United States Entry Requirements for UK Citizens

Entry requirements for UK citizens

Visa Free (Visa Waiver Program) — ESTA required before travel applies to UK passport holders visiting United States. Your passport valid for the entire duration of intended stay — must be an e-passport with biometric chip. The maximum permitted stay is 90 days.

Safety overview

United States has a safety score of 78 out of 100 in the DheeVoy safety database. This is a moderate safety rating — standard travel precautions apply.

Safest areas in United States

• Manhattan Midtown New York
• Beverly Hills Los Angeles
• Magnificent Mile Chicago
• South Beach Miami
• Fishermans Wharf San Francisco

Tourist scams to avoid in United States

• Unofficial ESTA application websites charging far above the USD 21 official fee — apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov
• Times Square costumed characters offering free photos then demanding large tips
• Overpriced tourist trap restaurants near major landmarks in all major cities
• Taxi drivers at airports taking longer routes — use Uber or Lyft apps instead

Best months to visit United States

The best months to visit are March, April, May, September, October.

Before you travel

Always verify entry requirements with the official UK government travel advisory and the United States embassy or consulate before booking. Visa rules and electronic travel authorisation requirements (such as ETIAS, ESTA, K-ETA and UK ETA) change frequently. UK passport holders can visit the USA under the Visa Waiver Program for up to 90 days but must obtain ESTA authorisation before travel. Apply at the official US government website esta.cbp.dhs.gov — the fee is USD 21 and approval is usually instant. Your passport must be a biometric e-Passport with a chip (identifiable by the international chip symbol on the cover). An ESTA grants permission to travel to the USA but does not guarantee entry — a CBP officer makes the final admission decision at the port of entry.