Visa rules change frequently — always verify before you book.
This guide was last reviewed in May 2026. Entry requirements, fees, and stay lengths can change at short notice. Confirm the current rules with the official government sources linked below before booking flights or travelling.
- Visa needed?
- No visa for Visa Waiver Program countries — but an ESTA is required. Other nationalities need a B-2 visa.
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days per visit under the Visa Waiver Program
- Cost
- A fixed ESTA fee paid online during the application
- Validity
- ESTA valid 2 years (or until passport expiry), multiple visits
- Processing time
- Usually approved quickly — apply at least 72 hours before travel
Whether you need a visa for the United States depends on your nationality. Citizens of around 40 countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) — including the UK, most of the EU, Australia, and Japan — do not need a visa for short visits, but they must obtain an ESTA online before travelling. Everyone else needs a US visa.
This guide explains the Visa Waiver Program, how to apply for an ESTA, who qualifies, and who must apply for a B-2 visitor visa instead.
The Visa Waiver Program & ESTA
The Visa Waiver Program lets citizens of around 40 partner countries visit the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. To use it, you must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) — an online authorisation linked to your passport — before you travel.
The ESTA is not a visa; it is a pre-screening authorisation. It is valid for two years (or until your passport expires) and covers multiple visits during that time, each up to 90 days.
Who Is Eligible for ESTA?
The Visa Waiver Program includes around 40 countries, among them:
- United Kingdom and most European Union countries
- Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore
- Chile and Brunei, among others
- You also need an e-passport (with an electronic chip) and must not have certain travel-history or eligibility issues.
- Citizens of countries not in the VWP must apply for a US visa.
How to Apply for an ESTA
- Apply through the official US Customs and Border Protection site (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) only
- Complete the online form with your passport and travel details
- Pay the fixed ESTA fee
- Most approvals are near-instant, but apply at least 72 hours before travel to be safe
- The ESTA links to your passport electronically — there is nothing to print, though keeping the confirmation is wise
Travel insurance is often required
Many visas and entry systems require proof of travel medical insurance — and even where it is not mandatory, it protects you against medical bills, cancellations, and lost baggage. Compare cover that meets visa requirements.
Compare travel insurance →Who Needs a US Visa Instead?
If your country is not in the Visa Waiver Program, you must apply for a US visa — for tourism, the B-2 visitor visa. This requires an online application (form DS-160), a fee, and usually an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate, where wait times can be long.
You also need a full visa rather than an ESTA if you intend to stay longer than 90 days, work, study, or travel for other non-tourist purposes — regardless of nationality.
Official Sources
Always confirm the latest requirements directly with the official government website before travelling:
Frequently Asked Questions
No — UK citizens are part of the Visa Waiver Program and do not need a visa for visits up to 90 days. However, they must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) online before travelling. Apply through the official CBP site at least 72 hours before departure.