United States entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
British passport holders need a visa to visit the US for tourism or business. You must apply for an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a B-1/B-2 visa before you travel. As of 2026, the ESTA is the standard option for short visits up to 90 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application B-1/B-2 visa required | You need a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa before traveling to the US. Apply at a US embassy or consulate in the UK — the online DS-160 form is at ceac.state.gov. Expect an in-person interview and processing time of 2–4 weeks.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your UK passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by US law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a return ticket or a ticket to a third country ready — if you don't have one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Immigration officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host with their US address ready. Not always checked, but saves time if asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Carry bank statements or credit card statements showing sufficient funds for your trip length. No fixed amount is required, but have evidence ready. | Recommended |
ESTA is not a visa — don't overstay
Overstaying your 90-day limit, even by a day, can result in a ban from the Visa Waiver Program and future visa applications. Set a reminder to leave before day 90.
ESTA application timing
Apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before your flight. While many are approved instantly, some take up to 72 hours. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have approval.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ESTA online
Go to the official ESTA website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov). Fill in your passport details, travel plans, and answer security questions. Pay the $21 fee with a credit card. You'll get a confirmation email. Do this at least 72 hours before your flight.
2
Check your passport validity
Make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity left from the day you plan to enter the US. If it's close, renew it before applying for ESTA.
3
Book your return ticket and accommodation
Book a return or onward flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep the confirmations handy on your phone or printed.
4
Arrive at the airport and check in
At check-in, the airline will verify your ESTA approval and passport. They may ask for your return ticket. Have your ESTA approval number ready.
5
Go through US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
On arrival at a US airport (e.g., JFK, LAX), follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Visitors'. Present your passport and ESTA. The officer will ask about your trip purpose, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer clearly and concisely. They may take your photo and fingerprints.
6
Collect your luggage and exit
After CBP, collect your checked bags from the carousel. If you have nothing to declare, go through the green channel. You're now in the US.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityTypically 10 years from issue
Cost$185 USD (approx. £150)
Allows longer stays than ESTA; requires in-person interview at US embassy.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityTypically 10 years from issue
Cost$185 USD (approx. £150)
Same as single entry but permits multiple visits within validity.
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
Max stayUp to 90 days per visit
Validity2 years or until passport expiry
Cost$21 USD (approx. £17)
No visa required for tourism/business stays under 90 days. Must apply online.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 renewal)
$460–$1,500+ USD (filing fees + premium processing)
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Employer-sponsored, annual cap applies. Allows eventual green card path.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60-day grace period
$350 USD (SEVIS fee) + $185 USD (visa fee)
For full-time academic study at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (green card)
$1,050,000–$1,800,000 USD minimum investment
For investors who invest in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. High capital requirement but leads to citizenship.
Apply digital nomad visa
No specific digital nomad visa
N/A
N/A
The US does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use ESTA (90 days) or B1/B2 visa (up to 6 months) but cannot work for a US employer.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)Mandatory for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program. Valid for 2 years or until passport expiry. | $21 USD (approx. £17) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Standard nonimmigrant visa application fee. Single entry typically valid for up to 10 years. | $185 USD (approx. £150) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; multiple entries allowed during visa validity. | $185 USD (approx. £150) |
| Stay extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission. Processing takes months. | $370 USD (approx. £300) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to visa revocation and future inadmissibility. No fixed daily rate. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD depending on duration |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to UK30%
Incomplete or inaccurate application25%
Previous overstay or violation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders transiting through the US generally need a visa or ESTA, even for airside transit, because the US does not have a formal transit without visa (TWOV) program for most nationalities. However, under the Visa Waiver Program, ESTA is sufficient for transit.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without additional authorization.
- Citizens of certain countries (not UK) may qualify for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program under specific conditions.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme disease (tick-borne)Moderate risk
Common in northeastern and upper midwestern states; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virus (mosquito-borne)Low risk
Present nationwide, especially summer; use mosquito repellent.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Risk from undercooked food or unpasteurized dairy; choose reputable eateries.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Potomac Service Center
2200 Potomac Center Drive, Arlington, VA 22201
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extension applications (Form I-539) by mail; no walk-in service for extensions.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For in-person appointments only (e.g., biometrics). Extensions must be filed by mail.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need a traditional visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. You need an ESTA authorization, which is an online application. It costs $21 and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. Apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
Under the Visa Waiver Program, you can stay up to 90 days per visit. You cannot extend this stay or switch to another visa status while in the US. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa before travelling.
If your ESTA is denied, you cannot travel under the Visa Waiver Program. You'll need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US embassy in London. This involves an interview, a $185 fee, and processing can take several weeks. Plan ahead.
No. ESTA is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short courses (under 18 hours per week). You cannot work for a US employer or study at a US institution. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa (e.g., H-1B, F-1).
Carry your valid passport with the ESTA approval, your return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or friend's address), and evidence of sufficient funds (credit card or bank statement). A printed copy of your ESTA approval is helpful but not required.
Your ESTA is linked to your passport number. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new ESTA. The old one is invalid. Always renew your passport before applying for ESTA if it's close to expiring.
Yes, you can enter the US via land borders from Canada or Mexico with a valid ESTA. The same 90-day limit applies. Make sure your ESTA is still valid and you have your passport. The border officer may ask similar questions as at an airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.