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Entry requirement · United Kingdom passport

Do British citizens need a visa for the United States?

Passport United Kingdom
Destination United States

United Kingdom passport holders do not need a traditional visa for the United States, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) online before departure.

Answer eTA required

No visa, but an eTA is required

Entry requirement
eTA required
Maximum stay
Check on entry
Apply before travel
Yes
Last updated
February 2026

What United Kingdom passport holders need to do

  1. Apply on the official government website or app before you book non-refundable travel.
  2. Pay the fee and wait for approval, which usually arrives by email within minutes to a few days.
  3. Travel with the same passport you used in the application.

United Kingdom is one of 42 passports in the “eta required” group for the United States. See the full United States visa requirements for every passport.

Other easy destinations in North America for United Kingdom passport holders

The United States is one of 8 destinations in the “eta required” group for the United Kingdom passport, which ranks #6 worldwide with a mobility score of 162. Of 23 destinations in North America, 21 need no visa arranged in advance; the easiest are listed below.

DestinationRequirementMax stay
Antigua and Barbuda Visa-free 180 days
Bahamas Visa-free 240 days
Barbados Visa-free 180 days
Belize Visa-free –
Costa Rica Visa-free 180 days
Dominica Visa-free 180 days
Dominican Republic Visa-free –
El Salvador Visa-free 180 days
Grenada Visa-free 90 days
Guatemala Visa-free 90 days
Haiti Visa-free 90 days
Jamaica Visa-free –

All visa-free countries for the United Kingdom passport

Frequently asked questions

Do British citizens need a visa for the United States?

United Kingdom passport holders do not need a traditional visa for the United States, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) online before departure.

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

United States passport holders do not need a traditional visa for the United Kingdom, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) online before departure.

United States visa requirements for other passports

Data last updated February 2026. This page covers short visits such as tourism. Rules can change at short notice and differ for work, study or long stays. Confirm with the embassy or official immigration website of the United States before you book.