Contracting for EU company - visiting US

[BlasterBates]

The OP can tell them what they like. That's missing the point entirely. The OP was perfectly justified in asking this question and, despite the minimal risk of getting caught (I think I said quite clearly that there's a degree of common sense here and also a small risk of getting caught), the consequences are significant. Also, HR/contracts at the client will be absolutely clueless about the terms of the VWP; they may make the OP feel good that a bunch of people have done it before, but consultancy work isn't allowed, so it's better the OP knows the boundaries in advance.

You're right there is a theoretical risk, but personally, I think there's a much greater risk of being in a plane crash on the way over.

Nothing is risk free I think you need though to be pragmatic, the alternative would be to turn the contract down or arrange to see a very expensive lawyer that wll charge several hundred dollars and tell you there is a theoretical risk.

My advice is go ahead and not worry. I did read about the consequences and the worst you would fear would be a travel ban for 5 years.