British citizens need an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before travelling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

• Government fee Set by the destination and charged when you submit the travel authorisation application.
• Processing / card charge Some official portals add a small payment-handling charge on top.
• Third-party sites Unofficial sites charge far more for the same application — always apply on the official portal.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

• Valid UK PassportFor ESTA, your passport must be an e-Passport with an integrated chip and valid for the period of your intended stay. For a B-2 visa, it must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay.
• Return or Onward TicketRequired for ESTA travelers to demonstrate intent to depart the U.S. within 90 days. Recommended for B-2 visa applicants.
• Proof of FundsEvidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the U.S. (primarily for B-2 visa applicants, implied for ESTA).
• DS-160 Confirmation PageFor B-2 visa applicants, confirmation of the online nonimmigrant visa application.
• Visa Interview Appointment ConfirmationFor B-2 visa applicants, confirmation of your scheduled interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• PhotoFor B-2 visa applicants, a recent photograph meeting U.S. visa requirements.
• Evidence of Ties to Home CountryFor B-2 visa applicants, documents demonstrating strong ties to the UK (e.g., employment, family, property) to prove intent to return.

1. 1
   For ESTA (Visa Waiver Program): Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for the Visa Waiver Program.
2. 2
   For ESTA: Complete the online ESTA application form.

   Apply for ESTA
3. 3
   For ESTA: Submit the application and pay the required fee. Most applications are processed within 72 hours.
4. 4
   For ESTA: Check your application status online. Print or save your ESTA approval for your records, though it's electronically linked to your passport.
5. 5
   For B-2 Tourist Visa: Complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) form.

   DS-160 Online Application
6. 6
   For B-2 Tourist Visa: Pay the visa application fee.
7. 7
   For B-2 Tourist Visa: Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the United Kingdom.

   U.S. Embassy London Visa Services
8. 8
   For B-2 Tourist Visa: Attend your interview, bringing all required documents. If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned to you.

• Previous overstay or violation of U.S. immigration laws.

  How to avoid: Always adhere to the terms of your previous visas or ESTA authorizations and depart the U.S. on time.

• Criminal record or certain serious communicable diseases.

  How to avoid: Be truthful on your application. If you have a record, consult with an immigration attorney or apply for a B-2 visa and disclose all relevant information.

• Providing false or misleading information on the application.

  How to avoid: Double-check all information for accuracy before submitting your ESTA or visa application.

• Lack of strong ties to the home country (primarily for B-2 visa applicants).

  How to avoid: Provide clear evidence of your intent to return to the UK, such as employment, family responsibilities, property ownership, or financial assets in the UK.

• Passport not meeting requirements (e.g., not an e-Passport for ESTA).

  How to avoid: Ensure your UK passport is an e-Passport and is valid for the entire duration of your intended stay.

• Be prepared for questioning by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon arrival regarding your travel purpose and duration. Answer truthfully and concisely.
• Ensure your passport is valid for the period of your intended stay. For VWP travelers, the six-month rule beyond your stay is waived for UK citizens.
• Declare all dutiable items and currency exceeding $10,000 upon entry to avoid penalties.
• Keep copies of important travel documents (passport, ESTA/visa approval, flight details) separate from the originals.

• Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days if I entered on an ESTA?

  No, generally an ESTA stay cannot be extended. You must depart the U.S. on or before the 90-day limit. In very limited, unforeseen emergency circumstances, you may contact USCIS.

• What happens if my ESTA application is denied?

  If your ESTA application is denied, you are not eligible to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program and must apply for a nonimmigrant visa (e.g., a B-2 tourist visa) at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

• Can I work in the U.S. if I enter on an ESTA or B-2 tourist visa?

  No, neither an ESTA nor a B-2 tourist visa permits employment in the United States. Engaging in unauthorized employment can lead to serious immigration consequences.

• Do I need an ESTA or visa if I am only transiting through the U.S.?

  Yes, if you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country, you must obtain an approved ESTA even if you are only transiting through the United States. If you are not eligible for ESTA, you would need a transit visa (C visa).

• Do children, including infants, need their own ESTA or visa?

  Yes, all travelers, regardless of age, including infants, must have their own approved ESTA or a valid visa to enter the United States.

• My passport expires in 5 months - can I still apply for an ESTA to the United States?

  British citizens travelling to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond their intended period of stay. If your passport expires in less than six months from your planned departure from the U.S., you will need to renew it before applying for an ESTA. This is a general requirement for most foreign visitors entering the U.S. Ensure your passport meets this validity rule to avoid issues.

• I'm flying to the United States next week, is there enough time to get an ESTA?

  ESTA applications are typically processed quickly, often within minutes, but it is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your departure. While many applications receive an immediate decision, some may take longer to process. Applying well in advance ensures you have sufficient time for any potential delays or to address further requests.

• I am self-employed, will this affect my ESTA application for the United States?

  Being self-employed does not automatically prevent you from being approved for an ESTA to the United States. The ESTA application asks for your current employment information, which you should provide accurately. The purpose of your visit must strictly be for tourism or permitted business activities under the Visa Waiver Program.

• I am travelling to the United States with my child, do they need their own ESTA?

  Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, must have their own approved ESTA or visa to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Each child, regardless of age, must have their own valid passport and a separate ESTA application must be submitted for them. You can apply for multiple family members within a single group application.

• My ESTA is approved, can I use it to re-enter the United States after a short trip to Canada?

  Yes, an approved ESTA is generally valid for multiple entries into the United States for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use the same ESTA to re-enter the U.S. after a short trip to a contiguous territory like Canada or Mexico, or nearby islands. Each entry must still be for tourism or permitted business purposes and not exceed the 90-day limit per visit.

• How much does a United States visa cost for British citizens?

  You pay online when you apply. The total is usually the government travel authorisation fee plus any card or processing charge. Government fee: Set by the destination and charged when you submit the travel authorisation application. Processing / card charge: Some official portals add a small payment-handling charge on top. Third-party sites: Unofficial sites charge far more for the same application — always apply on the official portal. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

• Do I need a separate visa for New York City, or does this cover all of United States?

  You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a United States visa is valid for the whole country — including New York City, Grand Canyon National Park, Orlando and Los Angeles. Apply once for United States and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.