Entry requirements - USA travel advice (2024)

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering the US.

Passport validity requirements

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.

If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport.

Dual nationals

US law requires US citizens to enter and exit the US using a US passport. Contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK for more information.

Visa requirements

To enter or transit through the US, you must have either anElectronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiveror a visa.

The US State Department has more information on visas.

Applying for an ESTA visa waiver

Apply for an ESTA visa waiver through US Customs and Border Protection. You can also apply using the ESTA Mobile app on android or on iOS .

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you have:

  • been arrested (even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction)
  • a criminal record
  • been refused admission into, or have been deported from the US
  • previously overstayed under an ESTA visa waiver

You cannot normally apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you were in the following countries on or after March 2011:

  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Libya
  • North Korea
  • Somalia
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Yemen

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you travelled to or werein Cuba on or after 12 January 2021.

If you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must instead apply for a US visa.

Applying for a visa

The US Embassy in London has information on how to apply for a visa.

US visa appointments

Visa appointments at the US Embassy in London are limited. Plan your application as far ahead as possible before travel. If you need to travel urgently, you can request an expedited interview through the US Embassy’s appointment service provider.

The US Embassy has more information on visa appointments.

Children and young people

Anyone aged 17 and under must:

  • have a valid visa or ESTA visa waiver on arrival
  • be able to provide evidence about the purpose, location and length of their visit if asked by immigration officials
  • have written consent from one or both parents if travelling alone, with only one parent, or with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian

The US authorities can stop you entering the country if they have safeguarding concerns about a child. If this happens, the US authorities will take the child into their care, and their return from the US could take months. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot speed up the return of British nationals aged 17 and under from the US.

The US government has information about children travelling to the US. If you have questions, contact the US Embassy in the UK.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s US guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Global Entry programme

The US Customs and Border Protection programme Global Entry allows pre-approved travellers through border control faster at some US airports. If you’re a British citizen, you canregister to get a UK background check. If you pass the background checks, you’ll be invited to apply for Global Entry.

Entry requirements - USA travel advice (2024)

FAQs

What are the requirements for travel to the USA? ›

USA Visa Requirements
  • Current Passport valid for travel to the United States. ...
  • Passport containing the most recently issued U.S. Visa (if applicable).
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
  • Confirmation and Instructions page printed from this website.
  • One 5 x 5 cm (or 2″ x 2″) color photo taken within the last 6 months.

Do you need a COVID vaccination to travel to the USA? ›

Visitors to the U.S. do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19. U.S. citizens going abroad, check Department of State travel advisories for the country you will visit.

What is the United States travel advisory level? ›

United States Travel Advisory System Overview

The level numbers advise the following: Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions, Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution, Level 3 – Reconsider Travel, Level 4 - Do Not Travel. Countries assigned a Travel Advisory level of 2 or more will also be assigned a risk indicator.

What documents are required for entry to the US? ›

Overview. Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to travel to the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.

What do I need to travel in the United States? ›

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.
  1. Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) ...
  2. State-Issued Drivers License or State-Issued ID.
  3. U.S. passport.
  4. U.S. passport card.

How much bank balance is required for US tourist visa? ›

There is no specific amount of bank balance required for a US tourist visa. However, you must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover all expenses during your stay in the USA. A commonly suggested amount is around Rs. 4 lakh to Rs.

What do you need to enter America? ›

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. If you're travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport.

Do you have to be vaccinated to fly within the United States? ›

If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC's recommendations for unvaccinated people. People who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization can travel safely within the United States.

What vaccines are required for US immigration in 2024? ›

Vaccination Requirements
  • Mumps;
  • Measles;
  • Rubella;
  • Polio;
  • Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids;
  • Pertussis;
  • Haemophilus influenzae type B;
  • Hepatitis B;
Dec 21, 2022

Where should you not travel right now? ›

Learn about your destination
AdvisoryLevel
Russia Travel AdvisoryLevel 4: Do Not Travel
Rwanda Travel AdvisoryLevel 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Sao Tome and Principe Travel AdvisoryLevel 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Saudi Arabia Travel AdvisoryLevel 3: Reconsider Travel
144 more rows

What is the safest country to visit? ›

  1. Iceland. With only 3.64 people per square kilometre, the tiny Nordic nation of Iceland has one of the lowest crime rates in the world – and has been ranked the safest country in the world since the index started. ...
  2. Denmark. ...
  3. Ireland. ...
  4. New Zealand. ...
  5. Austria. ...
  6. Singapore. ...
  7. Portugal. ...
  8. Slovenia.
Jun 3, 2024

What countries have a level 3 travel warning? ›

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?
  • Israel and the West Bank.
  • Mainland China and Macau.
  • New Caledonia.
  • Lebanon.
  • Saudi Arabia.
  • Jamaica.
  • Papua New Guinea.
  • Nicaragua.
Jun 12, 2024

What do I need to do when entering the US? ›

What to Expect When You Enter the U.S.
  1. Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry to the US)
  2. Valid visa that reflects your intended academic activities in the U.S.
  3. All immigration documents [Form I-20(s) for F-1 students, Form DS-2019(s) for J-1 students and scholars, I-797B for H-1Bs, etc.]

Can a US citizen be denied entry back into the USA? ›

U.S. citizens have the right to enter the United States, so if you are a U.S. citizen and the officers' questions become intrusive, you can decline to answer those questions, but you should be aware that doing so may result in delay and/or further inspection.

What forms do I need to fill out before traveling to the US? ›

You must complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B. CBP Declaration Form 6059B provides us with basic information about who you are and what you are bringing into the United States, such as agricultural and wildlife products and whether or not you have visited a farm prior to traveling to the United States.

What is needed for a visa to the USA? ›

Online nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160)
  • Current, valid passport.
  • Intended travel itinerary for your U.S. trip.
  • Proof of funds to cover the entire cost of travel (bank statements, proof of assets, etc)
  • Proof of strong ties to your home country (employment verification, school enrollment, property ownership, etc)

What documents are required for DS-160? ›

You should have the following documents available while you complete your DS-160:
  • Passport.
  • Travel itinerary, if you have already made travel arrangements.
  • Dates of your last five visits or trips to the United States, if you have previously travelled to the United States.

How long does it take to get a visa to USA? ›

Visa processing takes approximately 21 workdays from the date on which the application is received by the Embassy.

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