ESTA for UK Citizens

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA, is a program administered by the United States government that allows UK citizens to travel to the US for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.

Esta For UK Citizens – Requirements & Information

Eligibility Criteria


You can apply for an ESTA online if you meet the following requirements.

  • You must have a valid British passport
  • You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom
  • You must be traveling to the United States for medical, business, pleasure, or transit.
  • The ESTA allows for a stay of up to 90 days per visit, which you can’t extend later.
  • Have a return ticket to your country of citizenship
  • You must have sufficient funds to support your stay in the United States.
  • British citizens who travel by air and sea can apply for ESTA. 
  • You must not have any criminal convictions
  • Not have any criminal convictions in the US or any other country

Benefits of ESTA for UK citizens:

British citizens love to travel, and the US is one of our top destinations. Thankfully, with ESTA, we can make the process even easier.

  • Tourists, business travelers, medical tourists, and transit tourists should visit the United States
  • Up to 90-day validity
  • A quick and easy application process
  • Processing in a short time
  • Fill out the form using a mobile device or a desktop computer
  • Suitable for multiple US trips

How do Apply for ESTA Visa For the USA From the UK as a British Citizen?

ESTA is an easy way to apply for a US visa. UK citizens need only complete one online form and provide their personal information, which the Department of Homeland Security will screen before they can submit it all together with their passport application!

If you’re approved – voila: You’ll have instantly applied through ESTA so that when applying in person at any American embassy or consulate abroad, there won’t be anything else except filling out forms.

How Can British Citizens Use ESTA?

British Citizens can utilize the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) when traveling to the United States for business or pleasure. ESTA allows British travelers to apply for pre-approval to travel without a traditional visa, making it a fast and convenient way to enter the United States. British Citizens can apply for ESTA online, and approval typically only takes a few days. 

It is important to note that ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States, and British Citizens still need to meet entry requirements at the port of entry. Additionally, ESTA is only valid for 90 days or less in the United States. British Citizens planning on traveling to the United States should consider applying for an ESTA to streamline their trip and save the time upon arrival in the United States.

Important Advice for ESTA Application

Make sure to double-check all of your information when completing the ESTA application. Any mistakes could lead not only to Serco denying you access but also to keep you from being able to enter America as well! 

As it’s valid for two years after approval, apply ahead so there won’t be anything holding up travel plans just because someone made an oversight in filling out some forms correctly.

What if my ESTA is Declined?

If your ESTA application is refused, you may be eligible for a tourist or business visa. To apply for this type of entry permit in the US, there’s an online D-160 form that must first be answered with correct information regarding yourself and any family members. You will also need to attend an interview at one of many embassies/consulates around London.

FAQS Related To ESTA For UK Citizens

Can UK Nationals Apply For An ESTA Visa Waiver?

Yes, UK Nationals can apply for an ESTA. However, it’s important to note that this program only applies to those traveling for business or leisure by air or sea. It does not apply to those seeking to enter the US for study, work, or other purposes. In addition, even if eligible for an ESTA waiver, UK nationals may still need to apply for a visa if they have a criminal record or are involved in any illegal activities. 

Is ESTA free for British citizens?

ESTA is affordable for British citizens but not free. Every applicant needs to pay about £11 through their credit cards. Suppose they are successful in getting the visa.

In that case, they will only spend around 3 pounds more than what was originally spent when reapplying after an application has been rejected or renewed with another company because there isn’t any additional charge unless you apply again within 90 days of your previous submission date!

What Requirements Do British Nationals Need To Meet For ESTA?

  • An electronic passport issued by the British government.
  • The email address is valid.
  • Telephone number and residential address.
  • A telephone number and email address for emergencies.
  • An accepted payment method.

Can All UK Nationals Obtain ESTA?

Not all British Citizens will be allowed in under the Visa Waiver Scheme or ESTA system—those who have been granted “Right of Abode” (or Indefinite Leave) with one condition include British citizens living here from other countries such as India; they also cannot use these programs due their nationality conditions.

  • Citizens of the UK living abroad
  • UK Subjects
  • Citizens of UK Dependent Territories
  • Citizens of the United Kingdom (Overseas)
  • Protected British Persons

How To Pay For An ESTA Application?

ESTA applications can only be processed online. You cannot get your application approved if you haven’t paid for it in full yet! You might think that there are other ways of paying, but they all come down ultimately the same – The majority of them are listed below.

  • Visa Credit Card
  • MasterCard Credit Card
  • Visa Debit Card
  • American Express
  • Discover, and many others.

How Long Does It Take To Complete An ESTA Application?

The ESTA application requires less than 15 minutes of your time. However, it depends on whether or not you have access to a passport and if there is any information that needs updating in the system before completing this form.

How Long Until An ESTA Expires?

ESTA is a travel document that must be obtained before arrival in the United States. It’s valid for two years after being issued and then becomes invalid; however, you can remain eligible to use it as long as your passport remains valid too! You cannot renew or replace an ESTA once its validity period has expired – so make sure not to forget those pesky expiration dates on both documents.”

What Will Happen If a UK Citizen Is Not Given An ESTA?

The answer is simple If an ESTA is denied, every UK citizen must apply for a United States visa.

The United States Visa Office requires all UK citizens who want entry onto American soil first apply via ESTAs; however, just because your name appears on one doesn’t mean you are automatically granted permission–you still need shoreline approval from the USA Department Of State.

Is It Possible To Request For an ESTA Using Numerous Citizenships?

The simple answer is yes, but If you have a criminal history and are looking to apply for an ESTA, it’s important that before making your application aware of eligibility questions.

Can I Always Check The Status of An ESTA Application?

The answer is yes – the ESTA website allows travelers to check their application status anytime. Log into your account using your application number and last name, and you’ll be able to view your application’s current status and any previous ESTA applications. 

Do I need an ESTA if entering the US by land?

When traveling to the United States, many people might assume that they only need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) if they fly into the country. However, this is not always the case. An ESTA is required for travel by any means, including land borders.

This applies even if you have a valid visa or ESTA from a previous trip. So, if you plan on entering the US by land, apply for an ESTA beforehand to avoid any potential complications at the border.

Can British Minors Apply For an ESTA?

Parents, caretakers, and legal guardians should note the requirements for traveling with Britishminors. From babies to children, there are many steps you need to go through before taking your trip abroad, including getting an ESTA permit which is essential if flying within European Union borders or elsewhere outside of North America, where most airports will require it before boarding flights into their terminal buildings.

Does a British Land Immigrant From Canada and Mexico Need ESTA?

The ESTA is not compulsory for entering the United States by land. However, an I-94 form will be needed if you want to enter faster at a border crossing point like airports or ports of entry; this includes questions similar to those on your applications with them too!

Address of US Embassy In London:

If you want to go through the Normal Visa process, you must go to the consulate to complete the process.

US Embassy London

London, 33 Nine Elms Ln, Nine Elms, London SW11 7US,

SW11 7US

The postal address:

U.S. Embassy London

PO Box SW11 7US

SW11 7US, London