UK Passport Rules for Traveling to U.S.

The rules for United Kingdom passport holders traveling to the United States have become more complicated in recent years. The majority of British citizen passport holders can travel to the United States under the U.S. visa waiver program (VWP) but now have to register with the electronic travel system authorization (ESTA). UK passport holders who wish to stay more than 90 days in the United States must obtain a temporary or permanent visa.

The US Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

UK passport holders who are British citizen passport holders and intend to travel to the United States for 90 days or less for a vacation, a transfer to another country, general travel or regular business trips, can usually enter the United States under the U.S. visa waiver program. Holders of other types of UK passports, or for any other type of travel, must apply for a temporary or permanent visa prior to travel to the United States.

Electronic Travel System Authorization

The electronic travel system authorization (ESTA) was introduced on Jan. 12, 2009. The electronic travel system authorization is the equivalent of completing the I-94W paper form that was distributed to UK travelers before entering the United States. The free ESTA must be completed online at least 72 hours before travel and is valid for two years, providing the UK passport of the traveler is also valid for that time period.

E-Passport Requirements

UK passports issued on or after Oct. 26, 2006, are now classified as e-passports, a requirement for traveling under the visa waiver program. An e-passport contains an electronic chip of biographic and biometric information of the passport holder, including name, date of birth and a digital photo. An e-passport also contains a machine readable zone (MRZ), an area of two lines of text and chevrons.

Temporary and Permanent Visa Requirements

For travel greater than 90 days to the United States, or for travel that does not meet the visa waiver program requirements, a temporary or permanent visa must be obtained before traveling to the United States. Situations that require a temporary or permanent visa include:

- marriage to a US citizen with the intent to live in the United States
- family immigration
- student
- visits over 90 days
- travelers in transit in the US to another country who do not meet the Visa Waiver Program requirements
- to work.

Additional Requirements for UK Citizens Traveling to the US

UK passport holders traveling to the United States with children under the Visa Waiver Program must have a separate passport for each child. UK citizens who have been arrested (even without a conviction), have a criminal record, have been deported from the United States or have overstayed a previous visit to the United States can not travel under the Visa Paiver Program to the United States. For additional information, contact the U.S. Embassy.

References

• The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• Department of Homeland Security
• The U.S. Department of State

Resources

• Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
• U.S. Embassy in London