How to Apply for an ESTA from UK — Complete Guide

4 min readMar 14, 2025

If you are a UK citizen planning to travel to the United States, you will need to apply for an ESTA before your trip. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a mandatory travel requirement for British travelers under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It allows UK passport holders to visit the U.S. without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, medical purposes, or transit.

In this article, we will explain how to apply for an ESTA from the UK, the requirements, the application process, and other important details to ensure a smooth journey.

What Is an ESTA and Who Needs to Apply?

The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an automated system that determines the eligibility of travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries, including the United Kingdom. If you plan to travel to the USA for up to 90 days, you must apply for an ESTA from the UK before departure.

Who Needs an ESTA?

British passport holders traveling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program
Travelers visiting the U.S. for tourism, business, medical reasons, or transit
Passengers arriving in the U.S. by air or sea

Who Does NOT Need an ESTA?

UK citizens who already have a valid U.S. visa
British travelers who hold U.S. citizenship or a Green Card
Individuals staying in the U.S. for more than 90 days

If you are eligible under the Visa Waiver Program, you must ensure your ESTA application is approved before boarding your flight to the United States.

How to Apply for an ESTA from the UK

The ESTA application process is simple and can be completed entirely online. Follow these steps to apply for an ESTA from the UK:

Step 1: Visit the Official ESTA Website

To start your ESTA application, go to the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website or use a trusted third-party service.

Step 2: Fill Out the ESTA Application Form

You will need to provide the following details:
✔ Personal Information — Full name, date of birth, passport details
✔ Travel Information — Flight details, U.S. address (if applicable)
✔ Security Questions — Criminal history, previous visa denials, health-related questions

Step 3: Pay the ESTA Application Fee

The ESTA fee is $21 USD, payable via credit or debit card.

Step 4: Submit Your Application and Wait for Approval

Most ESTA applications are processed within minutes, but you should apply at least 72 hours before travel to avoid delays.

Step 5: Receive Your ESTA Authorization

Once approved, your ESTA authorization is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for two years or until your passport expires.

ESTA Validity and Requirements

After you apply for an ESTA from the UK, you can use it for multiple trips to the United States over its validity period. However, there are important rules to follow:

Your passport must be electronic (biometric) and valid for the duration of your stay.
An ESTA approval does NOT guarantee entry into the U.S. — final approval is at the discretion of U.S. immigration officers.
If your passport expires, you must reapply for a new ESTA.

What If Your ESTA Application Is Denied?

If your ESTA application is denied, you must apply for a U.S. visa at the U.S. Embassy in London or the U.S. Consulate in Belfast. Common reasons for ESTA denial include:

Incorrect or incomplete application details
Previous visa denials or overstays in the U.S.
Criminal record or security concerns

If denied, you should apply for a B1/B2 visa, which requires an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy.

ESTA vs. U.S. Visa — Key Differences

FeatureESTAU.S. Visa (B1/B2)Processing TimeMinutes to 72 hoursWeeks to monthsValidity2 yearsUp to 10 yearsMaximum Stay90 daysUp to 6 monthsApplication ProcessOnlineIn-person interview required

If you are only visiting the USA for a short-term trip, ESTA is the best option. However, if you need to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a U.S. visa instead.

Can You Renew an ESTA?

There is no renewal option for ESTA. Once your ESTA expires, you must apply for a new ESTA before your next trip to the United States. Make sure to check your ESTA status before traveling to avoid issues at the airport.

What to Do After Receiving Your ESTA

Once your ESTA USA application is approved, make sure to:

Print a copy of your ESTA confirmation (not required but recommended)
Confirm that your passport is valid for travel
Check the latest U.S. travel restrictions

Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for the USA?

No, UK citizens traveling under the Visa Waiver Program do not need a traditional visa but must apply for an ESTA from the UK before their trip.

Traveling to the USA for Work or Study

If you plan to work, study, or stay in the U.S. for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a U.S. visa instead of an ESTA.

Apply for Your ESTA Online Today!

Applying for an ESTA from the UK is quick and hassle-free! Ensure a smooth trip to the United States by completing your ESTA application online today.

📌 CLICK HERE to start your application now:
Apply for ESTA Now 🚀