US ESTA for UK citizens
The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is the US government's online travel authorisation for visitors travelling under the Visa Waiver Program. You apply online before you travel, instead of applying for a visa.
Do British passport holders need one?
Yes. ESTA (Visa Waiver Program). Up to 90 days per visit.
The official website is
esta.cbp.dhs.gov
Go to esta.cbp.dhs.gov ↗Check the address bar shows esta.cbp.dhs.gov before you enter passport or card details.
Avoid paying a lookalike website
The official fee is USD 40.27 ESTA fee (USD 10.27 is still charged if the application is refused) (≈ £30). Lookalike websites fill in the same official form for you and add their own charge on top. Apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
- Search results and ads can show unofficial sites above the government's own. Use the link on this page, or type the address yourself.
- Compare the total you're asked to pay with the official fee on this page. If it's well above it, you are probably not on the government's website.
Key facts
- Official fee
- USD 40.27 ESTA fee (USD 10.27 is still charged if the application is refused)≈ £30
- How long you can stay
- Up to 90 days per visit
- Authorisation valid for
- 2 years, or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner
- How long it takes
- Usually within minutes; can take up to 72 hours