • Negotiating contracts.
  • Commercial transactions that do not involve gainful employment in the United States.
  • Independent research in qualifying circumstances.
Temporary business

What visitor status does not authorize

  • Ordinary paid employment for a US employer.
  • Routine skilled or unskilled labor simply labeled as a “business visit.”
  • Study for academic credit under the VWP.
  • Permanent residence or using visitor status as a substitute for the correct work category.
Not visitor activity

Visa and ESTA assistance: clear service pricing

MaViAl Sp. z o.o. acts as an independent administrative intermediary. The service fee is separate from US government charges and does not buy, guarantee or influence a visa, ESTA decision or admission to the United States.

ESTA administrative assistance
150 PLN / applicant

For eligible Visa Waiver Program travelers who want help checking the application data and preparing the ESTA submission.

  • Basic eligibility and data review.
  • Application preparation assistance.
  • Consistency check before submission.
Separate official fee: $40.27 per new ESTA application.
Contact MaViAl
B-1/B-2 administrative assistance
490 PLN / applicant

For travelers who need non-legal help organizing a B-1, B-2 or B-1/B-2 application and preparing the administrative steps.

  • Purpose and category intake.
  • DS-160 preparation guidance and consistency review.
  • Document checklist and organization.
  • Appointment-process assistance where applicable.
  • Practical interview preparation based on truthful case facts.
Separate official fee: $185 non-refundable B visitor visa application fee; a nationality-based issuance fee may also apply.
Request visa assistance
$40.27 Official ESTA fee · paid for the US government application
$185 Official B visitor visa application fee · non-refundable
150 / 490 PLN Independent MaViAl administrative service · paid separately

How the application process works

The correct sequence depends on whether you qualify for Visa Waiver Program travel or need a visitor visa.

Check your passport route

Confirm whether your passport is VWP-eligible and whether travel-history or dual-nationality restrictions affect ESTA use.

Choose ESTA or B visa

Eligible VWP travelers normally use ESTA for qualifying visits up to 90 days. Others generally use the B visitor visa process.

Submit truthful information

For a B visa, complete DS-160 and follow the embassy or consulate instructions. For ESTA, use the official CBP application process.

Prepare for travel or interview

Keep purpose, dates, funding and travel plans accurate and consistent. A visa or ESTA approval does not guarantee admission.

What a B visitor applicant may need to show

The Department of State lists core required items and explains that additional evidence may be requested depending on the case.

Core visa application items

  • Passport valid for travel to the United States under the applicable rules.
  • DS-160 confirmation page.
  • Application fee receipt when required before the interview.
  • Visa photo meeting the current requirements.

Additional evidence may be requested

  • Purpose of the trip.
  • Intent to depart the United States after the trip.
  • Ability to pay the costs of the trip.
  • Employment, family or other ties where relevant to the case.

Invitation letters are not mandatory

The U.S. Department of State states that an invitation letter or Affidavit of Support is not required to apply for a visitor visa and is not one of the factors used to decide whether to issue or deny the visa.

If your real goal is work in the United States

Do not use B-1/B-2 or ESTA as a replacement for employment authorization. Start from the work or sponsorship route instead.

Browse USA jobs

Search the current United States catalog by role, state, city and sponsorship-related keywords.

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Compare US visa routes

Review visitor, seasonal work, internship, specialty occupation and student-related pathways before applying.

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Create your resume

Prepare a structured resume for job applications when you are pursuing a lawful employment route.

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Official US sources

Use official government sources for final eligibility, fee and procedural decisions.

B-1/B-2 and ESTA questions

Short answers to the most important practical questions.

Can I work in the United States on B-1/B-2 or ESTA?

Regular employment is not permitted. B-1 allows defined temporary business activities, but the State Department distinguishes those activities from performing ordinary skilled or unskilled labor in the United States.

How much is a B-1/B-2 visitor visa application?

The current U.S. Department of State application processing fee for a B visitor visa is $185. A visa issuance fee can also apply depending on nationality and reciprocity rules.

How much is ESTA?

CBP currently lists the fee for a new ESTA application as $40.27.

Do all EU citizens qualify for ESTA?

No. Many EU countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, but EU membership alone does not create ESTA eligibility. Check the current official VWP country list and the traveler’s individual eligibility.

Can British citizens use ESTA?

Qualifying British citizens can use the VWP if all requirements are met. The State Department applies a specific permanent-abode condition to British citizen eligibility.

Can Australian citizens use ESTA?

Australia is a current Visa Waiver Program country. Eligible Australian citizens can normally use ESTA for qualifying tourism or business travel of 90 days or less.

Do Canadian citizens need B-1/B-2 for normal tourism or business?

Canadian citizens generally do not require a nonimmigrant visa for ordinary tourism or business travel, but there are exceptions for specific purposes and individual immigration circumstances.

Is an invitation letter required?

No. The Department of State says an invitation letter or Affidavit of Support is not required for a visitor visa and is not a deciding factor in issuance or denial.

Does a visa or ESTA guarantee entry?

No. A visa or ESTA allows travel to a U.S. port of entry to request admission. CBP makes the admission decision.

What does MaViAl charge for administrative visa help?

ESTA administrative assistance is 150 PLN per applicant. B-1/B-2 administrative assistance is 490 PLN per applicant. US government fees are separate.

Is MaViAl a US government agency or immigration law firm?

No. MaViAl Sp. z o.o. is an independent intermediary providing non-legal administrative assistance. It does not issue visas, decide ESTA applications or guarantee immigration outcomes.

Where can I contact MaViAl?

Use the official MaViAl contact page for service enquiries.

Need help with ESTA or a B-1/B-2 application?

MaViAl Sp. z o.o. provides paid, non-legal administrative assistance. The applicant remains responsible for truthful information and the final application. US authorities alone decide visa, ESTA and admission outcomes.

Contact MaViAl US visa catalog