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United States Visa for British Citizens

eTA / e-permit90 days max stay

British passport holders need an approved eTA (electronic travel authorisation) before travelling to United States, but not a full visa.

Must obtain ESTA prior to travel. Admitted for 90 days or less for tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Program. VWP nationals who have traveled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen (since March 1, 2011) or Cuba (since January 12, 2021) must obtain a visa instead. Dual nationals of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria are ineligible for VWP. Note: UK nationals who are Citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda with BMU-coded passports are NOT subject to this VWP/ESTA rule and instead fall under a separate visa exemption (22 CFR 41.2(b)) with a 180-day limit.

travel.state.gov ↗

How British citizens apply for a United States visa

  • → Apply online for the eTA before you travel; approval is usually quick.
  • → Confirm the latest rules on the destination's official government page before you book.

United States visa types

B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa

Tourism, business visits, transit, medical treatment

180 days~$185

F-1 Student Visa

Full-time academic study at SEVP-approved institutions

~$185

H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa

Working in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree

1095 days~$190

L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa

Transferring to a US office in a managerial, executive, or specialised knowledge role

1825 days~$190

J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

Au pairs, camp counsellors, interns, teachers, research scholars, professors

~$185

EB-5 Investor Visa

Immigrant visa through investment of at least USD 1.05M (or USD 800K in rural/high-unemployment areas) creating 10 US jobs

~$3675

United States visa for United Kingdom citizens — FAQ

Do British citizens need a visa for United States?

British passport holders need an approved eTA (electronic travel authorisation) before travelling to United States, but not a full visa.

What documents do British citizens need for United States?

A passport valid for at least six months, proof of onward travel and funds, and any documents required for the specific United States visa category. Always confirm with the official source.

Related visa requirements