--- title: United States visa for citizens of the United Kingdom description: "Citizens of the United Kingdom need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: $185. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-states/united-kingdom lastModified: 2026-08-16 --- # United States visa for citizens of the United Kingdom 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 · last checked 2026-08-16. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* > 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. Official application site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html ## 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 - **Valid passport** (Identity): Must be valid for at least six months beyond stay in the U.S. - **DS-160 confirmation page** (Identity): Online nonimmigrant visa application form. - **Photo (compliant with U.S. visa photo requirements)** (Identity): Uploaded during DS-160; bring a printed copy to the interview. - **Visa application fee receipt** (Financial): Pay the MRV fee (currently $185) before the interview. - **Travel itinerary (planned travel dates, flight/hotel info)** (Travel): Show return or onward ticket. - **Proof of financial means (bank statements, pay slips, etc.)** (Financial): Demonstrate ability to cover travel costs without working. - **Evidence of ties to the UK (employment letter, property deeds, family records)** (Employment): To show intent to return after the visit. - **Previous U.S. visas (if any)** (Identity, optional): Copies of any previous visas or I-94s. - **Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family or for business)** (Supporting, 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. ## FAQs ### 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](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html) ## More - [United States visa for every passport](/visa/united-states) - [Every destination for United Kingdom passport holders](/visa/passport/united-kingdom)