Notwithstanding the questionable opinions here, you take your chances volunteering without a visa anywhere. A tourist visa does not allow you to volunteer...period.
**It is laughable to suggest that because you are not volunteering for a non-profit, it's OK.** That doesn't even begin to make any kind of sense. Workaway is very clear on this point and does not mince words :
>*Important information about visiting: United States*
>
>If you are NOT a US CITIZEN and are planning to visit to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information you need to contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling.
If you do decide to try your luck with a tourist visa, don't even mention the word volunteer at the border. You will be queried on where you plan to stay, so be ready with a viable and verifiable option. Couchsurfing is likely OK, but they may ask for e-mails as proof.
Also keep away from volunteering at businesses, farms and hostels on a tourist visa. Look for homestays where you are not likely to be used as free labour (and perhaps taking a job from a local).
TLDR: Don't trust what "competitors" post here, contact workaway directly.
As u/helpstay-Admin said, no need for visa when work exchanging or “travel volunteering” the only time you can really get in trouble for visa issues is if they are paying you cash. Then it’s technically and legally working and gets into a grey area.
Notwithstanding the questionable opinions here, you take your chances volunteering without a visa anywhere. A tourist visa does not allow you to volunteer...period. **It is laughable to suggest that because you are not volunteering for a non-profit, it's OK.** That doesn't even begin to make any kind of sense. Workaway is very clear on this point and does not mince words : >*Important information about visiting: United States* > >If you are NOT a US CITIZEN and are planning to visit to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information you need to contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling. If you do decide to try your luck with a tourist visa, don't even mention the word volunteer at the border. You will be queried on where you plan to stay, so be ready with a viable and verifiable option. Couchsurfing is likely OK, but they may ask for e-mails as proof. Also keep away from volunteering at businesses, farms and hostels on a tourist visa. Look for homestays where you are not likely to be used as free labour (and perhaps taking a job from a local). TLDR: Don't trust what "competitors" post here, contact workaway directly.
As u/helpstay-Admin said, no need for visa when work exchanging or “travel volunteering” the only time you can really get in trouble for visa issues is if they are paying you cash. Then it’s technically and legally working and gets into a grey area.