Most international visitors to Apex Defence travel to the United States on either an approved ESTA or a B-1 business visitor visa. Nationals of the 40-plus Visa Waiver Program countries — including the United Kingdom, most EU states, Australia, Japan and South Korea — apply online for ESTA at least 72 hours before departure; the authorisation is valid for two years and costs about USD 21–23 per approved application. All other nationalities need a B-1 visa, applied for at a U.S. embassy or consulate with a supporting letter from the employer, a show registration confirmation and evidence of funds; the non-refundable application fee is USD 185 and interview queues commonly run 4–12 weeks, so start the process at least three months ahead. Defence-sector visitors should expect additional screening, carry printed documentation and avoid travelling with controlled technical data. Business visitors may be admitted for up to six months under B-1 status; ESTA admissions are normally 90 days.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
