What do UK citizens need to travel to the USA?

UK citizens generally need two main things to travel to the USA for tourism or short business trips:

A Valid Passport:
- Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the United States.
- For the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), your passport needs to be an e-Passport (electronic passport), which has a microchip embedded in it. Most modern UK passports are e-Passports. You can usually tell by the presence of a small rectangular symbol on the cover.
Authorization to Enter:
- For stays of 90 days or less, and for eligible purposes (tourism, business meetings, short study, etc.), most UK citizens will qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If you qualify for the VWP, you need to:
  - Apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online: This is a mandatory pre-screening process. You must apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before you intend to travel, but it’s highly recommended to apply as soon as you book your trip. An ESTA is generally valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows for multiple entries within that period. You can apply on the official US Customs and Border Protection website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
  - Be aware of VWP eligibility requirements: You must be a citizen of a VWP country, have a valid e-Passport, and be traveling for eligible purposes. Certain criminal convictions or previous visa denials can make you ineligible for the VWP, requiring you to apply for a visa.
- If you do NOT qualify for the VWP, or if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, or if you are traveling for purposes other than tourism or short business (e.g., to work, study long-term, or immigrate), you will need to apply for a visa. This involves a more complex application process through the US Embassy or Consulate in the UK. You’ll need to determine the correct visa category and follow the specific instructions for that visa type.

In summary, for most UK citizens traveling to the USA for a short trip:

Valid e-Passport
Approved ESTA

Important Considerations and Exceptions:

Purpose of Travel: The ESTA is for tourism, short business trips, and transit. If you’re going to work, study, or immigrate, you’ll need a visa.
Previous Issues: If you’ve ever been denied entry to the US, deported, or had a visa application refused, you will likely need to apply for a visa, even for short trips.
Travel History: If you have traveled to certain countries (e.g., Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, Cuba) on or after March 1, 2011 (with some exceptions), you may be ineligible for the VWP and need a visa. Always check the latest regulations on the official US government websites.
Children: Children traveling on their parents’ passports are generally no longer allowed under the VWP. Each traveler, including infants, needs their own passport.
Re-entry into the UK: While this question is about traveling to the USA, remember that UK citizens also need to meet the requirements for returning to the UK.

Where to find official information:

It is crucial to always get the most up-to-date and official information from the following sources:

US Embassy in the UK: Their website will have comprehensive information on visas and entry requirements for UK citizens.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP): The official source for ESTA applications and VWP information.
UK Government Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO): Their travel advice pages for the USA will also provide guidance.

Always check the official websites before you travel, as regulations can change.