All content on this page is intended for UK customers only.

Prior to travelling, we recommend you register your intention to travel with the Foreign Office: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/Locate/

Passports
Passports must be valid for the intended length of stay in the USA, i.e. beyond the pre-booked return date.  The UK and US have an agreement that allows travellers from one country to the other to enter using a passport of limited validity.  However, passengers are strongly advised to renew their passports before travelling if it has six months validity or less - this is in case departure from the US is delayed for any reason (beyond the limited passport validity), if passengers intend to make side visits to another country or if passengers have any other travel plans.  For more information or to renew, visit the UK Passport Service

Visa Waiver Program & ESTA (Electronic System For Travel Authorisation)
Visitors from the UK may enter the USA via the Visa Waiver Program, provided they have a machine-readable passport (issued up to 26 October 2006) or a machine-readable passport with integrated circuit chip (passports issued after 26 October 2006) & are staying no longer than 90 days for travel and tourism purposes.  
MANDATORY ESTA APPROVAL
For travel on or after 12 January 2009, passengers intending to enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Program will be required to obtain authorisation through ESTA (Electronic System For Travel Authorization) prior to boarding a US-bound aircraft - each person, regardless of age, is required to obtain independent ESTA approval.  ESTA approval is NOT a visa & does NOT guarantee admission to the USA - it is simply an approval for a traveller to board a US-bound aircraft & upon arrival, immigration is subject to normal terms & conditions.

Click here for: More ESTA Information or Submit ESTA Approval Application

Visas
Visas are required by passengers who do not have suitable machine readable passports, are not British Citizens, do not qualify for entry using the Visa Waiver Program or whose ESTA Approval has not been granted.  Visa and security requirements are subject to frequent and sudden change. It is therefore important that passengers check the US Embassy's public information regularly and well in advance of their planned travel date.  Visa applications must be made via they US Embassy.  Travellers requiring  further specific information or clarification are advised to call the US Embassy's Live Operator Information Service 09055 444546 (calls charged at £1.30 per minute) or visit the US Embassy website