Visit the USA from the UK

Most British citizens visit the USA without a visa by getting an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, which costs US$40 and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. You need a B1/B2 visitor visa instead if you are not eligible for ESTA (for example because of certain arrests or convictions, previous refusals, or travel to specific countries), if you want to stay longer than 90 days, or if you hold a passport that is not in the Visa Waiver Program, such as Indian, Pakistani or Nigerian. The B1/B2 visa fee is US$185, a US$250 visa integrity fee is charged when a visa is issued, and UK residents interview at the US Embassy in London or the Consulate General in Belfast. GIEC Global UK works as a USA visa consultant for UK residents of all nationalities, and this guide explains the options.

Do British citizens need a visa for the USA?

Usually not. British citizens with an electronic passport can use the Visa Waiver Program if they have an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before they travel. ESTA covers tourism, visiting family and friends, transit, short medical treatment and many business visitor activities such as meetings and conferences. It does not allow work, study for credit, or stays longer than 90 days.

Apply only through the official CBP website or the ESTA mobile app. Many websites charge much more than US$40 for “help” with an ESTA; you do not need them.

When you need a B1/B2 visa instead of ESTA

You will usually need a US visitor visa if any of these apply:

• Your nationality is not in the Visa Waiver Program, for example India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Ghana, the Philippines or China, even if you live in the UK.
• You have been arrested or convicted of certain offences. The ESTA asks about arrests and convictions, including some that are “spent” under UK law, so read the questions carefully and get advice if unsure.
• You have travelled to certain countries, such as Cuba (on or after 12 January 2021), Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen (on or after 1 March 2011), with limited exceptions for official or military travel.
• You are a dual national of certain countries named in the ESTA rules.
• You were refused an ESTA or a US visa before, or you overstayed in the past.
• You want to stay longer than 90 days, or your purpose is not allowed under ESTA.

If any of these describe you, do not book non-refundable travel until your visa is issued.

B1/B2 visitor visa: what it allows

The B1 (business) and B2 (tourism) categories are usually issued together. You can:

• holiday, visit family and friends, and attend social events;
• consult with business associates, attend conferences, negotiate contracts and settle an estate;
• receive medical treatment;
• take a short recreational course that does not count toward a degree.

You cannot work for a US employer, be paid by a US source (except in narrow cases), or study for a degree. For those, see our work in the USA and study in the USA pages.

US visa requirements: what the consular officer looks for

US law presumes every visitor visa applicant intends to immigrate unless they show otherwise. Officers refuse under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act when they are not satisfied. As a USA visa consultant, we help you present your situation clearly with evidence of:

• Purpose: a realistic plan for the visit, such as a family wedding, a holiday itinerary or a business meeting.
• Funds: bank statements and income evidence that match the cost of the trip.
• Ties to the UK: employment with approved leave, a business, property, family responsibilities or ongoing study.
• Immigration status in the UK: for non-British residents, evidence of your UK visa or settled status and how long you have lived here.
• Travel history: previous compliance with US, UK, Canadian, Schengen or Australian visas.

Documents support your answers, but the interview is where most decisions are made. Officers often decide after a short conversation, so clear, honest and consistent answers matter more than a thick folder.

How to apply for a US visitor visa from the UK

1. Check ESTA eligibility first. If you qualify, apply for ESTA instead.
2. Complete the DS-160 online form. Every detail, including travel history, employment and social media identifiers, must be accurate and consistent with your passport and documents.
3. Pay the US$185 application fee and create your appointment profile.
4. Book an interview at the US Embassy in London or the Consulate General in Belfast. Applicants are generally expected to apply in their country of nationality or residence.
5. Prepare documents: passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter, photo meeting US requirements, and supporting evidence.
6. Attend the interview. Answer briefly and truthfully.
7. Receive the decision. If approved, the US$250 integrity fee is charged on issuance and your passport is returned by courier. Some cases need administrative processing under section 221(g).

Business trips to the USA from the UK

Business travel is a big part of UK-US traffic. On ESTA or a B1 visa you can attend meetings, conferences and trade shows, negotiate contracts, consult with business associates and carry out independent research. You cannot perform productive work for a US company, take a US salary, or do hands-on installation or services for US clients unless a specific exception applies. Bring a letter from your UK employer explaining your role, the purpose and dates of the trip and confirming that you remain paid in the UK, plus an invitation from the US company if you have one. If your trip looks more like a job than a visit, ask about work visas such as the L-1 or H-1B before you travel.

Visiting children or family in the USA

Many UK-based parents travel to see children who study or work in the USA, or to attend a graduation, wedding or the birth of a grandchild. Bring evidence of the relationship, your child’s US status (such as their I-20, visa or green card), the event details and your return plans. Officers understand family visits; what they look for is a clear plan and strong reasons to come back to the UK. Long or repeated stays that add up to most of the year can cause problems at the border, even with a valid visa.

US visa appointments in London: what to expect

Wait times for B1/B2 interviews in London change through the year and are longest before the summer holidays. Book as soon as you decide to travel. Some important points:

• Nobody can legally sell you a faster appointment. Agents who claim to “buy” slots or use automated booking tools put your application at risk.
• If you have an urgent need, such as a medical emergency or a family funeral, the embassy has an expedited appointment request process.
• Most applicants should now expect an in-person interview. Interview waiver eligibility has been narrowed and is limited to specific renewal cases.
• Arrive on time, bring only what is allowed into the embassy, and keep your phone switched off.

Costs at a glance

Item	Cost	Notes
ESTA	US$40	Official CBP site or app only
B1/B2 application (MRV) fee	US$185	Non-refundable, even if refused
Visa integrity fee	US$250	Charged when the visa is issued; check travel.state.gov for current collection details
Reciprocity fee	Depends on nationality	Not charged to British citizens
Courier return	Included or small charge	Depends on the delivery option

Common reasons US visitor visas are refused

• Section 214(b): the officer is not convinced you will return to the UK.
• Inconsistent DS-160 answers: dates, jobs or travel that do not match your passport or what you say at interview.
• Undisclosed history: arrests, previous refusals or overstays that were not declared.
• Unclear purpose: vague plans or a stated purpose that sounds like work.

A 214(b) refusal is not permanent. You can reapply when your circumstances change or when you can present your situation more clearly. Paying again with the same facts rarely helps.

ESTA or visa: tips for travellers with a criminal record

This is one of the most common questions we get. The ESTA form asks whether you have ever been arrested or convicted for certain types of offences. UK rules about “spent” convictions do not apply to US immigration questions, so a caution or old conviction may still need to be declared. Answering incorrectly can lead to a permanent bar for misrepresentation. If you are unsure, apply for a B1/B2 visa and bring an ACRO police certificate and court documents to the interview. Some people also need a waiver, which takes longer, so plan well ahead.

Choosing a USA visa consultant or US visa agent in London

US visa agents and consultants in London cannot influence the consular officer, and you should avoid anyone who says they can. A good consultant helps you work out whether you need ESTA or a visa, completes the DS-160 accurately with you, prepares you for the interview and gives honest feedback. Ask any US visa agency:

• What exactly do you do that I cannot do myself, and what are your fees?
• Do you guarantee results? (The honest answer is no.)
• Do you prepare clients for interviews, and how?
• How do you handle cases with arrests, past refusals or complex travel history?

How GIEC Global UK helps

We help British citizens who are not ESTA-eligible, non-British UK residents and business travellers prepare US visitor visa applications. Our help includes an ESTA or visa eligibility check, DS-160 completion support, document checklists, mock interviews, and advice after a refusal. We also help families plan trips that combine the USA with Canada or other destinations. Learn more about us or book a consultation.

At the US border: what happens on arrival

An ESTA or visa lets you travel to a US port of entry, but the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer decides whether to admit you and for how long. Be ready to explain the purpose of your trip, where you will stay and when you will leave. Keep your return ticket, accommodation details and, for business trips, your employer letter to hand. Your admission record (Form I-94) is created electronically, and you can check your permitted stay online after arrival. Overstaying even by a few days can make you ineligible for ESTA in future.

Planning your trip

Popular first trips from the UK include New York, Florida (Orlando and Miami), California, Las Vegas and national parks such as the Grand Canyon. Healthcare in the USA is very expensive, so buy travel insurance with high medical cover. Check that your passport is valid for your whole stay, and make sure your ESTA or visa details match your current passport. If your trip includes Canada, read our visit Canada guide, because Canada has its own eTA and visa rules.

Americans visiting the UK

We also hear from US citizens planning trips to London. Americans do not need a visa for UK visits of up to six months, but they do need a UK ETA, which costs £20 from 8 April 2026. See our visit the UK guide.

More guides

Browse all visit visa guides, including visiting Europe and visiting Dubai, or see our migrate to the USA page for long-term options.

Sources and review

Reviewed on 31 October 2026 against the US Department of State visitor visa pages and fee schedule, the US Embassy and Consulates in the UK, and CBP’s official ESTA guidance. US visa policy and fees have changed frequently since 2025, so check the official sites before you apply. This page is general information, not legal advice.