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US ESTA Requirements for UK Citizens

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Citizens of the United Kingdom visiting the United States can avoid the hassle of applying for a visa by registering with the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). To gain this travel authorization, applicants must meet the US ESTA requirements for British citizens.

The United Kingdom is on the list of countries that may apply for an ESTA. This visa waiver system allows British nationals to visit the US without a visa for up to 90 days.

The USA ESTA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue or the date of passport expiration (whichever is sooner) and allows multiple entries to the United States.

To enter the United States visa-free, UK citizens must complete the simple ESTA application form online.

The ESTA application form for British nationals is straightforward and quick to complete.

Apply for an ESTA online before traveling to the States to ensure you are authorized to enter the country as a British citizen.

What Is a US ESTA for UK Citizens?

The US ESTA for British citizens is an online visa waiver that permits holders to travel to the United States without having to apply for a visa.

The ESTA was introduced in 2009 by the US Visa Waiver Program. Citizens of eligible countries, such as the United Kingdom, must complete the ESTA application form ahead of their leisure or business trip to the United States.

An approved ESTA must be held by British passport holders arriving in the US by air or sea.

UK nationals can use the ESTA to visit the United States of America multiple times during the waiver’s 2 years of validity, or until the associated passport expires, whichever is sooner.

Upon entering the United States with an ESTA, visitors from the UK can stay for a maximum of 90 days per visit.

The holder of an approved ESTA can then use it to enter the United States on multiple occasions within this period. There is no set requirement for how long you must wait between your visits to the U.S. but you must have a reasonable amount of time between your visits. You need to show that the U.K. remains your country of residence and you intend to return there after your short trip to the U.S.

Is an ESTA Obligatory for British Nationals?

British nationals are required to must have an ESTA travel authorization in order to enter the United States by air or sea without a visa for tourism, business, or transit.

U.S. law states that only British citizens with the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man are eligible for visa waiver and ESTA.

Citizens of the United Kingdom who wish to travel to the USA for other reasons, such as to work or study, must contact a United States embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

For citizens of the United Kingdom who are moving to the United States or seeking permission to work legally in the country, an ESTA travel authorization is not obligatory. Instead, individuals in these situations must apply for a residence visa and/or work visa, in accordance with US visa policy.

Additionally, if an UK traveler wishes to stay in the US for longer than 90 days, they are required to obtain a US visa instead of the ESTA.

If the ESTA is denied for any reason, then you need to contact the U.S. Consulate in the UK to apply for a visa.

How Can I Apply for the US ESTA from the United Kingdom?

UK travelers must complete the quick ESTA online application form. It takes just a few minutes to fill in the form with personal and passport information.

Applicants must enter the following data:

  • Basic personal information
  • Home address and phone number
  • Passport details
  • Email address
  • Emergency contact address/phone (optional)

British applicants must also answer a few straightforward questions related to security and health matters. This allows the US Department of Homeland Security to pre-screen travelers before they enter the United States.

Before submitting the form, it is necessary to make sure that all the information entered is correct and accurate. Even small errors can lead to delays in processing or even a rejection of the ESTA application.

You can apply for an ESTA for UK citizens up to 72 hours before your intended departure. However, we advise submitting your request as soon as you book your trip to the US to avoid any last-minute stress.

ESTA Requirements for British Citizens to Travel to the United States

Travelers from Britain must meet several requirements to obtain an ESTA for the United States.

Documents required for UK citizens to apply for a US ESTA include:

· Valid British passport
· Valid credit or debit card to pay the fee
· Current email address

As the ESTA travel authorization is electronically linked to the applicant’s passport upon approval, this same passport must be presented when entering the country.

If the passport used for the application is lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise made invalid, you must apply for a new ESTA for the United States with the new British passport.

How Will I Receive my ESTA from the United Kingdom?

A British citizen who has successfully obtained a United States ESTA will receive their approved travel authorization within 24 hours. This will be sent to the email address provided during the application process.

Current regulations do not require British travelers entering the United States to present a printed copy of the ESTA travel authorization. It might be useful, however, to print a copy for your own records – sometimes airlines might also ask you to bring a printed copy.

When do I need to apply for a new ESTA?

If you obtain a new passport or change your name, sex or country of citizenship, you will be required to apply for a new travel authorization. This is also required if one of your answers to any of the eligibility questions changes.

Do I need to apply for a new ESTA if my current ESTA will expire while I'm in the United States?

No, ESTA needs to be valid only upon arrival in the United States and does not control the duration of your stay in the country.

Application Steps

STEP 1
Complete online application
STEP 2
Confirm Payment
STEP 3
Receive approved Visa
ESTA US Processing time
1 to 2 days
US government fee
21 usd
Our service fee
74 usd
TOTAL
95 usd
Optional services:
Embassy Registration
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Application reviewExpert application review
Online supportOnline support 365 days a year
High success rate99% application success rate
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This content has been reviewed by

Ekaterina Powell

US Immigration Attorney

Ekaterina Powell is a U.S. attorney licensed in the State of California, working in the area of U.S. immigration law for over 12 years. She has been featured as one of the top immigration lawyers in her state and city several times and has contributed to notable industry publications.

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