Do I need a visa to go to the USA from the UK?

From New York City to Zion National Park, there is so much to see and do in the USA – and many UK citizens dream of a trip to the states at least once in their lifetime. It’s important to be aware of what visas and travel authorisation you need to apply for ahead of your trip. Do you need a visa to go to the USA from the UK?

Do I need a visa to go to the USA from the UK?

Great news – UK citizens can travel to the United States without a visa if they meet certain requirements and have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). Your trip must be for tourism or short-term business only and span up to 90 days – which is plenty of time to tick off that USA road trip on your bucket list.

What is the ESTA?

The ESTA is part of the United States Visa Waiver Programme, which the UK is part of. It’s an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to the US. The application collects biographic information and answers to eligibility questions. You can apply for an ESTA for yourself or a group of two or more people.

You can apply via the ESTA website or its app. Here’s what the application involves:

• You need to input details of your British passport, home address, email and phone number, in addition to phone and email details for an emergency point of contact. You may be asked for other information, like the address of where you will be staying when you arrive in the US.
• Make a note of the application number so you can check your ESTA status or update your information.
• Make your ESTA payment, which is $21 at the time of writing – about £17. If approved, your ESTA is valid for two years, or until your passport expires if that is sooner. You can make multiple trips to the US during this time using the same ESTA.
• Keep an eye on your application status. It can take up to 72 hours, but my ESTAs in the past have taken just a couple of hours to get the green light.

The USA entry requirements for UK citizens

It’s important to note that an approved ESTA doesn’t guarantee entry into the US – Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at US airports have the authority to deny admission. This is rare, but give yourself the best chance of entry by ensuring you have:

• ESTA approval
• Passport validity for the length of your holiday
• One blank page in your passport to be stamped upon entry and exit from the US

If you’ve not been to the US before, the questioning by CBP when you land in the US may seem a little overwhelming – they are simply trying to make sure you are a safe person to let into the country. Plan ahead and keep your hotel name in mind, as well as a rough idea of your holiday plans as they will likely ask about them.

What are the visas you can apply for in the USA?

UK citizens may need a visa to travel to the US in some scenarios like stays longer than 90 days. To study in the US you need an F-1 visa if you’re a full-time student or a J-1 visa if you’re participating in an exchange programme. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US employers to employ foreign workers temporarily in speciality occupations.

The 5 best places to visit in the USA

There’s so much to see and do in the US, it’s hard to know where to start with recommendations – especially given the country is so huge. From cities to deserts, national parks to beaches, there really is something for everyone and so many road trips to be had. It’s a tough one, but let’s look at my top picks for the best places to visit in the US.

1. Yosemite National Park. My first taste of a US national park, Yosemite is really special – and it’s famous for a reason. My favourite hike ends at Vernal Falls, a 317ft waterfall that requires following the Mist Trail up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps. Pack a picnic for the top and thank me later.
2. Oahu, Hawaii. From beautiful sprawling beaches, tropical forests and stunning wildlife, Oahu is paradise in a nutshell – especially for surfers.
3. New Orleans. This city’s music scene is world famous – and a must-visit for jazz lovers in particular. Don’t forget to try a beignet, a fried dough covered in powdered sugar, and bring me home a few too.
4. Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska is a must-visit for all outdoors lovers. Anchorage is the perfect base to explore nearby glaciers, wildlife, parks and trails – you can even see the northern lights from here.
5. New York City. You might’ve heard of this one – but I can’t write a US top picks list without mentioning one of my favourite cities in the world. The food, the waterfront, the park and the skyscraper views – New York City really steals your heart and one that I’ll go back to time and time again.

How did I put this guide together?

I compiled this guide using travel experiences and the latest information on governmental websites. All of the information in this article is correct at the time of publication, but please check for the latest guidance on visas on gov.uk ahead of booking your next trip.

The foregoing article was last updated on 24th of February 2025. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency, or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information.

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