The US ESTA for British citizens is an online visa waiver that permits holders to travel to the United States without having to apply for a visa.
The ESTA was introduced in 2009 by the US Visa Waiver Program. Citizens of eligible countries, such as the United Kingdom, must complete the ESTA application form ahead of their leisure or business trip to the United States.
It is valid for entry by air, land or sea and must be held by British passport holders arriving in the US at any border crossing.
British nationals can use the ESTA to visit the United States of America multiple times during the waiver’s 2 years of validity, or until the associated passport expires.
Upon entering the United States with an ESTA, visitors from the UK can stay for a maximum of 90 days per visit.
Is an ESTA Obligatory for British Nationals?
British nationals are required to must have an ESTA travel authorization in order to enter the United States without a visa for tourism, business, or transit.
Citizens of the United Kingdom who wish to travel to the USA for other reasons, such as to work or study, must contact a United States embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
For citizens of the United Kingdom who are moving to the United States or seeking permission to work legally in the country, an ESTA travel authorization is not obligatory. Instead, individuals in these situations must apply for a residence visa and/or work visa, in accordance with US visa policy.
Additionally, if a British traveler wishes to stay in the US for longer than 90 days, they are required to obtain a US visa instead of the ESTA.