From New York City to Zion National Park, there is so much to see and do in the USA, and many UK citizens dream of a trip to the states at least once in their lifetime. It’s important to be aware of what visas and travel authorisation you need to apply for ahead of your trip. Do you need a visa to go to the USA from the UK?
Do I need a visa to go to the USA from the UK?
Great news, UK citizens who meet Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) requirements can travel to the United States for tourism or short-term business without a visa if they have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). Under the VWP/ESTA the permitted purposes are tourism, business, or transit and each stay is limited to 90 days or less, which is plenty of time to tick off that USA road trip on your bucket list.
What is the ESTA?
The ESTA is the U.S. automated pre-travel screening system used by travellers from Visa Waiver Programme countries (including the United Kingdom) to request travel authorisation to the U.S. under the VWP. It’s an online system that collects biographic information and answers to eligibility questions. You can apply for an ESTA for yourself or a group of two or more people.
You can apply via the official ESTA website at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. CBP stresses using only the official site and warns against third-party sites that charge extra fees. Here’s what the application involves:
- You need to input details of your British passport, home address, email and phone number, in addition to phone and email details for an emergency point of contact. You may be asked for other information, like the address of where you will be staying when you arrive in the US.
- Make a note of the application number so you can check your ESTA status or update your information.
- Make your ESTA payment. The fee is $40.27 as of January 2026 (approximately £32). An approved ESTA is generally valid for multiple entries for up to two years from approval, or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner). You can make multiple trips to the US during this time using the same ESTA.
- Keep an eye on your application status. CBP recommends applying at least 72 hours prior to travel. While many applications are approved quickly, you should allow up to 72 hours or more for processing.
The USA entry requirements for UK citizens
It’s important to note that approval of ESTA does not guarantee admission into the US. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at US airports have the authority to deny admission, final admission is determined by CBP officers at the port of entry. This is rare, but give yourself the best chance of entry by ensuring you have:
- Approved ESTA (when applicable) required prior to travel
- A valid passport for your intended period of stay (travellers must hold a valid passport for their planned stay)
- If you need a U.S. visa, ensure your passport has at least one blank page for the visa sticker
If you’ve not been to the US before, the questioning by CBP when you land may seem a little overwhelming, they are simply trying to make sure you are a safe person to let into the country. Plan ahead and keep your hotel name in mind, as well as a rough idea of your holiday plans as they will likely ask about them.
What are the visas you can apply for in the USA?
UK citizens who plan to stay longer than 90 days, to work, or to study (beyond permitted short-term activities) must generally apply for the appropriate U.S. nonimmigrant visa (or immigrant visa) at a U.S. embassy/consulate. To study in the US you need an F-1 visa if you’re a full-time student or a J-1 visa if you’re participating in an exchange programme. The H-1B classification is a U.S. nonimmigrant category for workers in specialty occupations, it is administered by USCIS and employers petition on behalf of beneficiaries.
The 5 best places to visit in the USA
There’s so much to see and do in the US, it’s hard to know where to start with recommendations – especially given the country is so huge. From cities to deserts, national parks to beaches, there really is something for everyone and so many road trips to be had. It’s a tough one, but let’s look at my top picks for the best places to visit in the US.
- Yosemite National Park. My first taste of a US national park, Yosemite is really special – and it’s famous for a reason. My favourite hike ends at Vernal Falls, a 317ft waterfall that requires following the Mist Trail up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps. Pack a picnic for the top and thank me later.
- Oahu, Hawaii. From beautiful sprawling beaches, tropical forests and stunning wildlife, Oahu is paradise in a nutshell – especially for surfers.
- New Orleans. This city’s music scene is world famous – and a must-visit for jazz lovers in particular. Don’t forget to try a beignet, a fried dough covered in powdered sugar, and bring me home a few too.
- Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska is a must-visit for all outdoors lovers. Anchorage is the perfect base to explore nearby glaciers, wildlife, parks and trails – you can even see the northern lights from here.
- New York City. You might’ve heard of this one – but I can’t write a US top picks list without mentioning one of my favourite cities in the world. The food, the waterfront, the park and the skyscraper views – New York City really steals your heart and one that I’ll go back to time and time again.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, ESTA (for Visa Waiver Programme travellers) is applied for online via the official ESTA site. Other US non-immigrant visas start with an online form (DS-160) and fee payment but usually require scheduling an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate.
If your visa is denied, review the denial reason from the US embassy/consulate, correct any errors or provide missing documents, and reapply if appropriate. Consider consulting a visa specialist or immigration lawyer for complex refusals.
No, a UK visitor visa only permits entry to the United Kingdom. To enter the United States you need the appropriate US visa or an approved ESTA if you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Programme country (such as the UK).
Contact your home country’s embassy or consulate immediately to report the loss and get emergency travel documents or a replacement passport. If your ESTA was linked to the lost passport you will need a new passport and must reapply for ESTA before leaving/returning to the US.
Generally no routine vaccinations or mandatory health checks are required for most travellers, but specific requirements can apply or temporary public-health rules may be in force. Always check the latest guidance from the US CDC and your nearest US embassy before travel.
No, your eligibility is based on your nationality, not UK residence status. Indian passport holders must apply for the correct US visa (typically a B-1/B-2 visitor visa) through a US embassy/consulate, they are not eligible for ESTA.
The foregoing article was last updated in January 2026. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency, or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information.
