United Kingdom passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of the United Kingdom

Embassy / VFSB-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (ESTA waiver not applicable for non-VWP stay)

Citizens of the United Kingdom need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Not yet verified

Our latest check could not confirm these details against an official source, or found a conflict. Treat them as a starting point and confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you book.

Last checked 2026-08-16. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (ESTA waiver not applicable for non-VWP stay)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Government fee	$185
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Sufficient funds for intended stay

How to apply

1
Complete the online DS-160 form
Fill out the Nonimmigrant Visa Application on the CEAC website and print the confirmation page with barcode.
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the non-refundable MRV fee (currently $185) via approved payment channels.
3
Schedule an interview appointment
Book an appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the UK (London, Belfast, Edinburgh).
4
Attend biometrics appointment (if applicable)
Provide fingerprints and photo at a UK Visa Application Centre (often same day as interview or a separate step).
5
Attend the visa interview
Bring all required documents to the embassy/consulate and answer questions about your trip and ties to the UK.
6
Wait for visa processing
Processing times vary; you may check status online. No fixed timeline is given by the source.
7
Collect passport with visa
If approved, your passport will be returned via courier or collected from the centre.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport
Must be valid for at least six months beyond stay in the U.S.
DS-160 confirmation page
Online nonimmigrant visa application form.
Photo (compliant with U.S. visa photo requirements)
Uploaded during DS-160; bring a printed copy to the interview.
Previous U.S. visas (if any)
Optional
Copies of any previous visas or I-94s.

Travel

Travel itinerary (planned travel dates, flight/hotel info)
Show return or onward ticket.

Financial

Visa application fee receipt
Pay the MRV fee (currently $185) before the interview.
Proof of financial means (bank statements, pay slips, etc.)
Demonstrate ability to cover travel costs without working.

Employment

Evidence of ties to the UK (employment letter, property deeds, family records)
To show intent to return after the visit.

Supporting

Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family or for business)
Optional
Not essential but strengthens application.

Proof of funds

bank statements
pay slips
sponsor letters

No specific minimum balance stated; must show sufficient funds for travel expenses and ties to the UK.

Good to know

ESTA is valid only for visa waiver travelers; UK citizens seeking longer stays or employment must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa in person.
Interviews are mandatory for most applicants aged 14-79.
Processing times vary widely and are not guaranteed.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to the UK (e.g., no job, family, or property)

Provide strong evidence of employment, family, and assets in the UK.

Inadequate financial proof

Supply recent bank statements and pay slips showing sufficient funds for the entire stay.

Inconsistent or incomplete DS-160 form

Double-check all answers and ensure they match supporting documents.

Previous immigration violations or overstays

Honestly disclose any prior issues; provide explanation if necessary.

FAQ

Do citizens of the United Kingdom need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of the United Kingdom need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (ESTA waiver not applicable for non-VWP stay).

How long can citizens of the United Kingdom stay in the United States?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of the United Kingdom?

Government fee: $185.

What documents do citizens of the United Kingdom need for the United States?

Valid passport; DS-160 confirmation page; Photo (compliant with U.S. visa photo requirements); Visa application fee receipt; Travel itinerary (planned travel dates, flight/hotel info); Proof of financial means (bank statements, pay slips, etc.); and 3 more.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html

Sources

travel.state.gov

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