Embassy
Embassy of the United Kingdom, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
3100 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 20008
United States visa requirements for British citizens
British citizens need an eTA, a short online form, before flying to the United States.
Passport
GBR
United Kingdom
Going to
USA
United States
eTA needed
For eligible travellers visiting or passing through without a visa.
- Visa
- eTA
- Valid for
- 730 days
- Fee
- US$41
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Special rules for British citizens in United States
ESTA allows stays up to 90 days; visa exceptions apply
- Visa after visits since 2011-03-01: Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea.
- Visa after visits since 2011-03-01: Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen.
- Visa after Cuba visits since 12 January 2021.
- Visa if also Iranian, Iraqi, North Korean, Sudanese or Syrian.
- UK military or diplomatic trips may be exempt from travel-history rules.
What to do
Apply for the eTA on the United States's official government website, never a reseller.
Apply before you book non-refundable travel; most approvals come back quickly.
The eTA links to your passport number, so travel on the same passport.
Get your United States visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into United States
Get a visitor visa or check if you qualify without one.
eTA required For your passportESTA travel approvalFor eligible travellers visiting or passing through without a visa.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Valid for
- 730 days
- Fee
- US$41
- Processing
- 3 days
- Entries
- Multiple
How to apply
- Check your country, passport and travel history qualify.
- Enter your details on the official ESTA website.
- Answer the questions and pay the fee shown.
- Check your approval before travel.
Documents required
- Eligible electronic passport
- Contact details
- Payment method
- Return or onward plans, if needed
- Approval ends sooner if your passport expires; Brunei approvals last at most 365 days.
- Each traveller, including children, needs approval; it does not guarantee entry.
Visa requiredB-2 visitor visaFor short holidays or visits to friends and family.
- Fee
- US$185
How to apply
- Check nationality limits before paying or booking.
- Fill in DS-160 online and save the confirmation.
- Pay the fee and book your appointment.
- Attend your interview unless you are excused.
- Follow instructions for extra checks and passport return.
Documents required
- Passport
- DS-160 confirmation
- Fee receipt, if needed
- Printed photo if upload fails
- Trip and funds proof, if asked
- Proof you will leave, if asked
- Fingerprints
- Interview
- Border staff set your stay; follow the leaving date on your entry record.
- This visa does not allow regular work or study for course credit.
Sources (27)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Department of State — Visitor Visa
- Department of State — Visa Waiver Program
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Official ESTA application portal
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — ESTA validity
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — ESTA for land entry
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — ESTA passport requirements
- USAGov — Visa Waiver Program and ESTA application
- Department of State — Citizens of Canada and Bermuda
- Department of State — Transit Visa
- Department of State — Nonimmigrant travel without a visa or passport
- Department of State — Transit visas
- Department of State — Tourists and business visitors
- Department of State — Student Visa
- Department of State — Temporary Worker Visas
- Department of State — Family Immigration
- Department of State — Immigrant Visa for a Spouse
- Department of State — Fiancé Visa
- Department of State — Exchange Visitor Visa
- Department of State — Exchange eligibility, fees and insurance
- Department of State — Crewmember Visa
- Department of State — Fees for Visa Services
- Department of State — DS-160 application
- Department of State — Visa Frequently Asked Questions
- Department of State — Nationality-based visa and entry restrictions
- Department of State — Countries Subject to Visa Bonds, October 2, 2026
- Department of State — Application location guidance, July 15, 2026
- Department of State — Immigrant issuance pause update, August 28, 2026
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Consulate general
British Consulate-General, Boston
Cambridge
Consulate general
British Consulate General Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Trips to United States
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Coming from United Kingdom
- Plugs A BAdapter needed
- MoneyUSD $
- Time−4h
- DrivingOn the rightLook left first
- LanguageEnglishSpoken at home too
- Emergency911 police
Planning your United States trip
Best time to go: The best time depends on the region. July to September is usually dry on the northwest coast and good for outdoor activities; northern winters can be very cold, while southwestern summers can be extremely hot.
- Manhattan and ChicagoSee famous skyscrapers and major city architecture.
- Yellowstone National ParkVisit one of the country's major natural attractions.
- AlaskaExplore natural scenery, mountains and coastal islands.
- Southwestern canyonlandsSee dramatic canyon landscapes, including the Grand Canyon.
Scams to watch for in United States
- Aggressive requests for moneySomeone asks for money and becomes persistent or intimidating. This is not always a scam, but the pressure can make you feel you must pay.
- Misleading police statements during an arrestPolice may give untrue information about your rights, the reason for your arrest, or evidence against you. This is a warning about official conduct rather than a typical tourist money scam.
About United States
The United States is a federal republic of fifty states spanning the middle of North America.
- Capital
- Washington D.C.
- Money
- United States dollar ($)
- Languages
- English
- Time zone
- 11 time zones
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +1
Other Europe passports
Going to United States
Easier trips nearby
Places close to United States with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Are there special rules for British citizens visiting United States?
British citizens can visit for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program with ESTA. Some travellers must get a visa instead.
Do british citizens need a visa for the United States?
British citizens need an eTA, a short online form, before flying to the United States.
Where do I apply online for the United States?
Only on the United States's official government website. Avoid agents and look-alike sites that add fees. Apply before you book anything you can't cancel.
Do american citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?
American citizens need an eTA, a short online form, before flying to the United Kingdom.
Do other Europe passports get easier entry to the United States?
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia Czech Republic, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near United States are easier for british citizens?
Mexico, Canada, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina Bahamas, and 3 more let british citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to the United States?
Apply for the eTA on the United States's official government website, never a reseller. Apply before you book non-refundable travel; most approvals come back quickly.
What money is used in the United States?
United States dollar ($). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in the United States?
English.
How strong is the United Kingdom passport?
It ranks #7 and reaches 155 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck