Working while on holiday

[businessowner350]

Hi Everyone,

If I were to go to the USA for a holiday (using the Visa Waiver Program), strictly speaking, is it illegal for me to run my business back at home from my laptop in my hotel room?

I'm guessing it is, as the US government's site specifically says that you're not allowed to run a business using the Visa Waiver Program. However I'm not sure if this is related to running a US business.

Thanks

 

[RadiusBPO]

How would they ever know??

 

[businessowner350]

How would they ever know??

I guess.

However it's best that I just relax and not do any work. Just to keep on the right side of the law

I'm not planning a trip anytime soon anyways

 

[Rebecca May]

Of course you can run your own business at home from a lap top in your hotel room - there are thousands of business people visiting US on holiday that can't just leave their businesses and keep working a few hours per day to keep on top of things....
However, it is wise to find our how things work outside Europe. You may be better off contacting a specialist visa company to advice you before applying for your visa. They can also help you getting your application right, particularly for some counties where it can be very tricky, like India.

 

[businessowner350]

Of course you can run your own business at home from a lap top in your hotel room - there are thousands of business people visiting US on holiday that can't just leave their businesses and keep working a few hours per day to keep on top of things....
However, it is wise to find our how things work outside Europe. You may be better off contacting a specialist visa company to advice you before applying for your visa. They can also help you getting your application right, particularly for some counties where it can be very tricky, like India.

Wow. The above post is either SPAM, or someone who just didn't read my first post.

To give you the benefit of the doubt:

• The USA is not in India, so your link, in my opinion, is useless
• Us folk here in the UK are allowed to visit the USA without getting a VISA, using the Visa Waiver Programme.
• But thank you for your "common sense" approach to the topic in hand. However, as we all know, laws don't always follow common sense.

 

[Consultant sea]

Hi Businessowner350

They would have no real way of policing this or finding out if you where working as such. If is was a problem I would assume all the people who travel and take a work call or call a work colleague to check on business are in the same boat. It would be different if you where holding meetings in the hotel with prospective clients etc but running your business for a few hours from your phone/laptop while on holiday would be fine. I've done it many times (USA and Canada) as I would think lots of people here have.

It's hard to detach and take a break these days!

 

[businessowner350]

Hi Businessowner350

They would have no real way of policing this or finding out if you where working as such. If is was a problem I would assume all the people who travel and take a work call or call a work colleague to check on business are in the same boat. It would be different if you where holding meetings in the hotel with prospective clients etc but running your business for a few hours from your phone/laptop while on holiday would be fine. I've done it many times (USA and Canada) as I would think lots of people here have.

It's hard to detach and take a break these days!

Actually, believe it or not, you are allowed to have business meetings in the USA using the Visa Waiver Programme, as it allows B1+B2 travel.

Indeed, it is hard to get a break these days

 

[td2011]

My goodness you can break laws without even realising these days. Maybe it's because they're ridiculous. Maybe the law should be that you're not allowed to work whilst away on holiday.

 

[chiazor007]

I also think you should enjoy your holiday instead of working yourself out