Apply for ESTA USA from UK: A Complete Guide

If you are a UK citizen planning a trip to the United States, you must apply for an ESTA USA from the UK before traveling. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a mandatory requirement for British travelers under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

This guide provides a detailed step-by-step process to apply for an ESTA USA from the UK, including requirements, fees, validity, and related travel information.

What is an ESTA?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that determines the eligibility of travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries—including the United Kingdom—to enter the United States without a visa.

With an approved ESTA, UK travelers can visit the USA for up to 90 days per trip for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

✅ Valid for two years (or until your passport expires)
✅ Allows multiple entries into the USA
✅ Required for air and sea travel

Who Needs to Apply for an ESTA USA from the UK?

You must apply for an ESTA USA from the UK if:

✅ You are a British citizen traveling to the USA for 90 days or less
✅ You are visiting for tourism, business, medical, or transit purposes
✅ You are entering the USA by air or sea

You do NOT need an ESTA if you:

❌ Have a valid U.S. visa
❌ Are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
❌ Plan to stay in the U.S. for more than 90 days (you must apply for a U.S. visa)

How to Apply for ESTA USA from the UK

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before you apply for ESTA USA from the UK, ensure you have:

• A valid British passport (must be an e-passport with a digital chip)
  
  

• A credit or debit card for payment
  
  

• A valid email address to receive ESTA notifications
  
  

• Travel details (optional but recommended)
  
  

Step 2: Access the ESTA Application Website

Visit the official ESTA website or a trusted visa processing service to begin your application.

Step 3: Complete the ESTA Application Form

The ESTA application form requires:

• Personal details (name, date of birth, nationality)
  
  

• Passport information (passport number, issuance/expiration date)
  
  

• Travel information (optional but helpful)
  
  

• Security questions (previous travel history, criminal records, visa denials)
  
  

Make sure all information is accurate before submitting your ESTA USA application from the UK to avoid processing delays.

Step 4: Pay the ESTA Application Fee

The ESTA application fee includes:

• A processing charge
  
  

• A service fee (if applying through a third-party service)
  
  

Payments can be made using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal.

Step 5: Submit Your ESTA Application

After submitting your ESTA USA application from the UK, you will receive a response within minutes to 72 hours.

Step 6: Check Your ESTA Status

You can check your ESTA status online. There are three possible results:

• ✅ Approved – You are authorized to travel to the U.S.
  
  

• ⏳ Pending – Your application is under review.
  
  

• ❌ Denied – You must apply for a U.S. visa instead.
  
  

ESTA USA from UK: Validity and Duration

• Valid for two years from the approval date (or until passport expiry)
  
  

• Allows multiple trips to the U.S. within the validity period
  
  

• Each stay must be 90 days or less
  
  

If your ESTA expires, you must apply for a new ESTA USA from the UK before traveling again.

What to Do If Your ESTA is Denied?

If your ESTA application is denied, you must apply for a U.S. visa at the nearest U.S. embassy.

Common reasons for ESTA denial include:

❌ Mismatched or incorrect information
❌ Previous visa denials or overstays
❌ Security concerns or criminal history

To avoid rejection, ensure all details are correct when you apply for ESTA USA from the UK online.

Related Topics: Important Travel Information

Do UK Travelers Need an ESTA for Transit in the USA?

Yes! Even if you do not plan to stay in the U.S., you must apply for an ESTA USA from the UK if you have a layover or connecting flight in the U.S.

Can You Extend Your ESTA While in the USA?

No. You cannot extend your ESTA while in the U.S. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a U.S. visa.

Is an ESTA the Same as a U.S. Visa?

No. An ESTA is not a visa. If you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must apply for a U.S. visa.

Apply for Your ESTA USA from the UK Today!

Don't wait until the last minute—apply for an ESTA USA from the UK today to ensure a smooth trip to the United States.

CLICK HERE to Apply for Visa Online!