USA entry requirements for travellers from the United Kingdom
Visa requirement summary
British passport holders do not need a US visa for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. The United Kingdom is a member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which means UK nationals can travel to the United States using ESTA — an online electronic authorisation — instead of applying for a visa.
Under the VWP, UK citizens can stay in the United States for up to 90 days per visit. You cannot extend this stay or change to a different immigration status while in the US on VWP admission.
ESTA — the Electronic System for Travel Authorization
ESTA is not a visa. It is an electronic authorisation that VWP travellers must obtain before boarding a US-bound flight or arriving at a land or sea port of entry. You apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov — the only official site. Third-party services that charge more than the government fee are not official.
The fee is $40.27 per person (raised from $21 in September 2025). This breaks down as a $4.00 processing fee charged regardless of outcome, and a $36.27 authorisation fee charged only if approved. Payment is by credit or debit card.
Once approved, your ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During that period you can make multiple trips to the US without reapplying.
Apply at least 72 hours before travel, though earlier is better. Most applications are approved within minutes; a small number are processed over several days. An approved ESTA does not guarantee admission — CBP officers at the port of entry make the final decision.
How long you can stay
VWP entry allows a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. There is no set minimum time you must spend outside the US between visits, but CBP officers can question travellers who arrive frequently or who appear to be living in the US without the correct visa. The 90 days cannot be extended.
Passport requirements
Your passport must be biometric (containing a chip) — this is a VWP requirement. All modern UK passports issued since 2006 are biometric. Your passport must also be valid for the duration of your intended stay; the US has a bilateral agreement with the UK under which British citizens do not need the standard six-month additional validity — your passport only needs to cover your travel dates. That said, having several months of additional validity is still advisable to avoid any complications at check-in.
Proof of funds
There is no published minimum financial requirement for VWP travellers to the US. CBP officers may ask how you intend to fund your trip. Having a return flight booked and a bank card or statement available is good practice.
Onward or return travel
You should hold a confirmed return or onward flight booking when you arrive. CBP officers sometimes ask for this, and airlines may require it at check-in.
Applying for ESTA
Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before you travel. You will need your biometric passport details, a credit or debit card, and answers to standard eligibility questions (criminal history, health, previous visa refusals). Do not use third-party websites — they charge significantly more for the same process.
Health requirements
There are no vaccination requirements for UK citizens entering the United States.
Other entry requirements
The VWP is for tourism, business meetings, short study, and similar temporary purposes. It does not permit employment, paid work, or long-term stays. If you plan to work in the US, a separate work visa is required.
Travellers who have visited certain countries (including Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen after 2011, or who hold dual nationality with these countries) are not eligible for ESTA and must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa instead.
FAQs
Do UK citizens need a visa for the USA?
No. British passport holders travel under the Visa Waiver Program using ESTA, not a visa. Apply for ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before travel.
How much does ESTA cost?
$40.27 per person (as of September 2025), paid online during the application. The processing portion ($4.00) is non-refundable; the authorisation portion ($36.27) is only charged on approval.
How long can I stay in the USA on ESTA?
Up to 90 days per visit. This cannot be extended.
How long is ESTA valid?
Two years from the approval date, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. Multiple trips are allowed during this period.
Can I work in the USA on ESTA?
No. The VWP and ESTA are for tourism and short business visits only. Working requires a work visa.
What if I’ve visited a country that makes me ineligible for ESTA?
If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Cuba, or Venezuela since 2011 (or hold dual nationality with one of these countries), you are not eligible for ESTA. Apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US Embassy instead.