United States Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing
Complete US ESTA and visa guide for UK travelers. Apply online for $21, get approval in minutes, and visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa.
At a glance
Max stay: 90 days
Overview
Planning a trip to the United States as a British citizen? You can travel visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Apply online for $21, receive approval within minutes, and enjoy stays of up to 90 days. Your ESTA is valid for 2 years with multiple entries. If you need longer stays or are ineligible for ESTA, the B-2 tourist visa is your alternative.
Visa Application process
Visit the Official ESTA Website
Enter Your Information
Answer Eligibility Questions
Provide Travel Information
Pay the Fee
Receive Your Decision
Visa Application Steps
- 1. Visit the Official ESTA Website
- 2. Enter Your Information
- 3. Answer Eligibility Questions
- 4. Provide Travel Information
- 5. Pay the Fee
- 6. Receive Your Decision
Visa Fees breakdown
| Item: Cost | ESTA Application (current): $21 | ESTA Application (from Sept 30, 2025): $40 | B-2 Visa (if ESTA ineligible): $185 | The ESTA fee is non-refundable. If denied, you only pay the $4 processing fee.1 A fee increase to $40 takes effect September 30, 2025.4 |
|---|
Who cannot use this visa
ESTA is not available to everyone. You must apply for a B-2 visa instead if you:2 | Have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 1, 2011 | Hold dual nationality with any of these countries | Have been arrested or convicted of certain crimes | Have previously been denied a US visa | Have overstayed a previous US visit | Need to stay longer than 90 days | Plan to study or work in the US | If any of these apply, see the B-2 visa section below.
What you can do
**Tourism** | Sightseeing and vacation travel | Visiting national parks and attractions | Attending events, concerts, or sports | **Visiting People** | Staying with family or friends | Attending weddings or family events | **Business Activities** | Attending meetings, conferences, or seminars | Negotiating contracts (but not signing employment contracts) | Consulting with business associates | **Transit** | Passing through the US to another country | **Medical Treatment** | Receiving medical treatment at US facilities
What you cannot do
Any form of paid or unpaid employment | Enrolling in a course of study | Working as foreign press or media | Staying longer than 90 days per visit | Extending your stay while in the US
Required documents
- Valid UK Passport
- Email Address
- Payment Method
- Travel Information
- Eligibility Questions
Valid UK Passport
Email Address
Payment Method
Travel Information
Eligibility Questions
Optional documents
DS-160 Form (B-2 Visa Only) | Financial Documents (B-2 Visa Only)
DS-160 Form (B-2 Visa Only)
Financial Documents (B-2 Visa Only)
Border entry information
ESTA approval does not guarantee entry.2 At the airport, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will:
• Verify your identity and ESTA status
• Ask about your trip purpose and length of stay
• Inquire about your accommodation and return travel
• Collect biometrics (fingerprints and photograph)
Be prepared to answer questions clearly and honestly. Officers may ask to see:
• Return flight confirmation
• Hotel reservations or host contact details
• Evidence of funds for your stay
Your I-94 record (available online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov) confirms your legal entry and authorized stay period.
Alternative visa options
If you are ineligible for ESTA or need to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a B-2 tourist visa.5
When to Apply for B-2:
ESTA denied or you are ineligible for VWP
Need to stay more than 90 days (B-2 allows up to 6 months)
Want the option to extend your stay while in the US
Have complex circumstances requiring explanation
B-2 Application Process:
Complete the DS-160 online application at ceac.state.gov5
Pay the $185 MRV fee6
Schedule an interview at the US Embassy London or Consulate Belfast
Attend the in-person interview with supporting documents
Receive your visa (if approved) within 3-5 working days
Current Wait Times:
Interview appointment: 82-110 days in London4
Post-interview processing: 3-5 working days
The B-2 visa approval rate for UK citizens is approximately 82%.7
If your application is denied
ESTA denial means you cannot travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program.2 Your options:
Apply for a B-2 Visa
This is the standard path after ESTA denial. The visa application allows you to:5
Provide detailed documentation
Explain circumstances in person
Address specific concerns that caused the ESTA denial
Understand the Denial Reason
ESTA denials do not include detailed explanations, but common reasons include travel to designated countries, criminal history, or previous immigration issues. Address these in your visa application.
Do Not Reapply Immediately
Reapplying for ESTA without changed circumstances almost always results in another denial. Focus on the B-2 visa application instead.
Comparison
| Feature | ESTA | B-2 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $21 | $185 |
| Processing time | Minutes to 72 hours | 82-110 days (wait) + interview |
| Maximum stay | 90 days | Up to 6 months |
| Can extend stay | No | Yes (in exceptional cases) |
| Multiple entries | Yes (2 years) | Yes (typically 10 years) |
| Interview required | No | Yes |
| Appeal if denied | No | Limited options |
Common rejection reasons
| % | Reason |
|---|---|
| 35% | Travel to Designated Countries |
| 25% | Criminal History |
| 20% | Previous Visa Denial or Overstay |
| 12% | False Information on Application |
| 8% | Health-Related Inadmissibility |
35% - Travel to Designated Countries
How to avoid: If you have traveled to these countries for legitimate reasons (journalism, humanitarian work, government business), apply for a B-2 visa and explain the circumstances.
25% - Criminal History
How to avoid: Even spent convictions under UK law may affect ESTA eligibility. If you have any criminal record, consider applying for a B-2 visa where you can provide context.
20% - Previous Visa Denial or Overstay
How to avoid: Past immigration issues require a B-2 visa application. Be prepared to explain the circumstances and demonstrate changed behavior.
12% - False Information on Application
How to avoid: Double-check all information before submitting. Be truthful even about issues you think might cause problems. Dishonesty has more severe consequences.
8% - Health-Related Inadmissibility
How to avoid: These cases are rare for UK travelers. If denied for health reasons, consult with an immigration attorney about waiver options.
Frequently asked 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, 2026.
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.
What happens if my ESTA is denied?
If ESTA is denied, you must apply for a B-2 tourist visa at the US Embassy in London or Consulate in Belfast. This involves completing the DS-160 form, paying $185, and attending an in-person interview. The current interview wait time in London is 82-110 days.
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days with ESTA?
No. ESTA stays cannot be extended. The 90-day limit is strictly enforced. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a B-2 visa before traveling, which allows stays up to 6 months.
What disqualifies UK citizens from ESTA?
You cannot use ESTA if you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 2011, have certain criminal convictions, hold dual nationality with these countries, or have been denied a US visa previously.
Do children need their own ESTA?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, must have their own ESTA. Each person needs their own e-Passport, and a separate application with payment must be submitted for each individual.
Can I reapply if my ESTA is denied?
Yes, but reapplying without changed circumstances rarely succeeds. ESTA denials are typically based on eligibility criteria, so a B-2 visa application is usually the better path forward.
Does ESTA guarantee entry to the United States?
No. ESTA authorizes you to board a US-bound carrier and travel to a US port of entry. The final decision on entry is made by Customs and Border Protection officers at the airport. They may ask about your trip purpose, accommodation, and return plans.
Sources
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/visa-waiver-program
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements
https://uk.usembassy.gov/cbps-electronic-system-for-travel-authorization-esta/
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html
https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Statistics/Non-Immigrant-Statistics/RefusalRates/FY24.pdf