United Kingdom
United States
United States visa for British citizens
Entry requirement
Before flying to the United States, British citizens must obtain an ETA online; stays of up to 90 days are allowed.
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Where to apply
- 4 missions
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 31 October 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at uk.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days per visit
- Fee
- US$40.62
All visa types for the United States
For the ETA, the United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$40.62, and applications are made on esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Longest stay on the ETA: Up to 90 days per visit.
Where to apply in United Kingdom
- Embassy of the United States in London
Nine Elms Lane 33, SW11 7US London
- Consulate General of the United States in Edinburgh
Regent Terrace 3, Edinburgh
- Consulate General of the United States in Belfast
223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5GR
Today 08:30–17:00 -
US visas issued to citizens of the United Kingdom
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 29,423 | 24,804 |
| Student (F, M) | 5,003 | 5,203 |
| Exchange (J) | 16,119 | 16,660 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 22,664 | 24,316 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 7,453 | 6,785 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 7,039 | 6,049 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 1,197 | 607 |
| Other | 1 | 5 |
| Total | 88,899 | 84,429 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 18.0% | 20.4% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 84,429 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of the United Kingdom, the 17th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 29%, work and treaty visas 29% and exchange visitor visas 20%. That is 5% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (88,899).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of the United Kingdom received 30,881, about as many as in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 20.4% for citizens of the United Kingdom in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 18.0%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of the United Kingdom anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in the United Kingdom.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to the United Kingdom
United StatesUnited Kingdom Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) United Kingdom visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
For a trip from the United Kingdom to the United States, the published travel advice reads as follows: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026). Each ministry writes for its own citizens.
Good to know
How long British citizens can stay in the United States
British citizens may stay in the United States for up to 90 days. The stay granted is recorded on entry to the United States.
How British citizens apply
British citizens apply for the ETA for the United States online on its official government portal before departure; it is linked to the passport they travel with.
The United States’ neighbours for British citizens
Mexico admits British citizens visa-free.
US citizens travelling to the United Kingdom
US citizens do not need a visa for the United Kingdom, but they need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure; it covers stays of up to 180 days. The rule is the same in both directions between the United Kingdom and the United States.
Frequently asked questions
Do British citizens need a visa for the United States?
Before flying to the United States, British citizens must obtain an ETA online; stays of up to 90 days are allowed.
How long can British citizens stay in the United States?
British citizens can stay in the United States for up to 90 days with an ETA.
How much does the United States ETA cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$40.62 for the ETA.
Do US citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?
US citizens do not need a visa for the United Kingdom, but they need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure; it covers stays of up to 180 days.
Can British citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; British citizens need an ETA for the United States.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 31 October 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.