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.
\n\nYou must have the correct approval prior to travel. This will be either a valid US visa or Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), depending on your personal circumstances and purpose of travel.
\n\nUS authorities enforce entry rules strictly. If you do not have the correct immigration status, or if you breach the terms of your entry, there is a risk you may be detained, refused entry, or removed (deported). Overstaying your permitted time in the US can also lead to detention and future bans on re-entry.
\n\nA valid ESTA or visa does not guarantee you will be allowed to enter the US. Authorities may refuse you entry if, for example, they believe you plan to stay longer than permitted or have provided inaccurate or incomplete information. The US may change the conditions to travel to the US at any time without prior notice.
\n\nIf you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK. See information from US Customs and Border Protection on entry for international visitors.
\n\nTo enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nUS 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.
\n\nTo enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa.
\n\nThe US State Department has more information on visas.
\n\nTravellers whose sex on their passport differs from their sex recorded at birth should contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK for further advice.
\n\nESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You can apply for an ESTA via the Official ESTA Application Website or using the ESTA Mobile app on android or on iOS.
\n\nAll Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travellers intending to enter the US by land, sea and air will be required to obtain an approved ESTA prior to application for admission at land border ports of entry. Individuals who are not eligible to travel under the VWP may apply for a visa at any U.S. Embassy & Consulates.
\n\nYou may not be able to apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you have:
\n\nInformation on whether you are eligible for an ESTA visa waiver can be found in the help section of the official ESTA Application Website.
\n\nYou cannot normally apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you were in the following countries on or after March 2011:
\n\nYou cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you travelled to or were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021.
\n\nIf your ESTA does not contain the required selfie photograph now required by US Customs and Border Protection, you may need to apply for a new ESTA. You should check your ESTA account before travelling to ensure your authorisation remains valid.
\n\nAn ESTA may not be sufficient for all types of business travel – particularly if you are travelling on behalf of a US company. Please check the rules on the ESTA website carefully.
\n\nIf you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must instead apply for a US visa. Travelling on an ESTA when ineligible can lead to detention and deportation by the US authorities.
\n\nThe US Embassy in London has information on how to apply for a visa. Please check the guidance carefully.
\n\nVisa 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.
\n\nThe US Embassy has more information on visa appointments.
\n\nAnyone aged 17 and under must:
\n\nThe 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 FCDO cannot speed up the return of British nationals aged 17 and under from the US.
\n\nThe US government has information about children travelling to the US. If you have questions, contact the US Embassy in the UK.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s US guide.
\n\nAs a public health measure, the United States has introduced temporary entry restrictions for travellers who were recently in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan. See Information for travellers returning from Ebola-affected areas. Consult your airline before travelling.
\n\nThe World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
\n\nOfficials may ask to inspect your electronic devices, emails, text messages, and social media activity. If you refuse, they can delay or deny your entry. US Customs and Border Protection has more information on electronic device searches.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nThe US Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveller Program (TTP) Global Entry allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers expedited clearance at some US airports. If you’re a British citizen, you can register to get a UK background check. If you pass the background checks, you’ll be invited to apply for Global Entry for UK Citizens. Check eligibility carefully.
\n\n","safety_html":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in the US.
\nTerrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by tourists and foreign nationals such as:
\n\nStay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. The US Department of Homeland Security provides alerts within the US and its territories. If there is a life threatening emergency, call 911. US authorities regularly report that they have disrupted planned attacks and made arrests. Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement authorities.
\n\nDo not leave passports in rental cars, especially not in the boot. Gangs may target vehicles driven by people who look like tourists.
\n\nViolent crime and gun crime rarely affect tourists, but take care in unfamiliar areas. Try not to walk through quieter areas alone, especially at night. You can find public advisories and information about recent incidents on local law enforcement websites.
\n\nMass shooting incidents can happen but are a very small percentage of murders. The US Department of Homeland Security has advice on what to do in an active shooter incident.
\n\nResearch your destination before you travel and follow the advice of local authorities. Crime linked to illegal drugs is a major issue in Mexican states bordering Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. Some foreign nationals have been victims of crime in the border regions, but there is no evidence they were targeted because of their nationality.
\n\nProtests are common and can become violent. Follow the instructions of local authorities who may introduce curfews or emergency orders. If you attend peaceful protests or mass gatherings:
\n\nUS states may have different laws. While you are in a state, you are subject to both that state’s laws as well as national (federal) law. Not adhering to all US state and federal law can put your visa status and future travel to the US at risk.
\n\nAlways carry a passport showing you have permission to enter or remain in the US.
\n\nThe national legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21 across the US.
\n\nIllegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports. US law prohibits the importation, exportation, manufacture, sale or transportation of drug paraphernalia. If you are convicted of any of these offenses, you will be subject to fines and imprisonment.
\n\nAirports in USA have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers. All persons arriving at a port-of-entry to the United States are subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
\n\nCheck state laws to make sure you follow laws on possession and use of controlled substances. The US Department of Justice provides a list of all controlled substances.
\n\nThe US is a very diverse society and attitudes towards LGBT+ people differ hugely across the country. Check state and local laws for the areas you plan to travel to. Refer to entry requirements which may apply to LGBT+ travellers (see entry requirements).
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIf you’re taking part in organised outdoor activities, check that the company is reputable and has documented safety procedures.
\n\nFor sports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous (for example off-piste skiing, mountain biking, climbing or paragliding), your insurance should include:
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in the US, see information on driving abroad and check the driving rules in the states you’ll be visiting.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the US. You may need to get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. IDP requirements vary in each state. For more information, consult individual states’ Department of Motor Vehicles as well as the American Automobile Association (AAA).
\n\nYou cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
\n\nIf you still have a paper driving licence, you must take another form of photo ID, such as your passport. You can also exchange your paper driving licence for a photocard licence.
\n\nHire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
\n\nWhen travelling by car, you should:
\n\nIf you’re in an accident, ask any other drivers involved to follow you to a public place and call the police.
\n\nPetrol stations that do not display the price of fuel usually charge considerably more than the national average. They’re often close to tourist destinations and airports. Make sure you know the price of fuel before using these services.
\n\nBefore you travel, check the security measures you’re likely to face at the airport on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website. If you have a medical condition or disability and need assistance, contact TSA Cares.
\n\nTo monitor airport conditions in the US, check the Federal Aviation Administration website.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nSnowstorms can disrupt critical infrastructure, and cause power cuts, or delays and cancellations in major transport hubs. Contact your travel company or airline before you travel.
\n\nThe Atlantic hurricane season normally runs from June to November. The Pacific hurricane season normally runs from May to November. Hurricanes can affect coastal regions, Hawaii and Guam. The South Pacific tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to May and can affect American Samoa.
\n\nThe US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) seasonal outlook predicts a “below-normal Atlantic hurricane season” and an “above-normal hurricane season in the central Pacific basin”, including the waters around Hawaii in 2026. Travellers to the USA during hurricane season should check the websites of local, State and Federal agencies (such as NOAA and the US National Hurricane Center) for the latest forecasts and conditions. You should also be aware of the possibility of disruption to flights and other transport services.
\n\nYou should:
\n\nWhile earthquakes can happen anywhere without warning in the US, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington and the entire Mississippi River Valley are at higher risk for earthquakes.
\n\nThe FEMA website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\nTornadoes can happen anytime depending on weather conditions. The FEMA website has advice about what to do before, during and after a tornado.
\n\nThere is volcanic activity across parts of the US with Alaska, Hawaii, California, Washington and Oregon having the largest number of active volcanoes. You should follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
\n\nThe FEMA website has advice about what to do before, during and after a volcanic eruption.
\n\nForest and brush fires (wildfires) are a danger in many dry areas, particularly in canyons, hills and forests. High winds can mean fires spread rapidly.
\n\nYou should:
\n\nFor more information visit the National Interagency Fire Center and Fire Research and Management Exchange System websites.
\n\nFor information about wildfires in California, see the CAL FIRE website.
\n\nFlash floods can cause travel disruption and damage to property and infrastructure. Check weather warnings from the US’s National Weather Service (NOAA) before travel and follow the advice of the local authorities.
\n\nParts of the US are in the Arctic Circle, including some very remote areas of land and sea. Emergency medical assistance and search and rescue are limited in these areas. See Arctic travel safety advice.
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