United Kingdom to United States tourist visa
Complete US ESTA and visa guide for UK travelers. Apply online for $40.27, get approval in minutes, and visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa. Updated July 2026.
- Visa
- United States ESTA
- Fee
- $40.27
- Processing time
- Minutes to 72 hours
- Length of stay
- Up to 90 days
Required documents
- Valid UK Passport — A valid UK e-Passport with an electronic chip is required for ESTA eligibility
- Email Address — A valid email address to receive your ESTA confirmation and updates
- Payment Method — A valid payment method to pay the $21 application fee
- Travel Information — Basic details about your US travel plans
- Eligibility Questions — Questions about your background and eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program
How to apply
- Have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, — Have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 1, 2011
- Hold dual nationality with any — Hold dual nationality with any of these countries
- Have been arrested or convicted — Have been arrested or convicted of certain crimes
- Have previously been denied a — Have previously been denied a US visa
- Have overstayed a previous US — Have overstayed a previous US visit
- Need to stay longer than — Need to stay longer than 90 days
Common questions
- Do UK citizens need a visa to visit the USA?
- No. British citizens can travel to the United States visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before travel. ESTA costs $21 and allows stays of up to 90 days.
- How long does ESTA approval take for UK citizens?
- Most ESTA applications receive instant approval. However, some applications may take up to 72 hours if additional review is required. Always apply at least 72 hours before your departure.
- How much does US ESTA cost for British citizens?
- ESTA costs $21 USD total. This includes a $4 processing fee and a $17 authorization fee (if approved). If denied, you only pay the $4 processing fee. Note: the fee increases to $40 from September 30, 2025.
- How long is ESTA valid for UK passport holders?
- ESTA is valid for 2 years from approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make unlimited trips to the US, with each stay limited to 90 days maximum.
- Can I work in the US on ESTA?
- No. ESTA only permits tourism, visiting family or friends, business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations), and certain medical treatments. Any paid or unpaid employment requires a work visa.
- What is the difference between ESTA and B-2 visa?
- ESTA is electronic travel authorization for VWP countries like the UK, costs $21, allows 90-day stays, and cannot be extended. The B-2 visa costs $185, requires an embassy interview, allows stays up to 6 months, and can potentially be extended.