The US Electronic System for Travel Authorization is required before British citizens board a flight to the United States. Fast, secure applications with expert review before every submission.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a mandatory pre-travel requirement for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries — including the United Kingdom — who wish to visit the United States for tourism, business, or transit.
An ESTA is not a visa. It is an automated eligibility check linked electronically to your passport. Once approved, it permits multiple trips to the United States for up to 90 days per visit over a two-year period, without the need to visit a US embassy.
US Customs and Border Protection retains the right to refuse admission on arrival even with an approved ESTA, but holding a valid authorisation is a strict requirement before boarding any flight or vessel bound for the United States.
Yes. British citizens travelling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are required to obtain an approved ESTA before departure. This applies to tourism, business visits, and transit through US airports.
An ESTA is not required if you already hold a valid US visa. British citizens who have been refused a US visa, or who have visited certain countries, may not be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and will need to apply for a visa instead.
Not sure whether you qualify? Visit ETA Permits and click Your Journey Begins Here to check your eligibility instantly.
To travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, British citizens must hold a valid e-passport (electronic passport) with a chip. Older passports without a chip are not accepted for ESTA travel. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip — the US does not require six months' validity beyond your stay, but airlines may have their own requirements. Check full requirements at ETA Permits.
Enter your personal details, passport information, and travel plans on our secure online form. The process takes around 10 minutes and can be completed for the whole family in one session.
Our team checks every ESTA application for accuracy before submission to US Customs and Border Protection — minimising errors, inconsistencies, and the risk of rejection.
Your approved ESTA is delivered by email and linked electronically to your passport. No printing required — simply present your passport at check-in and at the US border.
Everything British citizens need to know about the US ESTA before applying.
An approved ESTA is valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. Within that period, you may make multiple trips to the United States, each for up to 90 days.
No. The ESTA is for tourism, short business visits, and transit only. It does not permit employment in the United States. If you intend to work, study, or remain for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for the appropriate US visa.
Yes. Every traveller — including infants and children — requires their own individual ESTA linked to their own passport. ETA Permits makes it easy to apply for all family members at once.
If your ESTA is denied, you will need to apply for a US B-1/B-2 visitor visa through the standard US visa application process at a US embassy or consulate. ETA Permits reviews every application before submission to reduce the risk of rejection.
No. Your ESTA is linked electronically to your passport. You do not need to carry a printed copy — simply present your e-passport at check-in and at the US border.
Yes. British citizens connecting through a US airport — including those who do not plan to leave the transit area — generally require a valid ESTA. Transit without a visa may be available in limited circumstances; check at ETA Permits for your specific situation.
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