Traveling to the United States from the United Kingdom requires proper preparation, including obtaining an ESTA for US from UK. ESTA, or the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is a mandatory online authorization for UK citizens traveling to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for short visits. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about the ESTA process, the costs involved, and practical advice to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
ESTA is an automated system designed by the U.S. government to determine the eligibility of visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries—including the UK—to enter the United States without a traditional visa. It applies to UK travelers intending to visit for tourism, business, or transit for stays of 90 days or less.
Without an approved ESTA, airlines and cruise lines are prohibited from allowing you to board travel bound for the US. Therefore, obtaining ESTA is an essential step for UK citizens traveling to the US.
The ESTA fee for travelers from the UK to the US is set at $21 USD per application. This is broken down as:
$4 USD — Application processing fee
$17 USD — Authorization fee (charged only if the application is approved)
If your application is denied, you will only be charged the $4 processing fee. Always apply through the official ESTA website to avoid additional fees charged by unofficial service providers.
Here is a clear, step-by-step overview of how UK citizens can apply for ESTA to enter the US:
Have your valid UK passport, travel itinerary, and emergency contact details ready before starting the application.
Use the official U.S. government portal for the ESTA application to ensure security and accuracy.
Fill out all required fields, including personal details, passport information, and eligibility questions. Accuracy is critical.
Pay the $21 USD fee securely online using accepted credit or debit cards.
Most applicants receive approval within minutes, but allow up to 72 hours. Once approved, your ESTA will remain valid for two years or until your passport expires.
An approved ESTA allows you multiple entries to the United States during its validity period, with each stay limited to 90 days. Key points to remember:
ESTA authorization does not guarantee entry into the US; border officials have the final say.
ESTA covers travel by air or sea; it is not valid for entry via land borders.
You must carry a valid return or onward ticket.
Yes. Your approved ESTA remains valid for multiple trips to the US within the two-year validity period.
You will only pay the $4 processing fee. To travel, you will need to apply for a traditional US visa at an embassy or consulate.
No additional fees apply for expedited processing. Most decisions are returned quickly after submission.
Apply Early: Submit your ESTA at least 72 hours before your travel date to avoid last-minute problems.
Use Only the Official Website: Protect yourself from fraud and high fees by applying through the official government portal.
Ensure Passport Validity: Your UK passport must be valid for your entire stay in the US.
Keep a Copy of Your ESTA: It is advisable to print or save a digital copy of your ESTA approval for reference.
For UK citizens, securing an ESTA for US is a straightforward, cost-effective way to gain travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program. The total application fee is $21 USD, and most applicants receive approval rapidly when applying through the official website.
By preparing your information in advance, submitting your application correctly, and understanding the conditions and fees, you can confidently plan your trip to the United States. Whether visiting iconic landmarks, attending conferences, or reconnecting with friends and family, having your ESTA in place ensures a hassle-free start to your American journey. Safe travels!