If you’re a UK citizen planning a holiday in the United States, it’s essential to understand the visa requirements before you book your trip. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different options available for UK travelers, including the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and applying for a tourist visa if needed. We’ll also provide tips on ensuring a smooth application process and information on the documents you’ll need.
Visa Requirement
For UK citizens planning to visit the United States for tourism, the answer to whether a visa is required depends on the duration of your stay and the type of travel. Generally, UK citizens do not need a visa to visit the USA for tourism purposes if they meet specific criteria. Thanks to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), eligible travelers can visit the USA for up to 90 days without needing a visa, provided they comply with certain requirements. However, this option is only available for short visits for tourism, business, or transit.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows UK citizens to visit the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less. This program is designed to make travel more accessible for citizens of participating countries, including the UK, while maintaining security measures for the USA.
To take advantage of the VWP, UK travelers must meet specific criteria:
Travel Purpose: You must be visiting the United States for tourism, business, or transit purposes only.
Duration: Your stay must be 90 days or less.
Valid Passport: You need a valid electronic passport that is machine-readable and includes an embedded microchip.
No Previous Visa Denials: You should not have been denied entry into the USA previously or have overstayed a prior visit under the VWP.
The ESTA Requirement
Even though UK citizens do not need a visa for a short stay under the VWP, they must still apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before traveling to the USA. The ESTA is an automated system that determines whether a traveler is eligible to enter the United States under the VWP.
How to Apply for an ESTA
Here is a simple, step-by-step guide on how to apply for an ESTA:
Visit the Official ESTA Website: Go to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov to start the application.
Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out the application with personal details, including your name, birth date, passport information, and travel plans.
Answer Security Questions: You’ll be asked questions related to your health, criminal history, and previous travel to the USA. Be honest and accurate when answering.
Review Your Information: Before submitting, double-check that all the details are correct, as mistakes can lead to delays or denials.
Pay the ESTA Fee: The application comes with a fee, which you must pay online via credit or debit card. As of 2025, the fee is $21.
Submit Your Application: Once the form is complete, submit it for review. You’ll typically receive a response within minutes, though it’s recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
ESTA Approval
Once your ESTA is approved, it remains valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This means you can use the same ESTA for multiple trips to the USA during this period, as long as your stays do not exceed 90 days each.
It’s important to note that an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the USA. The final decision is made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry.
Required Documents for ESTA Application
When applying for an ESTA, make sure you have the following documents and information ready:
Valid Passport: Your passport must be an electronic passport with a machine-readable zone and a digital chip containing your personal information.
Travel Itinerary: While not mandatory, it’s useful to have your travel details (such as flight information) available during the application process.
Contact Information: You’ll need to provide your contact details, including an email address, to receive updates about your ESTA application.
Payment Information: A valid debit or credit card to pay the ESTA fee.
ESTA Validity
Once approved, an ESTA is valid for two years, allowing multiple entries into the USA under the VWP. Each time you enter, the maximum duration of your stay is 90 days. Keep in mind that the ESTA is not a visa, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry will determine the actual length of your stay.
If your ESTA is nearing expiration, or if your passport is set to expire within the next two years, you’ll need to apply for a new ESTA before your next trip to the USA.
Visa Application for Those Who Don’t Qualify for the VWP
While the Visa Waiver Program is convenient for many travelers, not everyone qualifies. If you don’t meet the criteria for the VWP (for example, if you plan to stay for more than 90 days, or you’ve been previously denied entry), you will need to apply for a B-2 Tourist Visa to visit the USA for tourism purposes.
How to Apply for a B-2 Tourist Visa
Applying for a B-2 tourist visa is a more involved process compared to applying for an ESTA. Here’s how to go about it:
Complete the DS-160 Form: Start by filling out the online DS-160 form, which is the visa application form for non-immigrant visitors. You can find the form on the U.S. Department of State website.
Pay the Visa Application Fee: The visa application fee for a B-2 visa is typically $160 (as of 2025). This fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is denied.
Schedule a Visa Interview: After submitting your DS-160, you’ll need to schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the UK.
Most applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 are required to attend an interview.
Attend the Visa Interview: On the day of your interview, bring the following documents:
Your passport (valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the USA)
DS-160 confirmation page
Visa application fee receipt
A passport-size photograph (according to the U.S. visa photo guidelines)
Additional documents, such as proof of financial support, ties to the UK (like employment or family), and your travel itinerary.
Wait for Visa Approval: After the interview, you may be asked to submit additional documentation or attend a second interview. If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport, allowing you to travel to the USA.
Visa Fees
B-2 Visa Application Fee: $160
Visa Issuance Fee: This may vary depending on your nationality and whether your country has a reciprocity agreement with the United States. The embassy will inform you if additional fees apply.
Processing Time for ESTA and Visa Applications
ESTA Processing Time: The ESTA application is processed within minutes of submission. However, it is advisable to apply at least 72 hours before your scheduled departure to allow for any issues or delays.
B-2 Visa Processing Time: The processing time for a B-2 tourist visa can vary. Generally, it takes around 7-10 business days after the visa interview for the visa to be processed and returned to you. However, if additional administrative processing is required, it could take longer. You can request expedited processing if you need your visa quickly, but approval is not guaranteed.
Additional Tips for a Successful ESTA or Visa Application
Accuracy Is Key: Make sure that all the information you provide in your ESTA or visa application is accurate and complete. Inaccuracies or missing information can delay the processing or lead to a denial.
Apply Early: Whether you’re applying for an ESTA or a visa, give yourself plenty of time to complete the process. Unexpected delays can happen, and applying well in advance will give you peace of mind.
Follow Up: If you do not receive your ESTA approval within 72 hours, or if you are asked to provide additional documents for your visa application, be proactive and follow up with the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, UK citizens traveling to the United States for a holiday do not generally need a visa if they meet the criteria for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). However, an ESTA must be obtained before traveling. For those who do not qualify for the VWP, applying for a B-2 tourist visa is the next option. By understanding the application processes, preparing the required documents, and applying early, UK citizens can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when visiting the USA.
