🇬🇧 → 🇺🇸
Do British citizens need a visa for USA?

British citizens need an ESTA to enter the United States, valid two years.

ESTA required

British citizens can travel to the USA visa-free under the Visa Waiver Programme with an approved ESTA.

Last verified: 2026-05-24 · Source: official government page

At a glance

Visa type	ESTA
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days per visit
Processing time	Usually minutes, up to 72 hours
Application fee	US$40.27
Passport validity required	Valid for stay
Where to apply	Online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov
Apply up to	At least 72 hours; valid 2 years

How to apply, step by step

Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
Provide passport + trip details.
Pay US$40.27.
Receive approval by email.

📱 3 OPTIONS Before you go: get an eSIM Skip the airport SIM-card queue. Compare three trusted eSIM providers for USA — pick a plan, scan a QR code, you're online the moment you land. Instant QR · no physical SIM →

Document checklist

British e-passport
Credit/debit card
Email
US contact

🛡️ GET A QUOTE Travel insurance Many destinations require proof of travel medical insurance for visa approval. EKTA covers Schengen, US ESTA and most worldwide destinations — quote in under a minute. Instant quote · accepted for Schengen visa →

Frequently asked questions

What disqualifies me?

Visits to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, Cuba, North Korea since 2011; prior US refusals.

What happens if I overstay?

Fines, possible re-entry bans, and complications for future applications.

About this page

Cross-checked against the official government source linked above and the Wikipedia article on visa policy of USA. Verified weekly against three independent sources.

See what changed in USA entry rules in the last 90 days →

Plan your trip to USA

Once your visa is sorted, here's what to book next:

✈️ Aviasales Cheap flights Compare prices to USA on Aviasales Search 1,000+ airlines · no markup → 🎫 Tiqets Tickets & attractions Skip-the-line tickets to museums, parks and experiences in USA Free cancellation up to 24h before → 🚖 GetTransfer Airport transfer Pre-book a private ride from the airport in USA Fixed price · meet & greet at arrivals → 🚗 4 OPTIONS Car rental Compare rental cars in USA — pick up at the airport or in town Free cancellation on most bookings → 🎒 Radical Storage Drop your bags Hourly luggage storage in USA — for the gap between check-out and your flight From €5/bag · insured → 🎧 WeGoTrip Self-guided audio tours Walking tours of USA on your phone — pause, replay, no group pressure Keep forever · works offline → ✈️ 2 OPTIONS Flight delayed? Claim compensation for delays, cancellations or overbooking on flights to or from USA Worldwide · no win, no fee →

Affiliate links — if you book through these we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

🇬🇧 → 🇺🇸 Do British citizens need a visa for USA?