Country Guide
United States
Travel to United States safely and compliantly
Planning a workation in New York? Or a business trip to San Francisco or Chicago? Learn the essential information you and your employees need to work safely and compliantly while traveling in the United States, including working conditions, safety and health regulations, tax treaties, social security, and more.
Capital city
Washington, D.C.
Telephone code
+1
Official language
English
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time zone
UTC-5 to UTC-10 (multiple zones)
Social security compliance
When working remotely abroad, your employees may become subject to the social security system of the destination country, which means you, as an employer, would need to pay social security contributions accordingly. United States has entered into numerous bilateral social security agreements with various countries, available here, to eliminate dual social security taxation and ensure continuity of social security benefits for workers who divide their careers between multiple countries.
To ensure your employees remain compliant with these agreements, they must possess a valid Certificate of Coverage (CoC) obtained from the relevant local authorities. For WorkFlex users, the CoC is issued automatically after a trip request is submitted. Discover our solution for efficient social security risk mitigation here.
Tax compliance
United States has signed multiple bilateral tax treaties to prevent double taxation and encourage foreign investment, available here. Despite the existence of many tax treaties, the issue of Permanent Establishment remains a significant compliance concern for employers with employees temporarily working in United States, whether for a workation or a business trip. If a traveling employee is deemed to constitute a Permanent Establishment in the destination country, the employer may be required to register the company locally, allocate profits to the local business (branch), and file corporate taxes, leading to substantial administrative burdens.
To avoid this scenario, here are some key strategies:
If your employees are traveling for a workation, they should refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during the trip, as these activities could create binding authority that triggers PE status. Additionally, they should avoid visiting clients or any office, including the employer's local office in the destination country. Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risk for the employer related to permanent establishment.
If your employees travel for business, it may be impossible to refrain from the activities above. In this case, please make sure to document the temporary and specific nature of activities, ensure visiting employees do not habitually exercise contracting authority, and limit frequency and duration of presence in the destination country. Additionally, inform your (tax) compliance department of this matter, as PE risk assessment requires evaluation on a trip- and employee profile-specific basis considering factors such as employee seniority, role, authority, and duration of activities. If you and your organization are a WorkFlex user, this topic is covered through the WorkFlex platform.
Overriding local employment provisions
Employees traveling to United States are expected to comply with some basic local employment provisions that may be qualified as overriding, such as minimum salary standards. However, many business travelers may qualify for exemptions under FLSA provisions for executive, administrative, and professional employees. See the recent information on minimum wage requirements here.
Visa
To work legally while in another country, employees generally need a valid work title. It's important to keep in mind that the consequences of entering without the proper documentation can be significant for both the employee and the employer.
For those planning work-from-anywhere trips to United States, here's a quick overview:
- ESTA: Available for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries for tourism/business visits up to 90 days. Business activities are limited to meetings, negotiations, and consultations - no productive work or regular job duties.
- B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa: Required for nationalities not eligible for ESTA. Same work restrictions apply.
- Digital Nomad Visa: United States does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa program.
Need trip-specific visa information? Reach out to WorkFlex Visa Services
For those planning business trips to United States:
- ESTA: Available for eligible nationalities for business visits covering limited activities (meetings, negotiations, consultations). No productive work or regular employment duties permitted.
- B-1 Business Visitor Visa: Required for nationalities not eligible for ESTA. Covers narrowly defined business activities - no productive labor, project execution, or day-to-day operations.
- Work Visa Requirements: Activities not covered by ESTA/B-1 may require proper work authorization (H-1B, L-1, etc.).
Need trip-specific visa information? Reach out to WorkFlex Visa Services
Working hours
Most employees in the United States work from Monday to Friday, with a standard workweek consisting of 40 hours. The workday is typically running from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a lunch break of 30-60 minutes in between.
To remain compliant during your trip abroad, here are some suggestions to follow:
- Avoid working overtime: Regulations regarding overtime can differ significantly and may be much stricter compared to those in your home country.
- Refrain from working outside regular hours: The rules surrounding working outside regular hours may vary and could be stricter than in your home country.
- Do not work on weekends: If the weekend days differ from those in your home country, please avoid working on both your regular weekend days and the local weekend days.
Public holidays
Get information about specific public holiday dates for this year here.
- January 1: New Year's Day
- Third Monday in January: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Third Monday in February: Presidents' Day
- Last Monday in May: Memorial Day
- June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
- July 4: Independence Day
- First Monday in September: Labor Day
- Second Monday in October: Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
- Fourth Thursday in November: Thanksgiving Day
- December 25: Christmas Day
Depending on the region you're visiting, there may be additional region-specific public holidays. For more information about these holidays, please check here.
To comply with labor laws, please refrain from working on national or regional holidays during your trip. These days hold significant importance for locals and provide a great opportunity for you to blend in and celebrate with the community.
Working activities
When considering travel for work purposes—whether for a workation or a business trip—it is crucial to understand the implications of Permanent Establishment (PE) and associated tax risks. PE is a significant compliance concern for companies and can become costly due to the administrative burden if the compliance requirements for employees working abroad are not properly managed. To help mitigate these risks, here are a few guidelines to follow.
If you are traveling for a workation, please:
- Refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during your trip.
- Avoid visiting clients or any office, including your employer's local office in the destination country.
Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risks related to Permanent Establishment for your employer.
If you are a business traveller, it may be difficult to avoid the activities mentioned above. In this case, please ensure you inform your employer's compliance department about this matter. If you and your organization are WorkFlex users, this topic is addressed through the WorkFlex platform.
Data protection
Data protection is fundamentally about keeping our information safe from unauthorized access, breaches, theft, or damage. This responsibility is important for everyone, regardless of where they are working.
When employees work from abroad, data protection involves ensuring continued coverage and compliance with the data protection regulations of both the home country and the destination country. For data protection, the United States operates under a complex framework of federal sectoral laws including such acts as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for healthcare data, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) for financial information, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) for educational records, and others. Additionally, comprehensive state privacy laws now exist in 20+ states, led by the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), with similar laws in Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, and others.
The US regulatory approach is characterized as sectoral and fragmented, meaning data protection is governed by industry-specific federal laws combined with varying state comprehensive privacy statutes. These laws provide targeted protections with enforcement by multiple agencies and state attorneys general, creating a complex compliance landscape that differs significantly from unified frameworks like the GDPR, learn more about it here.
For WorkFlex users, a comprehensive list of data protection activities is available in the profile, but here are some general data protection guidelines to keep your data safe:
- Adhere to Your Company's Internal Data Policies: Familiarize yourself with and follow your organization’s specific data protection protocols.
- Use Secure Network Connections: Always connect through secure networks, especially when accessing sensitive information.
- Be Aware of Phishing: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts by verifying the authenticity of emails and messages before clicking on any links.
- Utilize Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Create complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
- Keep Your Devices in a Secure Location: Always store your devices in safe places to prevent unauthorized access.
- Lock Your Screen Whenever Applicable: Ensure your screen is locked when you're away from your device to protect your information.
Travel health insurance
When traveling to United States for work - whether for a short business trip or an extended workation - it's essential to have comprehensive health insurance coverage to ensure access to medical care.
For business trips, the employer typically arranges the employee's travel health insurance. However, for workations, these responsibilities can be less clear. WorkFlex takes care of travel health insurance for trips worldwide to ensure there are no costly consequences for either the employee or the employer if accidents occur while working abroad.
For travelers using WorkFlex
If you’re traveling with WorkFlex, comprehensive health insurance is automatically included if your employer has activated this feature. For more details, please refer to your trip request on the WorkFlex platform.
For other travelers
Ensure you have travel health insurance with worldwide coverage, whether for a workation or business trip, so that you can receive adequate medical treatment in case of an emergency.
Urgent safety information
For travellers using WorkFlex:
Please refer to your trip's risk assessment under the "Health and Security" dimension to review any urgent security information relevant to your travel.
For other travellers:
Please visit official authority websites to check for any current threats or urgent security advisories:
Security information
Terrorism
In recent years, terrorist attacks have been carried out repeatedly in the USA. The US government points to the possibility of further attacks and calls for particular caution. Given the current situation in Gaza and the Middle East, US authorities are currently warning of an increased risk of attacks in the USA.
To ensure your safety, please keep the following in mind:
- Always stay alert, especially in busy public spaces and during special events.
- Pay attention to suspicious bags or behavior, particularly on public transportation and in crowded areas.
- Follow the instructions of US security forces and report anything unusual.
- Stay informed by checking global security advisories.
Domestic political situation
American major cities are facing a nationwide increase in violent crime. There continues to be an elevated risk of politically motivated violence.
- Stay informed through local media.
- Avoid areas with crowds where violence might occur, keeping a wide distance.
- Follow instructions from local security forces.
Crime
Pickpocketing, muggings, and car break-ins occur in many urban centers across the USA. However, the risk varies greatly depending on the location and neighborhood within a major city. In poorer neighborhoods, risks for travelers increase especially after dark, as well as in some tourist areas and on public transportation.
In the USA, it's easy to obtain weapons, so gun violence occurs more frequently, with occasional mass shootings. The number of weapon and ammunition purchases has increased considerably recently.
To help ensure your safety, please consider the following tips:
- Be aware of your surroundings and stay informed through local news and police advisories.
- Keep your personal belongings secure, and if possible, store electronic copies or photos of important documents.
- Prefer cashless payments and carry only the necessary amount of cash for the day, avoiding unnecessary valuables.
- Stay especially vigilant in larger crowds, such as at airports, train stations, subways, and buses. Always keep an eye on your valuables.
- Avoid displaying valuables in your car and ensure it is always locked when unattended.
- Be cautious of unusual emails, phone calls, prize notifications, offers, and requests for help from supposed acquaintances. Verify credibility in person or contact the police if needed.
The United States has diverse climate zones due to its large geographic area:
Northeast
- Climate: Humid continental with four distinct seasons
- Summer temperatures: 70-85°F (21-29°C) highs, 50-60°F (10-16°C) lows
- Winter temperatures: 21-30°F (-6 to -1°C) average, with frequent snow and freezing rain
- Precipitation: 35-50 inches (90-125 cm) annually, distributed evenly throughout the year
- Weather patterns: Nor'easters common, bringing heavy rain/snow; high humidity in summer with frequent thunderstorms
- Seasonal highlights: Spectacular fall foliage, pleasant spring and autumn months
Southeast
- Climate: Humid subtropical with warm winters and hot, humid summers
- Summer temperatures: 85-95°F (29-35°C) highs with high humidity; heat index often exceeds 100°F
- Winter temperatures: 40-70°F (4-21°C), with occasional freezing in northern areas
- Hurricane season: June 1 - November 30, peak activity August-October
- Precipitation: Wet season May-October; winter and spring can be drier
- Weather patterns: Frequent thunderstorms, high humidity year-round, occasional winter ice storms
Midwest
- Climate: Humid continental with extreme seasonal temperature variations
- Summer temperatures: 80-90°F (27-32°C) highs, 60-70°F (16-21°C) lows
- Winter temperatures: 10-30°F (-12 to -1°C) highs, often below 0°F (-18°C) lows
- Temperature range: Can vary by 40-50°F (22-28°C) between day and night
- Precipitation: 30-40 inches (76-102 cm) annually; thunderstorms common in spring/summer
- Weather patterns: Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes (Tornado Alley), blizzards, ice storms
Southwest
- Climate: Desert and semi-arid with extreme temperature variations
- Summer temperatures: Regularly exceed 110°F (43°C), can reach 125°F+ (52°C+) in desert areas
- Winter temperatures: 40-70°F (4-21°C) during day, can drop to freezing at night
- Daily temperature swing: Up to 60°F (33°C) difference between day and night in dry periods
- Precipitation: Very low, 3-15 inches (8-38 cm) annually; summer monsoon season July-September
- Weather patterns: Intense dry heat, flash flooding during monsoons, occasional winter storms
West Coast
Northern Coast (Washington/Oregon): Oceanic climate
- Summer: 70-75°F (21-24°C) highs, 50-59°F (10-15°C) lows
- Winter: 40-45°F (4-7°C) highs, 30-38°F (-1-3°C) lows
- Wet winters, dry summers; frequent fog and overcast skies
California Coast: Mediterranean climate
- Summer: 70-80°F (21-27°C) highs, 60°F+ (16°C+) lows
- Winter: 50-65°F (10-18°C) highs, mid-40s°F (7°C) lows
- Dry summers, wet winters; mild year-round temperatures
Airports
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Location: New York City, New York
- When to use: Major international gateway for East Coast, extensive international connections
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- When to use: Primary West Coast hub, major gateway for Asia-Pacific routes
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- When to use: Major Midwest hub, extensive domestic and international connections
While these airports handle the most passenger traffic, many other airports are available in each state. Be sure to check for the nearest airport to your specific destination.
Train stations
Union Station (Washington, D.C.)
Main connections: Northeast Corridor services to New York, Boston, Philadelphia
Penn Station (New York City)
Main connections: Northeast Corridor, Long Island Rail Road, New Jersey Transit
Union Station (Chicago)
Main connections: Major hub for cross-country and regional Amtrak services
Ride-hailing services
- Uber
- Lyft
Public transportation
Major cities
- New York City: Subway, buses, ferries, commuter rail
- San Francisco: BART, Muni buses and light rail, ferries
- Chicago: CTA buses and rail, Metra commuter rail
- Washington, D.C.: Metro rail and bus system
Regional transport
- Amtrak intercity rail services
- Greyhound and regional bus networks