The US ESTA Visa helps you plan your Business trip to San Francisco

With the US ESTA Visa or ESTA Visa USA  – San Francisco Business Travel 

The ESTA Visa USA application for your US ESTA Visa for business travelers – Before heading out for your business venture to San Francisco, you’ll have to arrange for your US Visa. Instead of a conventional US Visa, you might consider opting for a US ESTA Visa – No matter, if you are an entrepreneur, or work for a large corporation or just want to come on vacation to Portland, those formalities have to be taken care of. You’ll either need a regular USA Visa or an ESTA Visa. You can find the online ESTA application form here. Welcome to our  US ESTA Visa travel guide for Portland Oregon. “ESTA” stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorisation. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security manages the VWP which issues the ESTA Visa USA.

The US ESTA Visa application

You can complete your US ESTA application here on this website in minutes, and receive an ESTA USA Visa by email within hours. An ESTA USA Visa will be valid for 2 years and allow for multiple entries into the United States. A regular USA Visa means that you will have to pay a visit to the US Embassy to apply and it will take many days or weeks for the process to complete. So, instead of a conventional US Visa, complete the US ESTA application online here and be on your way to San Francisco within hours.

ESTA Visa (ESTA visa online) instead of a standard US Visa 

The ESTA online Guide for San Francisco

Planning a business trip to San Francisco? Here you’ll find your online ESTA application. 

Until the middle of the 18th century, indigenous people inhabited San Francisco. Only in 1769 did the Spaniards see the area and colonized it. The region ceased to be Spanish territory when, in 1821, Mexico declared independence and took San Francisco with it. The area only became a part of US territory in 1869, during the Sierra Nevada gold rush and a major population boom. Nowadays, Frisco, as locals call it, carries this tendency to grow and innovate but in a different way. 

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Silicon Valley

It is impossible to talk about business trips and not mention Silicon Valley. Located in the south of the San Francisco Bay Area, IT professionals call this region the cradle of technology and innovation. Huge multinational companies such as Google, Facebook, and Apple chose this part of the planet as their home. But it is not only tech giants that reside here. And with such a thriving community, opportunities for smaller start-ups to grow their ideas and become businesses are also abundant. Therefore, it is no surprise that California attracts so many traveling entrepreneurs. 

Qualified professionals, access to investment, vibrant entrepreneurial culture, beautiful landscape, and pleasant climate. These elements alone entice any IT traveler to San Francisco. For British entrepreneurs, in particular, the destination is even more appealing: The currency is weaker, the language is the same, and direct flights leave from the UK daily. 

Considering California as your next business destination? Here you can find all you need to know before embarking on an executive trip to San Francisco. 

ESTA Visa (ESTA visa online) instead of a standard US Visa 

With ESTA Visa online flying from the United Kingdom to San Francisco

After LAX, San Francisco Int’l is the second busiest airport in California and the seventh in America. Besides welcoming visitors from all over the world, SFO also works as a gateway to the tech region of Silicon Valley. Traveling entrepreneurs from the United Kingdom have plenty of options to choose from when flying to San Fran. Most flights depart from London Heathrow and take 11 hours to reach SFO. Companies such as Virgin, British Airways, and Air France operate regularly, offering direct and 1 or 2-stop flights. Economy fares start from $200 for a single and $350 for a return. Business-class tickets range between $900 and $1200 for a one-way, and $2500 and $4500 for a return. Many business flights have stopovers in Europe, as do first-class fares. BA offers return tickets from LHR for $5500, whereas singles can cost as much as $15000.

• Getting to/from the airport

 

San Francisco International Airport lies roughly 22km south of Union Square. The city offers good transportation options, so it is easy to get to/from the center. Among the alternatives is BART, the city’s public transport system. To reach the airport station you will need to head to International Departure Terminal, Area G. AirTrain offers free transportation inside the airport. Trains run every 15 minutes and take just 30 minutes to reach Downtown. Main stations include Civic Center, Powell Station, Montgomery Street, and Embarcadero. Travelers can also opt for a shared van service. The individual fare is around US$ 17 and the van drops passengers off at the hotel door. Alternatively, a taxi ride to Union Square, for example, will set you back roughly US$ 45. For those who wish more freedom of movement, it is also possible to rent a car at the airport.

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• SFO Lounges

 

San Francisco International Airport houses many lounges, from basic to top-end. Those traveling on business will find an array of options to either rest before another flight or prepare the next meeting. Most lounges offer complimentary beverages, workstations, and free WiFi. But there are those which bring comfort and business support to the next level.

Below are our two favorite SFO lounges for executive travelers.

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• Emirates Lounge

On the ground level of International Terminal A sits one of SFO’s most-acclaimed lounges – the Emirates Lounge. Despite its lack of viewpoints, this lounge boasts an elegant design that matches its service. Plants and flowers decorate and section the main room, helping to create a sense of privacy. When it comes to food and beverage, Emirates takes the lead among most airlines. Travelers can dive into a vast selection of gourmet, hot and cold dishes, desserts, soft drinks, and even champagne. Shower suites and bathrooms feature luxurious decor as well as free shaving kits and toothbrushes. Those traveling for work may use the facility’s printers, self-service PCs, and high-speed WiFi. To gain access to the lounge, however, passengers must be flying with Emirates. 

 

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• American Express The Centurion Lounge

 

Located on Terminal 3, the Centurion Lounge welcomes holders of Platinum and Centurion cards free of charge. Other travelers can also purchase access to this facility, which makes it highly popular among international flyers. Another aspect that enhances the lounge’s popularity is the modern design. Hardwood floors cover the ground, tall glass windows surround the facade, and leather chairs provide guests with plenty of comforts. All seats have power outlets, from the couches to the large communal table. Daybeds and luxurious shower suits also come with access, as does the exquisite customer service. However, the Michelin-star, open kitchen remains the highlight of The Centurion. Guests may indulge in a selection of salads, entrées, desserts, and top-notch mains. And those traveling on business can get work done while trying some of the bar’s signature cocktails. 

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The ESTA Visa online – San Francisco Business Hotels

Choosing where to stay in San Francisco is relatively easy. However, as with any tourist destination, it is important to plan. There are plenty of hotels, but there are also plenty of visitors looking for a place to stay. So do not leave the task of booking accommodation to the last minute. You run the risk of paying either paying more than usual or not finding vacancies.

Many business travelers opt for renting apartments instead of staying in hotels. This will give you more freedom to choose the location. Neighborhoods like Mission District, Nob Hill, Haight Ashbury, Hayes Valley, North Beach, and Castro are quiet and great for living like a local. But in general, San Francisco is extremely safe. So prioritize a place with good access to public transport and you can go anywhere in the city. 

We prepared a selection of four of the best business hotels in San Fran. These are top-quality accommodation, with plenty of work-related amenities and a strong clientele of traveling executives. 

• Stanford Court (4 Stars)

 

Not far from the popular neighborhood of Embarcadero lies this 4-star accommodation. Situated in the heart of Nob Hill, many company’s headquarters also surround the hotel, making it ideal for traveling entrepreneurs. But Stanford Court attracts executive travelers for reasons beyond its location. The building features several work areas, from communal tables to hot desks. The hotel also offers designated areas and rooms for meetings and small events, all supplied with designer furniture. When the workday is over guest can enjoy a locally-brewed beer at the hotel bar with views of Bay Bridge. 

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• Hotel Kabuki (4 Stars)

 

The Kabuki is a great option for those who wish to unwind after a hard day of work. Situated in Japantown, it neighbors a spa of the same name. Due to its location, guests don’t have to go far to find great Japanese cuisine. Whether you need to grab a quick bite before an event or conduct a business meeting, options abound. Within the hotel, guests have access to a fully-equipped, modern, and tranquil workspace in the lobby. Kabuki’s relaxing atmosphere spreads through the garden and its koi pond, all the way to the bar and its craft beer.

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• ESTA Visa online favorite – Four Seasons (5 Stars)

The Four Seasons justifies its 5 stars by its excellent service and high-end amenities. Work facilities include a deluxe co-working area in the lobby and a lounge with benches and sofas on the fifth floor. All rooms feature high-speed WiFi and there are power outlets in almost every wall and table. If you want to hit the gym, the hotel provides guests with a free pass to a modern fitness club. Passes also include yoga classes, spa, and use of a basketball court. For meals, guests will find a huge variety of restaurants and cafes within walking distance. This is the ideal option for executives who will spend a lot of time outside or running between meetings. 

 

• The Battery (5 Star)

 

Probably the most tech-oriented hotel in San Francisco, The Battery remains the best alternative for those who want to network. Once you have stayed here you become a ‘resident guest’ and can enjoy access to all hotel facilities. This status also brings you closer to the city’s creative community, as the hotel organizes exclusive events regularly. While the bar runs a no-devices policy, guests will find space and atmosphere to work in the library. Location-wise, The Battery lies within walking distance from the Financial District and the waters of the San Francisco Bay. First-timers should consider staying here to get a better feel for the city and its entrepreneurial culture.

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ESTA Visa online – Business Fairs in San Francisco

As one of the world’s major tech hubs, San Francisco has a busy event schedule. There are several venues throughout the city that organize everything from workshops to conferences and trade shows. No matter when or where you go in Frisco, it smells of innovation. And with such an active community of creators and entrepreneurs, it becomes the ideal destination to network.

We prepared a selection of the three most active fairs in San Francisco. 

• IBM Think

 

As a massive four-day conference, IBM Think gathers thousands of people to discuss the latest innovations in business and technology. This yearly event invites dozens of speakers, ranging from artists to CEOs, to share their insights into the tech world. But most of all, the event focuses on allowing participants to network. It is a chance to use current knowledge to talk about the future. The event takes place at the Moscone Center, the largest complex in San Francisco. 

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• GDC (Game Developers Conference)

 

The Game Developers Conference is one of the largest events of the kind in the world. It takes place every year in mid-March at the Moscone Center. Through panel discussions and lectures, industry leaders and innovators talk about the present and the future of gaming. Organizers encourage everyone from designers to producers and business leaders to attend the fair and network. Moreover, major tech companies such as Google, Sony, and Amazon showcase their latest services and tools at the GDC Expo.

• Music Expo

 

Currently in its 7th edition, Music Expo San Francisco takes place every November at the SAE Expression College. This is a one-day event put together for the music community as a whole. Similar to its Miami and Nashville counterparts, the focus is to showcase new trends in the music industry. Besides presentations and workshops, attendees can try out new technologies and network with experts and like-minded people.

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ESTA Visa online shows – Top Executive Restaurants in San Francisco

To experience San Francisco is to dive deep into the delicious Californian cuisine. Yet, flavors go beyond the classic American menu. The influence of immigrants brought recipes from around the world to the city. Each slope holds irresistible surprises. Cafes, bistros, osterias, farmer’s markets, sushi bars, taquerias, and wine bars serve simple yet gourmet dishes that excel in quality.

Neighborhoods and ethnic strongholds invite travelers to experiment. For those looking for Asian flavors, head to Chinatown and Japantown. There, you will find Thai, Cambodian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and even Singaporean. Another great ethnic center lies in North Beach, also known as Little Italy.  For Latin flavors, such as Mexican cuisine, explore the Mission District.

With so much variety, it is impossible for those traveling for work to resist dining out. So we have compiled a shortlist of executive restaurants in San Francisco to either eat alone or conduct meetings.

 

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• Tartine Manufactory (Medium Level)

 

A former warehouse, the Tartine Manufactory underwent renovations that turned it into an elegant bistro-style cafe. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes and products to suit every meal. It works in a self-service system. In the morning, the bakery lures passers-by with their signature bread and baked goods. At lunchtime, a light yet refined menu may be combined with their selection of wines. For dessert, choose from their ice-cream buffet and for dinner don’t hesitate to try the lamb ragout. Both the ambiance and the variety of the menu make this a great alternative for informal meet-ups. 

• Spruce (Medium Level)

 

Spruce exhales sophistication. The restaurant’s interior design features a well-balanced and minimalistic decor, consequently granting it the inviting atmosphere it is known for. It is a classy place, furnished with leather seats, mirrors, and paintings. Its neat decoration reflects on the dishes. Boasting the best of Californian cuisine, the chef’s focus is both on taste and presentation. An all-around favorite is the roasted duck breast with roasted pears and beets. And to accompany the food, the bar offers a selection of signature cocktails. It is worth considering Spruce for more formal dinners with clients. 

 

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• Pearl 6101 (Medium Level)

 

Pearl is the ideal place to immerse yourself in San Francisco’s vibrant food scene. Once a laundromat, the building gave way to one of the city’s trendiest restaurants after its renovation. It works as a bistro, offering customers a Mediterranean menu with wood-fire oven dishes and delicious desserts. Those who try the carrot soup with berbere spice place it as the highlight of the place. When it comes to drinks, the Pearls is famous for its Oakland gin martini. Similarly to the Tartine Manufactory, this restaurant is suitable for informal occasions. 

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• Angler (Top Level)

 

Little needs to be said about Angler. Esquire Magazine elected this place the best restaurant in the United States in 2018. And even though the view of the bay remains the same, the quality of the food continues to improve. Michelin-star chef Joshua Skenes serves a wide variety of refined and well-presented dishes. But since this is a seaside restaurant, it is natural they specialize in seafood. Yet, among platters and sea urchin, you will also find rabbit meat and even tartare antelope. A fine-dining experience reserved for special occasions.

• Petit Crenn (Top Level)

 

Small but cozy, Petit Crenn boasts a French-inspired interior design similar to its older sibling, Atelier Crenn. Chef and owner, Dominique Crenn, creates a light, bistro-style menu that matches the decor of the place. A native of Brittany, France, she attained three Michelin stars for her first restaurant. Here, the influence of Breton cuisine continues to be visible in every dish. Besides the sophisticated menu, the restaurant prides itself in the wine and cider selection. Despite the elegance, a tranquil aura surrounds the dining room. A great choice for all sorts of gatherings, business or not. 

 

As the second-most densely populated American city after NYC, San Francisco has become more than a major holiday destination. The sun and Californian vibes remain, but it is now a world-renowned business hub. Throughout the current boom in the IT industry, opportunities will no doubt continue to emerge. And with a lower cost of living than London, British entrepreneurs should keep an eye out for the next flight to SFO.

 

 

 

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