So many UK nationals want to visit the USA and see iconic places such as Historic Route 66 or enjoy the hustle and bustle of New York City. If you are planning a holiday and want to know if you need a visa for the USA from the UK, then Byevisa is here to help you navigate the process.
Organising your travel authorisation is essential if you want a smooth journey and stress-free entry. The UK and USA have a special relationship. As such you do not need to get a tourist visa for USA from the UK, but instead you must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
This system was introduced in 2009 as a way to monitor the people who enter the country from visa-free countries. The good news is that Byevisa can help you by simplifying the process of applying for this documentation and delivering it directly to your email inbox.
Contents
- 1 Do You Need a Visa for USA From UK?
- 2 ESTA Visa Application for USA from UK
- 3 US Visa for UK Residents – ESTA Requirements
- 4 ESTA Visa for USA From UK Cost
- 5 British Citizens Travelling to the United States
- 6 Do You Need More US Visa Help for UK Citizens?
- 7 More Information on Travelling to the United States
Do You Need a Visa for USA From UK?
Most people who think they might need a visitor visa for USA from the UK can actually travel with an ESTA instead. The ESTA allows tourists and business travellers into the country for a maximum period of 90 days. It is valid for 2 years, and you can enter the country as many times as you like in that period as long as you do not exceed the 90-day limit for each trip. You must allow a reasonable amount of time to pass between each visit.
The ESTA is suitable for the whole family. Each member of the family, including children, must obtain his or her own ESTA. Children’s ESTAs can be applied for in the same way as an adult who is travelling.
An ESTA is not suitable for you if you want to travel for other purposes other than tourism or business, or you want to stay longer than the 90-day maximum. In these cases, you will need to get a visa for USA from UK from the embassy.
ESTA Visa Application for USA from UK
If you want to know how to apply for the USA visit visa from the UK, then you need to input the following information into our easy-to-use form:
- A valid email address.
- Your intended travel dates.
- Your full name, date of birth and gender.
- Your nationality, country of birth and current country of residence.
- Your passport number, issue date and expiry date.
Once you have completed the online form and selected your processing speed, you need to make full payment and then wait for your ESTA to be delivered directly to your email inbox. When your ESTA is delivered, we strongly suggest that you print it and take it with you to the airport along with all your travel documentation.
US Visa for UK Residents – ESTA Requirements
In addition to your application, you are required to adhere to specific conditions to be eligible for the scheme. This includes:
- Having a UK passport that has a biometric chip that can be used to verify your information.
- Byevisa would also recommend having a passport that has 6 months’ validity remaining on it from the date of entry into the country, although this is not a requirement.
It is important to note that the following passports do not qualify for the ESTA:
- British Subject.
- British Territory Citizen.
- British Overseas Citizen.
- British National (Overseas).
- British Protected Person.
- Person with Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK or the Right of Abode.
ESTA Visa for USA From UK Cost
The fee for applying for an ESTA is currently set at 14 USD, which is payable on application. You also need to pay a service fee to Byevisa for processing your application. There are 3 processing speeds you can choose from when making your application: Standard (24 hours), Rapid (4 hours) and Highly Rapid (30 minutes). The processing fee is charged along with your ESTA fee, and there are no other costs that you are liable for.
British Citizens Travelling to the United States
Many British people travel to this country every year, and the ESTA system is very popular. However, in the unlikely situation that your application is declined, this does not mean you are barred entry to the country. You will need to apply for a B2 tourist visa instead, and this can be processed by the embassy in your home country.
It is important to note that if you have travelled to Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Iran or Syria after March 2011, then you will not be able to apply for an ESTA and will instead need to discuss your visit with the embassy, who will determine if you can apply for a visa or not.
Do You Need More US Visa Help for UK Citizens?
We have provided the information you will require to enjoy a great stay in the United States. However, we understand that you may have more questions that need answering before you travel. We have answered some of the most common questions we get asked to help you on your way.
Do I Need a Visa for the USA From the UK?
If you are travelling to this country, you need to apply for an ESTA rather than any other travel authorisation. It is important to note that you need the ESTA for all air travel through the United States, even if you are transiting through and will not be leaving the transit lounge.
Are There Many British Citizens Living in the United States?
Over 700,000 British citizens are living in the United States currently. They have typically moved there for the employment, studies or to be with relatives who are living in the country.
Does My ESTA Let Me Stay in the Country for 2 Years?
Some people may believe that an ESTA allows them to remain in the US for 2 years, but this is not the case. The ESTA is valid for 2 years, but you can only stay for a maximum of 90 days each time you visit. If you require a more extended stay, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa instead.
Do I Need Travel Health Insurance When Visiting the United States?
It is vital to arrange travel health insurance before you head off on holiday as there are no special arrangements for British nationals. The medical care system is costly in this country, and without appropriate insurance, you will be liable for the total cost of any treatment you need when you are away.
Can I Use My ESTA With a New Passport?
If you get a new passport or you change your name, country of residence or your gender, then you will be required to apply for a new ESTA in order to travel to the United States.
Where Can I Find the Visa Requirements for Brits for Other Countries?
If you’re visiting a destination other than the USA, or if you’re touring neighbouring countries such as Canada or Mexico, it’s useful to know the visit regulations for each nation. Fortunately, you can find these visa requirements for Brits on our website.
More Information on Travelling to the United States
We hope that you have been able to get all the information you need to be confident in applying for your travel authorisation for USA from UK. However, we also have more information on our dedicated US ESTA visa waiver page here.
We also offer lots of helpful advice for anyone travelling to the U.S.