Visa from UK to USA: Do you need one?

British citizens are under an American visa waiver program. If you have a British passport, you don’t need a US Visa; instead, you can apply for a US ESTA.

The ESTA permits qualifying nationalities to enter the US for tourism or business. Any traveler eligible for the ESTA can enter the US by air or sea. Plus, this document is very easy to get if you apply online with us!

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What is an ESTA, and what other documents do I need to visit the USA?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an electronic system that helps to determine eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program allows travelers to visit the US without obtaining a visa. This document is for Multiple Entry purposes and allows travelers to stay in the US for 90 days Per Entry, and it remains valid for 2 years after issued.

You need the following items to apply for the ESTA online:

A passport valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from the United States.
An active email address.
Your debit/credit card for payments.

What can I do with a US ESTA?

You might be asking yourself what you can and can't do if traveling to the USA with the ESTA as a UK citizen.

The following travel purposes do meet the requirements of the ESTA:

Tourism (on vacation to the USA)
Visiting friends or family who currently live there
Visiting clients or suppliers for business purposes
Undergoing medical treatment
Attending business meetings, negotiations, or conferences

The following travel purposes do not meet the requirements of the ESTA:

Entering into employment service with an American employer
Studying in the United States
Investing in or starting a company
Performing journalism-related activities

Working in the USA with an ESTA is allowed, provided the traveler does not enter into direct employment with an American company and works for a foreign entity. The traveler can be paid for their work performed in the USA, as long as the paying party is located outside of the USA. This way, it qualifies as a business trip and meets the requirements of the ESTA. A good example of this would be someone who is working remotely during their trip or is on a business trip supported by a UK employer.

How to apply for a US ESTA as a UK Citizen

To apply for an ESTA, you will need your applicant photo and a scan of the passport personal details section.

The form we provide is broken down into three easy steps and won't take you longer than 10 minutes to complete.

Follow these steps to apply:

Step 1. Complete your application form online.
Step 2. Fill in all the required information and upload your additional documents (if required). Our visa experts will be available to guide you in making the process for your ESTA as simple as possible.
Step 3. Once we have your personal details, passport information, contact details, and security information, we will process your ESTA. You just have to choose the processing time that best suits your needs and pay for the service with your credit or debit card. See fees and processing options below.

Once you complete all three steps, just submit your application and wait for it to arrive via email. Your ESTA can be ready in as fast as 2 hours when you choose our services, perfect for anyone in a rush.

UK To USA visa fees

If you order an ESTA with us, the price of your Electronic System for Travel Authorization will depend on the processing time you choose and your budget. The ESTA isn’t free, but it’s inexpensive. Check the options below:

ESTA - 2 Years, multiple entry

Standard Processing, ready in 24 hours and costs USD $38.49 - The most economic option available and most accessible to everyone if you are planning your trip in advance.
Rush Processing, a quicker option available with a waiting time of just 12 hours for USD $56.49
Super Rush Processing, available in 4 hours for USD $75.99 - The fastest option available for anyone in a bit of a rush to obtain the ESTA.

The ESTA comes with a Government fee of USD $21.00 and all of our processing fees include both the government fee and our service charges.

Where do I find more information?

Feel free to contact our customer service team or chat with us via WhatsApp if you still have questions about obtaining your ESTA, or you can always check our US visa page for more detailed information.