BAflyer90

I am a UK citizen currently with a B1 visa as I've been spending a lot of time in the US on business. I previously had ESTA and would enter on the VWP for both business and leisure.

Since I got the B1, my ESTA has expired.

My question is, if I want to travel to the US strictly for a holiday instead of the usual business trip, what do I need to do? B1 is "visitor for business" so if I wanted to make a non-business trip would I need to apply for a new ESTA?

Couldn't find an answer to this anywhere. The obvious question is "why not just use the VWP for both business and leisure" - the answer is simply because my employer decided to get me a B1 visa. I could theoretically be required to stay longer than 3 months on a business trip, so there's that too (with B1 I get 6 months admittance).

Any advice appreciated!

bacchus85

I also found it pretty hard to find an answer to this, but I would say that you don't Need ESTA if you have a valid B1 Visa.

see the 1st question on this site:
http://athens.usembassy.gov/esta_faqs_new.html

William S

Isn't B1/B2 visa issued as one visa? I think you can perfectly fine visit the US for holiday with your visa - an ESTA on top could probably cause confusion at immigration and probably a secondary inspection if unlucky.

televisor

Having an ESTA in addition to "real" visas should be fine. I entered on a J1 despite having a previous ESTA that was still valid. Moreover when entering via Global Entry you can choose between your Visas or VWP - which suggests it's valid to have both. At worst the CBP officer will ask you what you wish to use, and you can explain why you have a Visa in addition to ESTA.

Of course _if_ the B1 is valid and applicable for the intended trip I'd use that. My understanding of B1/B2 is that you'd be OK using it for tourism too, but I'm not a lawyer so do your own research. Certainly don't rely purely on any one anonymous persons' online opinion.

daKav

My folks always visit me on B2. CBP never had any issue with that.

radium_mask

Very simple answer to your question: get ESTA. It costs you five minutes on the website and 14 bucks and you are on the safe side.

I recently asked a very similar question to CBP and got the official answer that I must get ESTA if am not travelling for the exact purpose for which my visa was issued.