ESTA guide for British travellers

What is an ESTA?

ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It is a pre-travel authorisation required for citizens of countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Program — which includes the United Kingdom.

It is not a visa. It does not go in your passport. It is an electronic authorisation linked to your passport number that allows you to travel to the United States without going through the full visa application process.

You must have an approved ESTA before you board your flight. Airlines check ESTA status at check-in. If you do not have one, you will not be allowed to board.

Who needs an ESTA?

All British citizens travelling to the United States for tourism, business or transit need an ESTA, unless they already hold a valid US visa.

If you hold a British passport but were born in certain countries, or have previously travelled to certain countries (including Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen), you may not be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and may need to apply for a visa instead. Check the US government website for the current list of affected countries.

Children need their own ESTA — including infants. Each member of your travelling party needs a separate application linked to their own passport.

How to apply

Apply at the official US government website only:

esta.cbp.dhs.gov

This is the only official site. Many third-party websites offer to process ESTA applications and charge significantly more than the official fee — some charge £50-80 for a service that costs $21 on the official site. They are not illegal, but they offer no additional value. Use the official site.

What you need to apply

The application takes around 10-15 minutes and requires:

Your passport — specifically the passport number, issue date, expiry date, and the machine-readable zone information. Make sure you use the passport you will be travelling with, and that it is valid for the duration of your trip.

Your contact information — email address, phone number, and address in the United States if known (your hotel address is fine; you can also enter "unknown" if you are not sure yet).

Your employer's name and address, if employed. Students need their school details.

A credit or debit card for the $21 fee.

You will also be asked a series of questions about criminal history, health conditions, and previous visa refusals. Answer honestly — the questions are straightforward and the vast majority of British travellers will answer no to all of them.

How long does it take?

Most applications are approved within minutes. Some take up to 72 hours. A small number are referred for further review, which can take up to 30 days.

Apply at least 72 hours before your departure — ideally as soon as your flights are booked. There is no reason to leave it until the last minute, and doing so is an unnecessary risk.

How much does it cost?

$21 per person on the official government website. This is the total cost — there are no additional fees on the official site.

Payment is by credit or debit card. The charge will appear in US dollars on your statement; your bank will convert at the prevailing exchange rate.

How long is an ESTA valid?

An approved ESTA is valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.

This means if you get an ESTA now, you can use it for multiple trips to the United States over the following two years without reapplying. You do not need a new ESTA for every trip.

If you renew your passport, you need a new ESTA linked to the new passport number. Your old ESTA remains linked to your old passport and cannot be transferred.

How long can you stay?

An ESTA permits stays of up to 90 days per visit. You cannot extend beyond 90 days without applying for a visa. The 90 days begins on the day you enter the United States, not the date of your ESTA approval.

If you are planning a very long trip — multiple months combining California with other US destinations — check the 90-day limit carefully against your planned travel dates.

Common mistakes to avoid

Applying through a third-party website

As mentioned above — use esta.cbp.dhs.gov only. Third-party sites charge more for the same result. Some look official but are not.

Applying with the wrong passport

Your ESTA must be linked to the passport you will use to travel. If you renew your passport between applying and travelling, you need a new ESTA. Check your passport expiry date before applying.

Leaving it too late

Most applications are approved in minutes, but some take 72 hours or longer. Apply as soon as your travel dates are confirmed — there is no advantage to waiting.

Forgetting about children

Every person travelling needs their own ESTA, including infants and children. Apply for all members of your party at the same time.

Entering incorrect passport information

Double-check your passport number, issue date and expiry date before submitting. Errors can cause problems at the border even if your ESTA is approved.

What happens when you arrive?

When you land in the United States, you will go through US Customs and Border Protection. You will need to:

Complete the CBP Declaration Form — either on paper on the plane or digitally via the CBP One app or automated kiosks at the airport. Most UK visitors now use the kiosks, which are quick and easy.

Present your passport at the border. Your ESTA is linked to your passport electronically — you do not need to print anything or show any additional documentation.

Answer the border officer's questions honestly. They will typically ask the purpose of your visit, where you are staying, and how long you plan to be in the US. Keep your answers simple and accurate.

Your fingerprints will be scanned and a photograph taken. This is standard procedure for all international visitors to the United States.

ESTA vs US visa — which do you need?

The vast majority of British travellers visiting California for tourism need an ESTA, not a visa. You need a visa if:

You plan to stay longer than 90 days. You plan to work in the United States (paid or unpaid). You have been refused a US visa in the past. You have been refused entry to the United States. You hold a passport from or have travelled to certain countries (see above). You have a criminal record.

If any of these apply, contact the US Embassy in London to discuss your options. The visa application process is more involved but is manageable with the right preparation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for an ESTA if my passport expires soon?

Your ESTA will only be valid until your passport expires, even if that is before the two-year validity period. Make sure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your trip. The US does not require six months' validity beyond your travel dates (unlike many other countries), but your passport must be valid on the day you travel.

Can I work in the US on an ESTA?

No. The Visa Waiver Program permits tourism and business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations) but not paid or unpaid work. If you plan to work in any capacity, you need the appropriate work visa.

Can I study on an ESTA?

Short recreational courses of less than 18 hours per week are permitted. Full-time study requires a student visa.

My ESTA was denied — what do I do?

An ESTA denial does not mean you cannot visit the United States — it means you need to apply for a visa instead. Contact the US Embassy in London. A denial can occur for various reasons, not all of which are disqualifying for a visa application.

Do I need travel insurance if I have an ESTA?

Yes — travel insurance is separate from your ESTA and is essential for any trip to the United States. US medical costs are very high, and an uninsured hospital visit can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Make sure your policy includes comprehensive medical cover.