If you are traveling from the UK to the USA and meet all of the following criteria, then you will need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization):((U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (n.d). Official ESTA Application Website. (n.d.). Esta.cbp.dhs.gov. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta))
- British Citizen: You hold a valid British Citizen passport (This applies to all categories of British Citizen – British Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC), British Overseas (BO), British Subject, Protected Person).
- Visa Waiver Program: Your purpose of travel is for tourism (B-2 visa) or business (B-1 visa) and you are enrolled in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
- Trip Duration: Your stay in the USA is 90 days or less.
ESTA is only valid for travel by air or sea via commercial carriers participating in the VWP. If you are traveling by private plane or other non-VWP-approved carrier, you will need a visa.
If you want to travel to the United States quickly, let Visas for Future help you with your travel documents. Our team of experts will ensure a smooth and hassle-free application for your United States journey.
What We’re Offering
If you are a United Kingdom citizen who wants to travel to the United States, you need a US ESTA.We offer a service to help process your U.S. ESTA application. After your application is approved, we will deliver it straight to your mailbox in 24 hours. It is an authoritative and automated system that can only be used for business or pleasure purposes.
- Valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Multiple-entry.((U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (n.d) Official ESTA Application Website. Esta.cbp.dhs.gov. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta))
- 90 days per entry.((U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2024). Official ESTA Application Website. Dhs.gov. Retrieved March 9, 2024. <https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta>))
- $46.82.
- ESTA is not a visa.
- One (1) business day processing time.
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Our visa forms are easy and simple.
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Travel requirements
- Valid Passport: Your British passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in the USA. While the US allows a passport validity extension for UK citizens, it’s best practice to have at least six (6) months of validity remaining to avoid any issues.((U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (n.d). Official ESTA Application Website. Esta.cbp.dhs.gov. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta))
- Onward Travel: CBP officers may ask about your onward travel plans.
Entry permits
Technically, for most UK citizens traveling to the US, an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) functions as an entry permit, not a visa.((U.S. Customs and Border Protection (n.d). Official ESTA Application Website. Esta.cbp.dhs.gov. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta)) Here’s why:
- Visa Waiver Program (VWP): The UK participates in the VWP, which allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the US for short stays (typically tourism or business) without a full visa application process.
- ESTA vs. Visa: An ESTA is a much simpler electronic authorization compared to a formal visa application. It’s quicker and less expensive to obtain.
However, if your situation doesn’t meet the requirements for VWP travel, then you would need a traditional US Visa. Here are some scenarios where a visa would be required:
- Length of Stay: Your trip to the US exceeds 90 days.
- Travel Purpose: Your reason for travel falls outside the B-1/B-2 visa category (business/tourism) covered by ESTA. This could include reasons like studying, working, or medical treatment.
- Inadmissible Circumstances: If you have a criminal record or other factors that could make you inadmissible to the US, you would likely need to apply for a visa and go through a more thorough application process.
Visa regulations
Here’s a breakdown of the visa regulations for UK citizens traveling to the USA:
Visa Waiver Program (VWP):
The majority of UK citizens can take advantage of the VWP, which allows for visa-free travel under certain conditions.
- Eligibility:
- You hold a valid British Citizen passport (This applies to all categories of British Citizens).
- Your purpose of travel is for tourism (B-2 visa) or business (B-1 visa).
- Your stay in the USA is 90 days or less.
Visa Requirements:
If your travel plans fall outside the VWP guidelines, you will need to apply for a traditional US visa. Here are some scenarios where a visa is necessary:
- Length of Stay: Your trip to the US exceeds 90 days.
- Travel Purpose: Your reason for travel falls outside the B-1/B-2 visa category (business/tourism) covered by ESTA. This could include studying, working, or medical treatment.
- Inadmissible Circumstances: If you have a criminal record or other factors that could make you inadmissible to the US, you would likely need to apply for a visa and go through a more thorough application process.
Documentation necessary for their trip
The documentation a UK citizen needs for their trip to the US depends on whether they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or need a visa.
Traveling under the VWP (ESTA):
- Valid British Passport: The passport must be valid for the duration of their intended stay in the US, with a validity of at least six (6) months recommended to avoid any issues.
- Approved ESTA: You must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online before departure.
Traveling with a Visa:
- Valid British Passport: Same requirement as above.
- Valid US Visa: The type of visa required depends on the specific purpose of travel (work, study, etc.).
- Supporting Documents: The specific documents needed will vary depending on the visa type but may include proof of financial support, invitation letters, or enrollment documents.
Additional Considerations:
- Onward Travel: Having a confirmed return ticket can be helpful for entry purposes.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Click on “Get United States ESTA now”
Step 2: Fill out the order form.
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Nationality
- Travel date
Step 3: Pay the ESTA fee using a debit or credit card.
- Review your application details and proceed to payment.
Step 4: Answer intake forms correctly.
- Personal details
- Passport information
- Additional travel details.
Step 5: Upload the required documents.
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport biographical page (JPEG or JPG format).
Step 6: Submit application
- Carefully review your information once more and submit it.
Step 7: Receive your US ESTA.
- If approved, you’ll receive your US ESTA via email in 24 hours.
- Print the US ESTA and carry it with you during your travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you travel to the US without an ESTA?
Traveling to the US from the UK without an ESTA if required can lead to:
1. Denied boarding: Airlines may deny boarding if you don’t have an ESTA.
2. Delays or Denied Entry: CBP officers have authority to deny entry and potentially require return travel.
What is the equivalent of ESTA in the UK?
The UK doesn’t have an equivalent to ESTA. ESTA is specific to the US Visa Waiver Program for travel to the USA. The UK uses a visa system for most visitors.
Can I travel from the USA to the UK without a visa?
Yes, if you are a US citizen traveling to the UK for pleasure or business for less than 6 months, you can visit visa-free. You won’t need an ESTA equivalent.
How quickly can you get an ESTA?
Thress days through Visas for Future.
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Written by
Jenilyn Samortin 
Jenilyn Samortin is an Environmental Science graduate and a content writer at Visas for Future, a company that supports reforestation and urban forestry projects. She is an expert at e-visas and travel documents, such as India e-visa and Turkey e-visa, which she handles and assists customers every quarter. She loves helping people with their international travel needs and providing them with the latest information, tips, and guidance on how to apply online.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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MLA Style
Samortin, Jenilyn. "Do I need an ESTA to travel from the UK to the USA?." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/do-i-need-an-esta-to-travel-from-the-uk-to-the-usa/. Accessed on 13 March 2024.
Chicago Style
Samortin, Jenilyn. "Do I need an ESTA to travel from the UK to the USA?." Visas For Future. March 13, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/do-i-need-an-esta-to-travel-from-the-uk-to-the-usa/.