Travel to the US: ESTA or visitor visa
British citizens usually travel with an approved ESTA; if you are not eligible, apply for a visa at the US Embassy in London.
What you need
- A valid passport
- An approved ESTA before travel, or a visa if you are not eligible
- For a visa: DS-160 confirmation page, fee payment and interview appointment
Step by step
- Check if you are eligible for ESTA (arrests, criminal records, past refusals and some travel history rule it out)
- If eligible, apply for ESTA on the official site before travelling
- If not, fill in the DS-160 with your photo and choose London as the location
- Pay the visa fee and book your interview
- Attend the interview at the US Embassy with your passport and DS-160 confirmation
Where to apply
DS-160 (CEAC) · ceac.state.gov
US Embassy London: visas · uk.usembassy.gov
The app helps with
Tips to get it right the first time
- Business travel on behalf of a US company may need more than an ESTA.
- Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay.
- Use only the official ESTA website.
Save the checklist in the app and tick items off as you gather them.
Reviewed on October 19, 2026 · source: gov.uk · Information from unofficial sources.. Requirements and costs are for reference and may change without notice: confirm them with the official source before you go. We are not affiliated with any institution.