Hi, American here.
My Japanese spouse and I are planning on visiting the states this winter, and some very benevolent family members offered to take us to Mexico with them as well, while we're on that side of the ocean.
He's ESTA eligible. We won't be able to get any other visa before we leave, we are established in Japan, I have Japanese residency, and we are not seeking anything longer than a tourist visa to the US at this point.
From what I've found out, the ESTA visa is 90 days, but 'over a two year period' is mentioned a lot.
Is there any way he can arrive in the US, we go to Mexico for three weeks, and come back to the States without that time counting toward the 90 day ESTA limit? If not, we might want to fly directly from Japan to Mexico.
I'm seeking some clarity on how ESTA actually works. He applies 72 hours in advance and can enter the States for 90 days, but what would happen if he left? Also, is there a transit visa I don't know about?
We are already aware of Covid regulations and restrictions, so that's not what I'm asking about.
We are farmer people who don't travel a lot, so this is exciting but rather mysterious for us. Any insight is much appreciated, thank you! I know you're not lawyers, but any hints would be great!
EDIT: because we don't have the means to travel between the two countries and because this is the off-season for us, I was hoping to be able to be in the states together for as long as we can (90 days) to economize on the experience. So romantic, I know.
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/immigration/comments/pvphql/esta_visa_going_to_the_us_and_mexico/