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Entry requirements

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.

The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering the US.

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

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 ) visa waiver or a visa .

The US State Department has more information on visas .

Applying for an ESTA visa waiver

Apply for an ESTA visa waiver through US Customs and Border Protection. You can also apply using the ESTA Mobile app on android or on iOS .

You cannot 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

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

North Korea

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

If you are not eligible for an ESTA , you must instead apply for a US visa.

Applying for a visa

The US Embassy in London has information on how to apply for a visa .

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 visa waiver on arrival
be able to provide evidence about the purpose, location and length of their visit if asked by immigration officials
have written consent 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 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( 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 .

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 programme

The US Customs and Border Protection programme Global Entry allows pre-approved travellers through border control faster 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.

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See travel advisories and register in STEP

Find out about travel advisories abroad before you plan your trip. Learn about the benefits of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and how to register.

Check for travel alerts in other countries

Before planning your trip abroad, you can find out if there are any travel advisories in your destination country. These advisories are issued by the U.S. Department of State and include 4 levels of increasing risk:

Level 1 - Exercise normal caution. This is the lowest level of risk. But be aware there is some risk with international travel, and safe conditions in some countries may differ from the U.S.
Level 2 - Exercise increased caution. A level 2 alert means you should be aware of heightened risk when you travel.
Level 3 - Reconsider travel. There may be serious risks involved when you travel to countries under a level 3 alert.
Level 4 - Do not travel. In countries under a level 4 travel advisory, there is a higher chance you may encounter life-threatening risks. The U.S. government may also not have the ability to assist you if you experience an emergency.

These travel warning levels are determined by various factors, including:

Civil unrest
Disease outbreaks
Natural disasters

To find out what travel advisories may affect your trip, enter your destination country’s name in the search bar.

Learn about STEP and how to register

What is step.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service from the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. When you enroll, you will receive emails with news, alerts, and travel advisories about your destination country. With STEP, you can also:

Be in direct contact during an emergency with the U.S. embassy in the country you are visiting
Stay in touch with family and friends during an emergency