United States

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

You must have the correct approval prior to travel. This will be either a valid US visa or Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), depending on your personal circumstances and purpose of travel.  

US authorities enforce entry rules strictly. If you do not have the correct immigration status, or if you breach the terms of your entry, there is a risk you may be detained, refused entry, or removed (deported). Overstaying your permitted time in the US can also lead to detention and future bans on re-entry.  

A valid ESTA or visa does not guarantee you will be allowed to enter the US. Authorities may refuse you entry if, for example, they believe you plan to stay longer than permitted or have provided inaccurate or incomplete information. The US may change the conditions to travel to the US at any time without prior notice. 

If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK. See information from US Customs and Border Protection on entry for international visitors. 

Passport validity requirements

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.

If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport. 

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

British-US dual nationals

US law requires US citizens to enter and exit the US using a US passport. Contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK for more information.

Visa requirements

To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa.

The US State Department has more information on visas.

Travellers whose sex on their passport differs from their sex recorded at birth should contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK for further advice.

Applying for an ESTA

ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You can apply for an ESTA via the Official ESTA Application Website or using the ESTA Mobile app on android or on iOS.

All Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travellers intending to enter the US by land, sea and air will be required to obtain an approved ESTA prior to application for admission at land border ports of entry. Individuals who are not eligible to travel under the VWP may apply for a visa at any U.S. Embassy & Consulates.

You may not be able to apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you have:

• been arrested (even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction)
• a criminal record
• been refused admission into, or have been deported from, the US
• previously overstayed under an ESTA visa waiver

Information on whether you are eligible for an ESTA visa waiver can be found in the help section of the official ESTA Application Website.

You cannot normally apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you were in the following countries on or after March 2011: 

• Iran
• Iraq
• Libya
• North Korea
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Syria
• Yemen

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you travelled to or were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021. 

If your ESTA does not contain the required selfie photograph now required by US Customs and Border Protection, you may need to apply for a new ESTA. You should check your ESTA account before travelling to ensure your authorisation remains valid.

An ESTA may not be sufficient for all types of business travel – particularly if you are travelling on behalf of a US company. Please check the rules on the ESTA website carefully.

If you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must instead apply for a US visa. Travelling on an ESTA when ineligible can lead to detention and deportation by the US authorities.

Applying for a visa

The US Embassy in London has information on how to apply for a visa.  Please check the guidance carefully.

US visa appointments

Visa appointments at the US Embassy in London are limited. Plan your application as far ahead as possible before travel. If you need to travel urgently, you can request an expedited interview through the US Embassy’s appointment service provider.

The US Embassy has more information on visa appointments.

Children and young people

Anyone aged 17 and under must:

• have a valid visa or ESTA on arrival
• be able to provide evidence about the purpose, location and length of their visit if asked by immigration officials
• have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarised from one or both parents if travelling alone, with only one parent, or with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian

The US authorities can stop you entering the country if they have safeguarding concerns about a child. If this happens, the US authorities will take the child into their care, and their return from the US could take months. The FCDO cannot speed up the return of British nationals aged 17 and under from the US.

The US government has information about children travelling to the US. If you have questions, contact the US Embassy in the UK.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s US guide.

Ebola 

As a public health measure, the United States has introduced temporary entry restrictions for travellers who were recently in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan.  See Information for travellers returning from Ebola-affected areas. Consult your airline before travelling. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Electronic devices

Officials may ask to inspect your electronic devices, emails, text messages, and social media activity. If you refuse, they can delay or deny your entry. US Customs and Border Protection has more information on electronic device searches.

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Global Entry

The US Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveller Program (TTP) Global Entry allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers expedited clearance at some US airports. If you’re a British citizen, you can register to get a UK background check. If you pass the background checks, you’ll be invited to apply for Global Entry for UK Citizens. Check eligibility carefully.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in the US

Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police).

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding lawyers in the US
• dealing with a death in the US
• being arrested in the US
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you are affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO  

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You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.   

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)   

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