Exhibiting in the US as a Foreign Company

Visas for your booth staff

The State Department's Foreign Affairs Manual (2026) says "Employees of foreign exhibitors at international fairs or expositions… ordinarily are classified B-1", including people coming to plan, assemble, dismantle or work the exhibit. Limits: no employment in the US, and no salary from a US source. Employees of US exhibitors are not eligible for B-1 on this basis.

Travelers from the 42 Visa Waiver Program countries may come for business for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA instead of a visa.

Most large shows issue invitation letters for visa applications: CES 2026 from the exhibitor registration dashboard, NAB Show on request, SHOT Show 2027 via visa@shotshow.org.

Bringing your booth and products: ATA Carnet

An ATA Carnet is a customs document for temporary, duty-free import. US Customs (CBP) accepts carnets for "commercial samples, professional equipment and certain advertising materials", and CBP lists display panels, signs and backdrops as professional equipment.

Valid for one year from issue; in the US the guaranteeing association is the U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB). Foreign companies get their carnet from their own country's chamber.
Not covered: "Consumable items such as giveaways, agricultural products, and disposables", and merchandise for sale.
The US has not adopted the carnet category for exhibitions and fairs, so booth materials and products go on the carnet as professional equipment or commercial samples. Confirm with your chamber.

Other ways in: TIB and Trade Fair Entry

Temporary Importation under Bond (TIB): goods enter for export within one year (extendable to three), against a bond usually equal to double the duties; they may not be sold. If they are not exported, CBP can claim the bond.
Trade Fair Entry: duty-free entry of articles for exhibitions designated by the Secretary of Commerce; at these fairs goods may be sold, with duty paid on what stays.

Giveaways and goods for sale

Anything consumed, given away or sold in the US needs a normal import entry and pays duty. The importer of record is the owner, the purchaser or a licensed customs broker; a foreign company needs a US resident agent for the bond. Samples worth $1 or less each, or marked so they cannot be sold, enter duty free. Many shows name an official international freight forwarder and customs broker in the exhibitor manual (for example HD Expo 2025 in Las Vegas).

Paying and sales tax

US vendors charge sales tax based on where the goods are used, not on your nationality. Nevada: "Sales Tax must be paid by the lessee on all leased or rented tangible personal property." California applies a use tax on the lessee for leased goods, collected by the lessor. Card payments are the norm; some contractors also take ACH or wire transfers.

The simpler route: rent in the US

If the booth never crosses the border, there is nothing to declare. With BoothJet you book online in US dollars, pay by card, upload your graphics, and the booth is built at the show with union labor, drayage and power included, from $3,999. You bring your team and, if needed, products under a carnet. Sales tax for the show's state is shown before you pay.

Questions

What visa do I need to exhibit at a US trade show?

Usually a B-1 business visa, or ESTA if you are from a Visa Waiver Program country (stays up to 90 days). You may not be employed or paid by a US source.

Can I bring giveaways on an ATA Carnet?

No. CBP says consumables such as giveaways cannot travel under a carnet; they need a normal customs entry.

Do foreign companies pay US sales tax on booth rentals?

Yes, sales tax depends on where the rented goods are used, not on the buyer's country.

Rent a booth with one all-in price

Ready-made booths from $3,999: union labor, drayage, delivery, graphics and power included. See yours in 3D before you book.

See booths and prices What it costs Call +1 310 990 0327

Exhibiting at a US Trade Show as an International Company