Tourist Visa Entry Requirements to the USA for a UK Citizen

Have you decided to explore your country’s special relationship with the USA, and planned a little trip across the pond? A trip to some of the famous tourist spots, such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the Empire State Building, is a treat and a must when in the USA. You will also be able to see for yourself how people drive on the right side of the road in the USA. But the USA has a strong immigration policy, so without the right visa, you might not be allowed entry into the country.

Besides the B-2 Tourist visa, UK tourists can apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme. Let’s see what options you have as a tourist visiting the country.

What Different Entry Permits are available for Tourists?

You should know the visa application process and available types to get a tourist visa for the USA from the UK. Legally, you may enter the USA using 2 ways. Let’s take a deep dive into the types of visas available when visiting the USA.

Visitor Visa (B-2 Tourist Visa)

It is also called the Nonimmigrant Visa, and a must for your trip to the USA. You can use the B-2 tourist Visa for different purposes, such as visiting an old friend, leisure purposes, or for vacation. 

To apply for a B-2 Tourist Visa to the USA, you need to have a valid UK passport. Just ensure that your visa has a validity of six months even after the date of exit from the country. Once you get the visa to visit the country, keep a few more documents with you, for example, an itinerary.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with ESTA:

The United States of America has an agreement with approximately 40 countries, including the UK, to allow their citizens into the USA without a visa. In case a country has an agreement with the USA, all citizens from these countries must opt for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Under the Visa Waiver Programme, if you are eligible, you can visit the country to travel around or for business. Besides, you are allowed to stay in the U.S. for 90 days. If a UK citizen travels to the USA, no visa application is needed unless:

• They visited countries such as Iran, Iraq, Cuba, North Korea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan before March 2011.
• They have been arrested at some point.
• They have a past criminal record.
• They have overstayed their ESTA at some point in the past.

With the Visa Waiver Programme, you can visit the USA without going through the complex process of a visa application.

Moreover, you have multiple options to get a tourist visa for the USA from the UK, but you need to know which one allows you to travel and which one allows you to do business with other parties.

Table 1: Differences Between B-2 Tourist Visa and ESTA for the USA

Entry Requirements at the Port of Entry

When you enter the USA, you will need to carry some valuable documents for the immigration authorities at the port of entry. It might include the following:

Valid Passport

When UK citizens travel to the USA, they will have to have a valid passport to be produced at the immigration checkpoint. You have to ensure that the passport will have validity for another 6 months even after your stay in the country is over.

Approved Visa or ESTA

Next, you would have to produce an approved visa to travel or make business tours. If you are planning to visit the country for tourism, you would need to get a B-2 Tourist Visa. Alternatively, you can get an ESTA before entering the country. It will allow 90 days of stay in the USA, during the time you can travel or do business.

Proof of Funds 

As you will be visiting the USA for tourism or business activities, you will have to have proof of funds. A bank statement would be an ideal document that you might want to carry with you as proof of your financial strength.

Return/Onward Ticket

When you book your tickets for a trip to the USA, be sure to book a two-way or onward ticket, which proves that you have no intention to overstay your visa. It is proof that you have a complete plan to leave the USA and go elsewhere or return to your home country.

Accommodation Details

After you have sorted out the tourist visa for the USA from the UK, your passport, and every other thing, you should book a suitable hotel room. Keep the hotel booking details with you at the time of arrival. If asked at the airport, hand the immigration officials a copy of your hotel booking details.

Which Travel Permit Applies to You?

Different visa types offer different benefits. When a UK citizen travels to the USA, he has mainly two options to legally enter the USA. So, let’s see the best option for you.

ESTA

Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA, is the best option for you if you are traveling from the UK. It will give you a seamless entry to the USA. Once you have received the ESTA permission, you can visit the country at any time you want. 

Business or travel, whatever your purpose of visit is, you can fulfill your purpose easily with ESTA. Besides, you get 90 days of validity with it.

B-2 Visa

If you don’t need to visit the country frequently for business work. You can go for a B-2 Tourist Visa. For 180 days, roam around the country without having any issues. But you cannot undertake any business-related work or activities. 

Tips for a Smooth Entry Experience

If you want to have a seamless experience while entering the country, follow this advice:

• Correctly provide all your personal information that matches your passport
• Keep travel documents somewhere you can access easily
• Answer all the questions asked at the immigration in simple terms
• When leaving, do not overstay your visa

Have a Great Trip Across the Pond!

Now that you know what is required to visit the country, apply for a tourist visa for the USA from the UK. Plan where you would want to go and explore the country, then apply for the B-2 Tourist visa. It becomes easier to apply with all the right documents.