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 anElectronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiveror 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:
- Iran
- Iraq
- Libya
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Yemen
You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you travelled to or werein 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 canregister to get a UK background check. If you pass the background checks, you’ll be invited to apply for Global Entry.
